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UMass-Boston prof critical of South African leaders

By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

Fourteen years after the end of apartheid, South Africa has emerged as one of the continent’s premier powers. But it is still a country in transition. Racial strife between the country’s white minority and the black majority is still a problem, and new challenges, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic and widespread violent crime, are draining the country’s resources.

In fact, there are some critics who believe the new South Africa may actually be in worse shape than it was under the apartheid regime.

Read the full article here.

‘Africa Unite’ delivers Marley’s message

By Talia Whyte

Bay State Banner

Each year, on Feb. 6, music fans around the world gather to celebrate the birthday, life and legacy of reggae legend and social critic Bob Marley. Now, fans can relive possibly the biggest Marley celebration of all time in the comfort of their own homes.

Director Stephanie Black’s film “Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley’s Vision,” recently released on DVD, documents the 2005 concert and commemorations to celebrate Marley’s 60th birthday, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and attended by over 300,000 people.

Read the full article here.

Socialist campaign stresses workers’ rights

By Talia Whyte

Bay State Banner

This is a fact: Róger Calero has absolutely no chance to become president of the United States.
He is still running nevertheless, and while his campaign has not triggered a single blip on the national political radar, his lack of name recognition is not the real reason his campaign is doomed from the start…

So why is this Nicaraguan native — whose campaign bio says he has lived in the U.S. since his family moved to L.A. in 1985, and who, according to multiple published reports, has been a permanent resident alien since 1990 — traveling across the country, holding campaign events, talking to voters and, you know, actually running for the Oval Office?

Because Róger Calero said he feels he is the true voice of America’s working class, and he’s willing to tilt at some windmills if that’s what it takes for that voice to be heard.

Read the full article here.

‘Hawk’ doc looks at AIDS’ impact on Swazi grandmas

By Talia Whyte

The Bay State Banner

For many people, the transition into retirement presents an opportunity to start a new chapter in life. Free from the rigors of an everyday job, retirees can start enjoying the fruits of their lifelong labors — taking on new hobbies, maybe traveling, and scratching items off their long overlooked personal to-do lists.

In Swaziland, however, things are a little different. For residents of the small, landlocked Southern African nation lucky enough to reach retirement age, the odds are that they’ll have to assume responsibility for raising the country’s next generation.

Read the full article here.