For the past several weeks… Loudoun County, Virginia has found itself in the headlines, garnering national attention in the battle over culture issues. The school system is feeling a lot of heat from all sides regarding gender identity issues and Critical Race Theory. Racist flyers… also making appearances around the county last week. We talk to Phyllis Randall the Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.
Phyllis Randall, Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
HUNTINGTOWN, Md. (AP) — Authorities say a man died while in the custody of deputies in Maryland. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to “a suspicious person breaking windows” on Saturday afternoon. They arrested Antoine Brooks of Huntingtown. The 31-year-old was taken to a shaded area where he waited to be transported. The sheriff’s office says force wasn’t used during the arrest. A preliminary investigation found that Brooks admitted to consuming a controlled dangerous substance while handcuffed. Deputies noticed “his breathing getting shallow and pulse getting faint” moments later. They performed medical assistance while waiting for an ambulance. Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital.
(Surfside, FL) — The death toll in the condo collapse near Miami Beach is rising. Ten people are dead and 151 are still missing. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said an investigation into the cause is underway. Levine Cava said their top priority is search and rescue, but stressed that these numbers are very fluid. Governor Ron DeSantis called it an “incredibly hazardous environment,” adding that the search will not stop until there’s a resolution. DeSantis noted it’s not going to take a day or two for investigators to find the root cause of the collapse.
Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said personnel will begin utilizing heavy machinery to move debris. He noted they are still in search and rescue mode and they’re considering all options. Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said this is the largest deployment of taskforce resources in state history for an event that is not a hurricane.
Last night Queen Latifah accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 BET awards.
“In 2006, the cultural icon, born Dana Owens, became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was one of the first major performers to have a presence on both the big and small screen, with slots on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Juice, Living Single, Set It Off, The Queen Latifah Show, Beauty Shop and more.” said Essence in a press release.
Not only a great actress, but Owens also was the first rapper ever to appear in a super bowl halftime show in 1997. A few of her albums include: All Hail the Queen, Nature of a Sista and Black Reign. Her song “U.N.I.T.Y” remains a fan favorite and won the 1995 Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
She recently was in Girls Trip in 2017 alongside Set It Off co-star Jada Pinkett Smith, as well as stars in and co produces the show Equalizer.
A tribute of her songs was preformed by Rapsody, Monie Love, Lil Kim and MC Lyte paid tribute to Latifah with a medley of “Ladies First” and “U-N-I-T-Y.”
Her acceptance speech showed gratitude and thanks to many of the people who have helped her on her amazing journey.
“Thank you so much, everyone. Thank you, my sisters – y’all my sisters in the name of rap. You always have been. I’m so extremely moved that I don’t even know what to say. Let me just say that I want to thank God because God designed this whole thing to be this way,” an emotional Latifah, 51, began her acceptance speech.”
“There is no way that I could have had the parents that I was born to – my father, my mother [who died in 2018], who is still so much in me – my family, I love you – my siblings. My best friends who ride or die with me whether my face is on the dirt or I’m flying in the skies – they know me. And they’re there for me.”
“I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. When we couldn’t get played on the radio and other places; we couldn’t get our videos played. There was BET, that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine. To this night, right now, right here – bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all your support. Black is beautiful. I was raised by strong black women. We can’t live without each other. Celebrate. Celebrate us so together we stand stronger.”
Latifah went on to praise Shakim Compere, her business partner in Flavor Unit Entertainment.
“Shakim, I thank you right now for keeping your promise to my mother, to always protect me. Thank you for always protecting me and loving me. I love you for that.”
She wrapped up by telling fans how much she appreciates their support of all aspects of her career, before sending a sweet message to her family.
“I’m gonna get off this stage, but I thank you so much for all of you, the fans for supporting every crazy-ass thing I’ve done through the years. And thank you for making Equalizer No. 1. Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love. Peace. Happy Pride!”
People Magazine reported on the award after the 2021 BET Awards.
We want to send a huge congrats to our very own Frank Ski after the hit song “WAP” wins BET’s Video Of The Year. The hit song came from a sample of Frank Ski’s Baltimore club hit “W****s In This House.”
“WAP” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as Video of The Year and Best Collaboration. The 5x platinum song would not be possible without the sample from our very own Frank Ski!
The 2021 BET Awards saw some familiar winners and ew faces, headlined by Jazmine Sullivan’s Album of The Year for Heaux Tales.
