1. Commentary: Not So Kool: Big Tobacco Targets Black Smokers
Though Black Americans are more likely to die of lung cancer than their Caucasian counterparts, according to the American Lung Association Black people actually smoke less than whites. But don’t think the death of smokers is for lack of trying by the tobacco industry. In fact, Big Tobacco has preyed for years on African-Americans, and many of them still don’t know it. [MORE]

2. Bullying Won’t End If People Don’t Speak Up
The days when “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” was a satisfying and useful retort to schoolyard taunts are a thing of the past. Indeed, in an age when the humiliation of being called ugly, stupid, fish lips and worse can be uploaded onto the Internet for all the world to see, words not only hurt people, they sometimes kill. But they also can heal, according to a new Cartoon Network documentary about bullying called Speak Up that the cable network and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius premiered on Wednesday at Washington, D.C.’s Stuart-Hobson Middle School.

The film begins with a special message from President Obama, but the most compelling parts are the sometimes heartbreaking tales from kids around the nation who share stories about being bullied and offer advice about dealing with the problem. It also includes appearances by celebrities like NBA All-Star Chris Webber, who talks with a group of kids about how to reach out for help, and Pro BMX champion Matt Wilhelm, who talked about how he channeled his frustrations about being bullied into his bike — and became a star. Speak Up will air on Cartoon Network on March 18 at 8 p.m. ET.[MORE]

3. Will the Real Rick Santorum Please Stand Up?
African-Americans may be surprised to learn the former senator has often had their back. [MORE]

4. Is It Allergies, a Cold or the Flu?
It’s getting to be that time of the year again, where seasonal changes have us sniffling and sneezing a little more often – for various reasons. Relief is all any of us want from a stuffy nose, hacking cough or aching, and whether it’s seasonal allergies, a cold, or the flu makes a big difference in what we need to do to feel better.

Understanding the source of your particular symptoms is the key to getting the relief you need. [MORE]

5. Don’t Want to Work for “The Man?” Find Opportunities for Yourself
Your business could achieve success grossing nearly $2 million a year. Entrepreneur “Bill” Parrish tells BET.com he did it and how you can do it, too. [MORE]

TAGS: allergies, American Lung Association, BET.com, Big Tobacco, Bill Parrish, bullying, Business, Cartoon Network, Chris Webber, cold, documentary, entreprenuers, flu, Human Services, Internet, Kathleen Sebelius, lung cancer, Matt Wilhelm, President Obama, Republican, Rick Santorum, senator, smokers, Speak Up, spring, Stuart-Hobson Middle School, Washington DC.