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Human rights
Gay TV producer at center of Imboden controversy to speak in LR
* REMEMBER IMBODEN? MEET THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE OF IT: I was happy to get this Facebook note today from Bryant Huddleston, the Imboden native and California TV producer, whose tentative invitation to speak at the Sloan-Hendrix High School graduation fell apart because a couple of School Board members (and many in the community apparently) didn't think it right to have a gay man speak to high school graduates, who included his sister. His father, a retired state trooper and school board member, suggested his son as a speaker. After board members objected, the school superintendent decided to have no outside speaker, breaking a long tradition of speakers that included a Church of Christ preacher and a representative of the local electric company office.
Huddleston has said his message would have been about the value of education and, in honor of his sister, urging women forward particularly. He said he hadn't intended to talk about sexual issues.
Huddleston reports:
Thrilled to announce Philander Smith College, in my home state of Arkansas, has officially invited me to be the keynote speaker for their 'Bless the Mic' series. I'll be heading to campus this fall. This invitation is probably one of the greatest gifts I'll ever receive. Because it speaks directly to the message. It speaks to how I hope most young people today think. They want a future free of any kind of silly intolerance that would get in the way of their personal achievements or those of their friends and family—gay or straight. I never in a million years thought I would become an advocate for change. I vote and I support causes that benefit my family, but I now believe my unfortunate situation was meant to be heard.I'm also so grateful for the outpouring of love. I just wish my dad and members of my family would have received the same hug I received from people across the country but maybe this will come in time. I was moved that so many people from my past reached out (even an ex-girlfriend—oh yes I said it) but was shocked just how much my story spoke to complete strangers—coast to coast. Those hundreds of messages will be saved for my son. Haven deserves to hear about a letter his daddy wrote that made his Papaw and Aunt Madi proud and sparked an important conversation. Thank You!
I'm happy to say I played a small role in putting Philander together with Huddleston. I'll have details on his appearance in the Bless the Mic lecture series when it's firmed up.
Viva la open line
- Brian Chilson
- YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE: At immigration rally.
The line is open.
I close with, at top, Brian Chilson's photo from a rally at the Capitol today by a coalition pressing Sens. Mark Pryor and John Boozman to vote for pending immigration legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for millions, including many Arkansas residents.
Organizers said 28,261 Asian and HIspanic voters cast ballots in Arkansas in 2012, still small in the total, but a 77 percent increase from 2010 and almost half first-time voters.
The group claims 88,877 Hispanic and Asian voters in the state with 40,000 legal permanent residents who could become voters by the next election.
Participants included Arkansas United Community Coalition, Arkansas Coalition for DREAM, Arkansas Interfaith Alliance, Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, Citizens’ First Congress, Catholic Charities, Northwest Arkansas Workers’ Justice Center, OMNI Center for Peace, Justice & Ecology, OneCommunity, El Zocalo, League of United Latin American Citizens, ARKTESOL, Workers’ United and BCGTM.
How refusing Obamacare hurts the poorest of the poor
David Ramsey illustrated this point yesterday. If Arkansas's adoption of Obamacare through the so-called private option falls apart, the poorest of the state's poor would be left with no health coverage, while some subsidies would be provided for people with higher income. Belatedly, some staunch opponents of expanded health coverage have evinced concerns about this.
It's a national problem, particularly in states accounting for more than half the U.S. population that have refused to expand Medicaid. See Texas, Florida, Louisiana and more.
The New York Times reports on the broader picture this morning.
The refusal by about half the states to expand Medicaid will leave millions of poor people ineligible for government-subsidized health insurance under President Obama’s health care law even as many others with higher incomes receive federal subsidies to buy insurance.
Rock Candy
Music / Music Videos
Check out this vintage Cate Brothers performance
Here's a very tasty jam from Fayetteville's Cate Brothers, performing in 1976 on the BBC's "Old Grey Whistle Test." This tune, "In One Eye and Out the Other," is the title track of the band's second album, released on Asylum Records.
I am heavily digging that funky clavinet, and the playing is just beyond tight. Truly one of the great under-heralded bands of the era. You can still catch Earl Cate playing with Earl & Them. They gig all the time, and they're set to play at Stickyz June 8.
Coming soon: Jazz in the Park
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced an upcoming free jazz series at History Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Jazz in the Park will run on Wednesday evenings in June and July, and kicks off June 5 with a performance from Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers.
While the concerts are free, attendees are not allowed to bring coolers. But fret not, thirsty jazz lovers: there'll be beer and wine available for purchase, with proceeds going to benefit Sculpture at the River Market. Do, however, bring a chair and/or a blanket, for sitting on. There's also seating available in the stone amphitheater at the History Pavilion.
Here's the full schedule:
June 5 - Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers
June 12 - TwiceSax
June 19 - Adams Collins Group
June 26 - Bob Boyd Sounds
July 3 - The Johnny Burnette Group
July 10 - UA Monticello Jazz Combo
July 17 - Walter Henderson & Chris Parker
July 24 - Happy Tymes Jazz Band
July 31 - Dizzy7
Music Videos
Buddy Flett at White Water Tavern
Here's the latest in our music video series collaboration with Greg Spradlin and Camp Friday Films. It features Buddy Flett, the legendary Louisiana guitarist, live at White Water Tavern. A founding member of A-Train and the The Bluebirds, Buddy's forthcoming album on Honeybee Records was produced by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound.
Event Calendar
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Re: Viva la open line
"25-May 1970 Conway teacher Mildred Downs fired for "teaching second graders to protest," specifically that…
- on May 25, 2013
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Re: Walton Arts Center contemplating amphitheater move to Rogers
Ted Nugent will feel much more at home in Benton County.
- on May 25, 2013
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Re: How refusing Obamacare hurts the poorest of the poor
I guess I like tiredofBS's post. I think. But about that cradle to grave thing,…
- on May 25, 2013
Arkansas Reporter
Sister who opposed Faubus dies
Editorials
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What's there, what's coming.
Fox16 Local News and Weather
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Softball Tournament Raises Money in the Names of Three Teens Killed in Car Crash
May 25, 2013A softball tournament began Saturday in Sherwood to honor three teenage girls killed in a car crash nine years ago. fox16.com /more/ -
Hogs Lose To Tigers
May 25, 2013Hog drop game to LSU 3-1. fox16.com /more/
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