Album of the year:
After Hours – The Weeknd
Blame It on Baby – DaBaby
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion WINNER: Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan
King’s Disease – Nas
Ungodly Hour – Chloe X Halle
Best female R&B / pop artist:
Beyoncé WINNER: H.E.R.
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best male R&B / pop artist:
6lack
Anderson .Paak WINNER: Chris Brown
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
Best female hip hop artist:
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion
Latto
Saweetie
Best male hip hop artist:
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow WINNER: Lil Baby
Pop Smoke
Best new artist:
Coi Leray
Flo Milli WINNER: Giveon
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
Best collaboration: WINNER: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar”
Jack Harlow featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne – “Whats Poppin (Remix)”
Megan Thee Stallion featuring DaBaby – “Cry Baby”
Pop Smoke featuring Lil Baby & DaBaby – “For the Night”
Best group:
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chloe X Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos WINNER: Silk Sonic
Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award:
Bebe Winans – “In Jesus Name”
CeCe Winans – “Never Lost”
H.E.R. – “Hold Us Together” WINNER: Kirk Franklin – “Strong God”
Marvin Sapp – “Thank You for It All”
Tamela Mann – “Touch From You”
BET HER award:
Alicia Keys featuring Khalid – “So Done”
Brandy featuring Chance the Rapper – “Baby Mama”
Bri Steves – “Anti Queen”
Chloe X Halle – “Baby Girl”
Ciara featuring Ester Dean – “Rooted” WINNER: SZA – “Good Days”
Viewer’s choice award:
Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar”
Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture” WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé – “Savage (Remix)”
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video of the year:
Cardi B – “Up” WINNER: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Chloe X Halle – “Do It”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video director of the year:
Benny Boom WINNER: Bruno Mars & Florent Déchard
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Best international act:
Aya Nakamura (France) WINNER: Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emicida (Brazil)
Headie One (UK)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young T & Bugsey (UK)
Youssoupha (France)
Best movie:
Coming 2 America WINNER: Judas and the Black Messiah
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
One Night in Miami
Soul
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday
Best actress: WINNER: Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Issa Rae
Jurnee Smollett
Viola Davis
Zendaya
Best actor:
Aldis Hodge WINNER: Chadwick Boseman
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Eddie Murphy
Lakeith Stanfield
Youngstars award:
Alex R. Hibbert
Ethan Hutchison
Lonnie Chavis WINNER: Marsai Martin
Michael Epps
Storm Reid
Sportswoman of the year award:
A’ja Wilson
Candace Parker
Claressa Shields WINNER: Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Sportsman of the year award:
Kyrie Irving WINNER: Lebron James
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Westbrook
Russell Wilson
Stephen Curry
Good news for parents with youngsters who need some extra help catching up with their learning this summer. Educating Young Minds is offering free on-line tutoring, mentoring, and college prep help in a variety of categories. My guest is Angeles Echols – CEO and Founder of Educating Young Minds
Educating Young Minds (EYMI) is offering free online tutoring, mentoring. And college prep in a variety of course this help. To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/EYMLIVE40
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
(Surfside, FL) — More help is on the way for those impacted by the multi-story condo collapse near Miami Beach. FEMA has approved an emergency declaration from Florida to bring in extra resources. State and county emergencies have already been declared since the collapse early Thursday morning. FEMA is also sending search and rescue crews to help dig through the rubble in Surfside. At least four people are dead and 159 others are unaccounted for as crews continue to search.
(Washington-DC) — The Department of Justice is announcing a lawsuit against the state of Georgia over new voting laws. This after Governor Kemp signed a controversial bill that makes changes on how residents can vote in the future. Attorney General Merrick Garland says “this is the first of many steps the D-O-J will take to make sure eligible voters can cast a vote nationwide.” This is the eighth lawsuit aiming to overturn provisions of the new law.
Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years for the murder of George Floyd. We examine the sentencing and the broader issues of race and the justice system.
J. Wyndal Gordon, Trial Attorney (not pictured)
Debbie Hines, Trial Attorney, Former Baltimore City Prosecutor
Justin Hansford, Executive Director, The Thurgood Marshall Center for Civil Rights, Howard University School of Law
Derek Chauvin sentenced to 270 months behind bars.
