Israel to Boycott UN Anti-Racism Conference Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni announced, unsurprisingly, that Israel will not be participating in Durban II, the follow-up to the 2001 World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa, along with Canada and the United States, who will also boycott the event. Canada.com. Sharpton, Sean Bell’s Friends Prepare for Police Shooting Trial The Rev. Al Sharpton will be meeting with Nicole Paultre-Bell, fiancee of Sean Bell, an unarmed man who was killed during a police shooting where 50 shots were fired in 2006. Paultre-Bell will meet with Sharpton and others for prayer before today’s trial outside of Queens Criminal Court. Newsday. Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan Praises Obama at Chicago Event Speaking to a crowd of 20,000 at the Saviour’s Day celebration this year, Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan praised Barack Obama, calling the presidential candidate, the “hope for the entire world,” who is capable of transforming audiences through the “effect of his words.” Canadian Press. Hip Hop May Save Bronx Homes Tenants in the Sedgwick Avenue community near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx are attempting to to save their homes by fighting against gentrification and the plans of a wealthy investor . So far, they have raised $11 million with the help of DJ Kool Herc, Senator Schumer, and others, but they still need $14 million. Los Angeles Times. Pannell Remains Unforgiven Former Black Panther Joseph Pannell is sentenced to 30 days of prison with two years parole for the 1969 shooting of then 21 year-old former Chicago police officer Terrence Knox. Pannell will also be paying $250,000 to help create a scholarship fund for the children of killed or injured police officers. Chicago Sun-Times.