July 18th to July 24th: New York Says Yes to Random Searches

This week we witnessed another set of terrorist attacks in London. Fortunately, this time no one was hurt, due either to the would-be bombers incompetence or the City of London’s good fortune. Because of these recent events, however, New Yorkers have been forced to ponder the question of how to protect ourselves from extremists with the desire to kill even at the expense of their own lives. The New York City Police Department has decided to take the first step to ensure public safety by performing random searches within the New York City transit system. While some welcome this action, others are crying “foul.”

Racial profiling is a sour topic in New York City. The relationship between minorities and the police department, especially since Giuliani, has been marred by distrust and suspicion. With the introduction of random searches, many say it is a way to make acceptable a practice that many have fought against for so long.

My take on the situation-

While I am a proponent of fair treatment in the name of justice, I must admit to feeling a bit torn on this issue at the moment. I am not of the Caucasian persuasion, so I am not likely to believe that these searches will be administered without prejudice. If anyone does, it will be people of color who get the short end of the stick. That being said- I have to wonder what the bigger threat is here.

Whether or not random searches are an effective preventative measure against terrorism is a debate all its own. I do feel however that we cannot deny the need for action on our part against this seeming threat.

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And now that I’ve said my piece, lets move on. Shall we...

The City played host to an endless stream of events this week, and if you were in the mood to schmooze, even better. From movie premieres to charity events, from CD release parties to book signings, everyone came out to see and be seen.

Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2006 Collection Rooftop Party
This was a night for stargazing, both literally and figuratively. Many came out to enjoy the fashion and the faces in the crowd. If you were fortunate to attend this exclusive event, you would have been in good company. Some of the attendees included Rosario Dawson, Tommy Lee, Taye Diggs, and Shaggy.

A Release Party…
While some opted to bask in the moonlight at the Hugo Boss Party, Jermaine Dupri partied with friends at his CD release party at Scores. The compilation album produced by Dupri called “Young Fly and Flashy, Volume 1,” features both new and established artists from his record label So So Def. The guest list for this event included Eva Pigford, Keshawn Johnson and John Legend. After partying with Dupri, Pigford hosted another event later that evening; the grand opening of the new Clothier Boutique in Brooklyn.

…And Another Release Party, well sort of-
In case you didn’t know, Shanice Wilson is back. Miss “I Love Your Smile” celebrated her upcoming album “Every Woman Dreams,” with a party at Temple. The five-octave range singer serenaded guests as she performed songs from her new CD, slated for an August release.

Sarma Gets a Raw Deal
Celebrity couple Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis launched their new book "Raw Food Real World" at Pure Food and Wine this week. Sparks flew when Kenney reportedly showed up to the event with his assistant. This created a big scene since no one knew that the couple had broken up. Witnesses on hand for the spectacle included Darryl Hannah and Elisabeth Rohm.

Another Book but Same Old Drama from Terry McMillan
Terry McMillan hosted a book signing for “The Interruption of Everything” her new release off of Penguin/Highbridge. McMillan’s personal life has been the focus of much media attention after she filed for divorce from Jonathan Plummer, who is 23 years her junior and the inspiration behind the best-selling novel and later movie, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” According to court documents she claimed that the marriage was a “fraud” because Plummer lied about his sexual orientation and married her only to gain U.S. citizenship.