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(Friday, June 25, 2021) – After tearful pleas from George Floyd’s family, a judge today sentenced Derek Chauvin to 270 months in prison for the murder of Floyd. The ex-Minneapolis police office officer will spend 22.5 years behind bars
Family members of Floyd spoke one after the other asking the judge to provide them closure and sentence Chauvin to the maximum for the killing of Floyd on May 25th 2020. Chauvin’s sentencing comes literally 13 months to the day Floyd died as Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes.
Chauvin spoke briefly at his sentencing only giving condolences to the family of George Floyd. He said he was not able to say more because of lingering legal issues. Chauvin still faces federal civil rights charges in Floyd’s death. “There’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind,” said Chauvin.
His mother Carolyn Pawlenty spoke on behalf of the Chauvin and his family calling her son a good man who was dedicated to his job.
Prosecutors had asked for the maximum for Chauvin to spend 30 years in prison. With good behavior, the 45-year-old Chauvin could be paroled in about 15 years.
In imposing the punishment, Judge Peter Cahill said he was not trying to make a statement with his sentencing and that it was not based on emotion.
“Today, we are able to breathe again,”said Floyd’s younger brother Philonise.
Helping our youth succeed in reading and beyond. This morning information on AARP’s Foundation Experience Corps DC program and the need for volunteers. My guest is Tony Taylor – Branch Director for Foundation Experience Corps DC
AARP Foundation Experience Corps connects students with caring adult volunteers age 50 and older who provide essential combination of training, life experience and commitment. The program helps children read at grade level. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Since the end of the 2020 presidential election voting rights has been in the headlines weekly, sometimes daily. This week is no exception with the “For The People Act” not even getting past a proceedural vote in the Senate. This weekend the cross-country Black Voters Matter Tour will end in Washington, D.C., with a message about and for black voters. What is the message and will this and other movements, move the needle when it comes to fair voting practices?
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has announced that “we have a deal” — a bipartisan agreement on a $953 billion infrastructure plan. The agreement, reached in a meeting Thursday at the White House, means a breakthrough after arduous negotiations on the president’s top legislative priority. Biden invited members of the bipartisan group to discuss the pared-down plan that has rare broad backing and could open the door to the president’s more sweeping and more expensive proposals. The senators have struggled over how to pay for the new spending.
NEW YORK (AP) — An appeals court has suspended Rudy Giuliani from practicing law in New York because he made false statements while trying to get courts to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the presidential race. An attorney disciplinary committee said in its motion to suspend Giuliani’s license that there was “uncontroverted evidence” that Giuliani had made false statements to the courts, the public and lawmakers as he pushed theories that the election was stolen through fraud. The ruling, signed Thursday, will prevent Giuliani from representing clients as a lawyer. A message seeking comment about the ruling was sent Thursday to Giuliani and his lawyer.
Bicycle safety tips this morning on Taking It to the Streets and free efforts taking place across the city for youth giving them bicycle skills, inspections, and challenges. My guest this morning Charles Boston – Founder of the District Youth Cycling Club
City Green’s Youth Start Smart is hosting Bicycle Skills and Rodeo every Saturday thru August 28th in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8. It’s part of their Summer Learning Series. For details and to register, www.citygreendc.eventbrite.com
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
We’re at the Reporters’ Roundtable with a look at some of the top stories of the week. On deck tonight… a pedestrian bridge collapse in dc, President Biden announces a crack down crime and illegal guns. Capitol Hill politics, voting rights, DC statehood, Loudoun County schools and an active NFL player comes out.
Jamila Bey, Political Editor, ViacomMary C. Curtis, Columnist, Roll CallIngrid Sturgis, Assistant Chair, Associate Professor, Howard University Dept. of Media, Journalism & Film
#CarmeloAnthony allegedly has a total of 3 side babies with side pieces.
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#CarmeloAnthony allegedly has a total of 3 side babies with side pieces. 🥴 There is a woman claiming that the the ball player is the daddy of her twins and he has been supporting them financially but now wants emotional support as well. 😳
(Washington, DC) — The former head of the Democratic National Committee is running for governor of Maryland. Former DNC Chairman Tom Perez released a video on Tuesday announcing his campaign. The five-minute video promotes Perez as a Maryland native who rose through the ranks to become Secretary of Labor during the Obama administration. Maryland’s current governor, Republican Larry Hogan, is popular in the Democratic state but can’t run again because of term limits.
