WARNING! This embedded video is graphic in nature. It is not your typical video posted by the mainstream media.

This is the raw, uncut mobile phone video of the January 1, 2009 shooting of an unarmed man by a Bay Area Rapid Transit Police officer. You will see BART officers detain several young African American men on suspicion of being involved in a New Year’s fight.

You will see the young men appear to be in compliance with the officers; not resisting detainment or arrest. You will then see one of the officers wrestle 22 year-old Oscar Grant to the ground face down, and place his knee on his neck. You will see this same officer stand up, pull out his service firearm, and shoot Grant in the back while he is lying prostrate.

Most press outlets do not believe you have the intelectual and emotional maturity to handle viewing this unedited video. They won’t show you the moment when the officer fired the shot that ended Grant’s life. But we at MyUrbanReport.com believe that to show you anything less than these “citizen journalist” videos in their entirety would be a disservice to you and our chosen profession.

by A.man.I

The Dallas South Blog takes a look at America’s Black leaders and their migrant backgrounds. Shawn Williams is talking about the rise of Barack Obama, Collin Powell, and Eric Holder.

Atlanta blogger and business owner RawDawgBuffalo is trying to recover from a burglary to his business. He’s a single dad trying to live the dream. If you’re in the A and own a dog, show him some love.

Braincell, a store for dogs; 572 edgewood, suite 117; atlanta, GA 30312: 404-228-5497

A BART police officer out in Oakland California shoots a young man, and several witnesses capture the event on camera. Another notch in the belt of citizen journalists.

by A.man.I

I hope you’re having a great year so far. 2008 was certainly a blur, and brought its share of downs and ups… Mostly ups if you ask me.

This year, I’m planning to do more to share information about the media with you. Since starting this vlog in 2006, I’ve produced more than 150 video podcasts that have covered a variety of issues and events, but I haven’t had many conversations that center around my professional knowledge about the media.

I believe that everyone should have basic media production skills these days. Social media coupled with many of the online tools enables any person or company to take advantage of audio and visual communications, which should not be underestimated.

With news outlets shrinking, and marketing and PR pros looking to reach online audiences, those who don’t know how to leverage video and audio into their strategies will be left behind.

You can now start your own newscast, produce a marketing or promotional video, or radio show. Sure your production may not look or sound exactly like the pros, but you can do it with a little bit of practice and direction.

Of course, if you’re interested in any assistance, I’d me more than happy to offer my professional services.

BTW feel free to ask me any questions about broadcast news, video production, or social media, and I’ll do my best to answer in an upcoming episode.

MEDIA TALK PODCAST #1: INTRO. - THE PRODUCTION PROCESS

by A.man.I

As 2008 winds down, I wanted to share my top five favorite videos produced for My Urban Report this year.

I’d like to than you all for tuning in, and appreciate the opportunity to travel, explore, and share my adventures with you.

#5 Soledad O’Brien: Black in America
CNN has always been very supportive by allowing My Urban Report to interview journalists who work for the network.

When the series Black in America debuted, we sat down with Soledad O’Brien to discuss the special.

#4 I’m in New York: YouTube Videocracy
YouTube flew me out to NY to speak at the Videocracy event. It was a great time.

#3 Ike the Movie
I have to thank HDNews for the opportunity to report for the network over the past year and a half.

#2 Chasing Hanna
The challenges of balancing news and family life. Gotta thank my wife for her support.

#1 DEVIN!
This is a once in a lifetime moment. Glad I was able to capture it on camera.

by

I just realized one of my Facebook friends is a Florida Gator, an award winning journalist… and he’s still at UF.

The University of Florida always had a strong journalism program.

Miles Doran gives me hope in the next generation of storytellers.

by A.man.I

I received the link below, and thought about one of my first clients in Atlanta.

Looks like the woes continue.

from Cordy Tindell Vivian’s Notes (Facebook)

Dr. Stanley Pritchett
Office of the President
643 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4140
Telephone (404) 739.1010
Fax (404) 739.1018
www.morrisbrown.edu
MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE
Message from the President

This message is part of our continuing effort to keep you informed about the challenges and opportunities facing Morris Brown College (MBC). First, let me thank all of you for your many efforts in support of MBC. We currently face a major obstacle and need your immediate support.

This past Monday, the Mayor’s Office disconnected the water service for MBC, because of past due bills. The City refuses to discuss the actual amount which is due. The water issue was on the news where it was reported that Morris Brown owes $100,000. In a good faith effort to resolve the bill, the college made a payment of $20,000 towards an earlier agreement where we missed the November (2008) payment. However, since receiving the recent payment of $20,200, the Mayor’s Office has refused to reconnect services, and is now stating that we owe and must pay $380,000.

Of course, most of the bill is aged between 3 – 5 years, and the bill is included in the college’s recovery plan that is well underway. We have developed a new and comprehensive business plan prepared with the assistance of Howard University Business School. We are working with the CEO of a local bank to restructure the outstanding debt of the College. Both are part of the College’s Recovery Plan to enable MBC to apply for accreditation.

Today (Friday, December 19, 2008), I was interviewed by Channel 11 (NBC) News. The interview should air on the six o’clock news. There were 240 students enrolled at MBC this fall. Presently, those students are on holiday break and are due to return on January 12, 2009. Unless the water services are restored, MBC cannot reopen. Again, we are asking for your prayers and for your financial support.

Let us work in unity to restore our institution!

Stanley J. Pritchett
Acting President

MUR EPISODE: Morris Brown College - The Shoot

Morris Brown College Urgent Campaign
[VisualEyeMedia]

by A.man.I

This is actually an example of how Twitter can help journalists find news. On Friday, I was checking Twitter and noticed one of the individuals I follow posted a quick blurb about an accident at Atlanta’s Botanical Gardens.

I immediately called my associate Mario Page. After we confirmed the incident, he called Associated Press Television News in Washington D.C. Moments later, he told me to get ready to roll.