Contributed By Scott Lipscomb
Known for being one of the funniest men alive, Dave Chapelle is a world class comedian. He has no problem speaking his mind while still giving a good laugh.
After Candace Owens made distasteful comments on George Floyd he said “She’s the most articulate idiot I’ve ever seen in my life” reported the Jasmine Brand.
This came from his Netflix special “8:46” where he not only called her an idiot but questioned her hygiene.
The Jasmine Brand Reported “Now, on his new podcast The Midnight Miracle with Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey, Dave Chappelle made it clear he’s standing by his comments.”
“There’s no way I owe Candace Owens an apology, is there?” said Chapelle to hos fellow Co-Hosts.
Chappelle feels Owens is “cruel and dangerous and completely the opposite of any Black woman I’ve ever met in my life.”
While many brothers and sisters agree that Owens is playing for the other team, we all feel commenting on Floyd was way too far.
He wrapped up taking about her by apologizing for complimenting her, ““By the way, Candace Owens, I’m sorry I called you articulate.”
(Linden, NJ) — A North Jersey school official faces calls for his resignation after comparing Vice President Kamala Harris to a prostitute. Gregory Martucci, a Linden School Board member, made the comment on Facebook in response to a video posted by pro-Trump comedian Terence K. Williams. His rant about Harris and immigration inspired Martucci to write, “She is right off the wingnut streets of San Francisco. What do you expect from a street walker who has no clue about America.” Martucci has since apologized, issuing a statement saying that his offensive comment doesn’t reflect who he is in his public or private life, nor his views about women. Mayor Derek Armstead is calling on Martucci to step down, saying he’ll help him pack up his office.
Contributed By Scott Lipscomb
It’s no secret the mutual level of respect Jazmine Sullivan and Issa Rae have for each other. After the two teased at a possible short film following the release of “HeauxTales” fans began to speculate what was in the works.
In the recent Essence magazine, who Sullivan graces the cover, Rae interviews her about her work, womanhood, as well as authenticity.
When asked about her writing process and her debut album Fearless, Sullivan responded ” for me, I just wanted to express myself in the most natural way, and that means me writing my stories. So many of the songs at that time came from a lot of the childish stuff I was going through. For example, busting windows out of an ex’s car and literally going straight from doing it to not being able to sleep. I was restless, because I was still in the moment.”
After being away for 6 years, Sullivan dropped HeauxTales which Rae asked what inspired her.
“a lot of inspiration does come from heartbreak. And it hits a different way if you are going through things personally. Especially if that’s what you like to write about—and I do write a lot of heartbreak songs, because I’ve been in a lot of bad relationships that just gave me material.”
As to the importance of promoting different kinds of black women Sullivan says she wants to promote all types of black womanhood.
“There can only be one R&B superstar; there can only be one rap girl at a time. That’s not true. God was not stingy when He was giving out gifts. And you’re not the only person. There are many other women, especially Black women, who can do what you do. And let’s all create spaces for each other to get out there and do that.”
Sullivan continued by giving praise to her friends and family who have helped her become who she is today.
To read the full interview check out Essence’s most recent issue
Wale has announced that he’ll be releasing a new album.
He went to Twitter to reveal that the album will be released this summer and that it will be the follow-up to his Folarin mixtape.
Wale didn’t give many other details on the upcoming album, but fans are ready.
Do you have Wale’s Folarin album? Which artists need to release a new album?
After working for it her whole life, Christina Clemons snagged the final spot on the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team with her third-place finish in the 100 Meter Hurdles Final at the Olympic Trials. But most of the people watching the event on NBC hardly noticed; their eyes were on Clemons’ Doritos earrings.
“When I bought them, I didn’t think it would be a big thing at all,” Clemons says of the $8 earrings, which she bought at an Oregon Hot Topic. “I was like, ‘Oh, these are so cute.’ I love Doritos and they matched my uniform, so I decided to wear them in the final.”
Now it looks like the 31-year-old’s $8 purchase might pay off big for her. “Someone from Doritos reached out to me saying they would like to talk to me next month,” Clemons says. When asked if she’d be interested in signing an endorsement deal with the company, Clemens says, “100 percent, of course! I would love that!”
What do you think of the earrings? What’s the loudest piece of jewelry you’ve ever worn?
Actor Michael B. Jordan recently announced his new rum brand which sparked backlash on social media. The name in question is “J’Ouvert” which is a carnival celebrated in the Caribbean with 19th Century slavery ties.
On Tuesday via an instagram post, he apologized as well as shared that he learned the meaning behind the carnival.
“I just wanna say on behalf of myself & my partners, our intention was never to offend or hurt a culture(we love & respect) & hoped to celebrate & shine a positive light on,” he began his post. “Last few days have been a lot of listening. A lot of learning & engaging in countless community conversations.”
He finished the post with an apology and plan to change the brand name.
“We hear you. I hear you & want to be clear that we are in the process of renaming,” he wrote. “We sincerely apologize & look forward to introducing a brand we can all be proud of.”
Nicki Minaj, who is Trinidadian, was among the many social media users who were not pleased with the brand name.
“I’m sure MBJ didn’t intentionally do anything he thought Caribbean ppl would find offensive— but now that you are aware, change the name & continue to flourish & prosper. 🙏🏾🇹🇹 #jouvert,” the rapper captioned an Instagram post.
Page Six reported that Minaj also reposted a message explaining the significance the word has for Caribbean and Trinbagonian culture.
“J’Ouvert also known as jouvay originated in Trinidad with the festivities of Canboulay, which was a time when sugarcane fields caught on fire and slaves were still forced to harvest the remaining crops before complete destruction,” the post read. “That event was reenacted and male slaves were mocked by their masters. However after emancipation the slaves mocked the masters mocking them. The festival begins way before the crack of dawn and proceeds a little past sun up.”
The message explains the celebration was later “adopted by other Caribbean islands as they experienced emancipation throughout different periods in history.”
Master P is campaigning for the head coach job with the New Orleans Pelicans. P spoke with TMZ saying, “They gotta do something different, unique. You look at Tim Tebow, they brought him to play as a tight end because they looking at times is changing. The NBA is entertainment. I think it’s time for me to be the first hip-hop coach because [of] what I know as basketball. I played in the NBA, I done coached a lot of great players that are in the league. I done took my sons from being high school athletes to maybe they’ll be the next future big-time pro athletes. I coached DeMar DeRozan, a lot of great players.”
Master P played professional basketball with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors. He’s also a native of New Orleans and argues that he would be able to connect the players with the community.
“We’ll win with Zion and be happy, [playoffs] and everything. I feel like it’s motivating the players and understanding them,” says P. He’s also up for taking the assistant coach position and “work his way up.”
Chauncy Billups is a runner-up for the head coaching position and Master P says he has an advantage coming from New Orleans.
Do you think Master P would be a good fit as the Pelicans head coach?
No word on why a NE bridge that carries pedestrians across I-295 came tumbling down today on cars passing by.
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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 23, 2021) – A pedestrian bridge came tumbling down on a major thoroughfare in Washington, D.C., injuring a half dozen people. The bridge carries walkers across I-295 just prior to Polk Street, NE. According to DC Fire and EMS, 6 people were injured. Four of them were transported to nearby hospitals.
Hazmat crews are on the scene along with other emergency personnel. At least one truck and another vehicle are said to be under the bridge and hit by debris. No word on the cause of the collapse or the extent of injuries for the persons hurt.
Photos are provided by the DC Fire and EMS PIO on the scene.
Contributed by Scott Lipscomb
As much as fans would love to see two of the greats in a Verzuz, it won’t be happening soon. After a fan made flyer of Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige circulated social media for a battle on July 4th, Verzuz confirmed it to be fake.
After a light hearted tweet with Kermit the Frog, Verzuz confirmed the battle not to be scheduled.
While the event isn’t real, don’t be surprised if it does one day take place. Toni Braxton has said in an interview with Missy Elliot for Interview Magazine that she would be open to the idea.
“Yeah, I can’t. I’m like, ‘It would have to be me, Mariah [Carey] or Mary J. [Blige] or something.’ Us girls from the ’90s. But no, I haven’t put it on the register to do it yet. I know they’ve called you, too.”
Swizz Beatz will be joined by Busta Rhymes, Griselda, and Method Man for a special tribute to DMX at this weekend’s BET Awards.
The tribute will feature special versions of DMX’s hits, “What’s My Name?” and The Ruff Ryders’ Anthem. Swizz curated the tribute along with choreographer and singer, Fatima Robinson.
DMX will also be honored this Thursday (June 24) at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
Nearly a year after Newark officials took down a statue of Christopher Columbus, they’ve found a replacement for the disgraced explorer.
A monument honoring civil rights icon Harriet Tubman has been selected to replace the Washington Park statue, says Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “It is only fitting that we memorialize Tubman’s heroic efforts leading enslaved Africans to freedom via the Underground Railroad at this time of year when we celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States,” Baraka says.
The statue is expected to be erected sometime next summer, Baraka says. When it is, Washington Park will be rechristened “Tubman Square,” city officials reveal.
Is Tubman a good choice? One hundred years from now, will Columbus even be a footnote in U.S. history?
Pharrell Williams’ cousin, Donovan Lynch, was allegedly shot and killed by a Virginia Beach police officer by the name of Solomon Simmons III.
Four months after Lynch’s death, his father filed a federal lawsuit against the officer and the city of Virginia Beach.
Donovan’s father, Wayne Lynch is seeking $350,000 in damages from Simmons as well as $50 million from the city of Virginia Beach. The officer is being accused of excessive force resulting in the death of Donovan Lynch as well as failing to provide medical aid.
Lynch was shot while leaving a Virginia Beach restaurant with a friend, Officer Simmons was responding to shots fired call when he opened fire on Lynch. Authorities claim Lynch brandished a gun, however, witnesses denied the allegations.
Do you think there needs to be an overhaul of how police respond and use their weapons in order to apprehend suspects?
The widow of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has settled her lawsuit against the helicopter company involved in the crash that killed her husband, daughter and seven others.
In a joint lawsuit filed one month after the January 2020 crash, Vanessa Bryant and the families of the other victims accused Island Express Helicopters of negligence, claiming the pilot flew too fast and the copter was unsafe to fly.
Court documents filed Tuesday reveal the “plaintiffs and defendants jointly report that they have agreed to settle their claims in the above-entitled action.” The amount of the settlement has not been disclosed.
Vanessa Bryant’s lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which she filed after deputies shared photos of the crash online, is still pending.
“The Diamond Princess” is distancing herself after Trick held a Clubhouse conversation where he said “Beyoncé couldn’t sing” and that “JAY-Z ain’t never won the greatest rapper alive. Whoever put him on a level like that?”
Beyoncé fans swarmed Trick Daddy’s social media pages to share videos of Beyoncé singing and to warn him about “coming for Queen B.”
Trina has defended and supported Beyoncé several times, she once commented, “If you talk about Beyoncé, you’re a pointless, lifeless, waste of [a social] security number.”
Los Angeles has the Hollywood Walk of Fame and now Atlanta has the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame. Thanks to Georgia State Representative Erica Thomas and BMI’s Catherine Brewton, the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame was welcomed by politicians and musicians in Atlanta on June 17th.
Attendees included Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and mayoral candidates and Atlanta City council members Andre Dickens and Antonio Brown, artists Jermaine Dupri, Missy Elliott, Kirk Franklin, Dallas Austin, and Shirley Caesar.
The plaques for the new walk of fame will be set apart from its Hollywood counterpart by a circular design with honorees being addressed as “King” or “Queen.”
June 17, 2021, has now been named “Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame Day.” The emblems are said to be embedded into a sidewalk on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near the intersection of Northside Drive over the next few weeks.
Who do you think deserves a presence on the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame?
Grab your fancy hat and tea cup and join Ivy Vine Charities, Incorporated for their 2021 Virtual Pink Parlor Tea. I have the details this morning for this fundraising stellar affair. My guest is Beverly Anderson – Pink Parlor Tea Chairperson
Ivy Vine Charities, Inc. 2021 Virtual Pink Parlor Tea is June 27th from 3pm to 5pm. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
School is out. Summer is in and you may be trying to figure out what to do with the kids. Last year there weren’t many options as we were in the middle of the pandemic. Now, restrictions have been lifted but you’re not left with a lot of time to plan. We have a few suggestions to make the summer better for your children and you!
Sonja Welborne-Rice, Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Affairs, Office of the County Executive, Prince George’s CountyShukurat Adamoh-Faniyan, Executive Director, Reading Partners
(Washington, DC) — The White House is admitting it may not reach President Biden’s goal to have 70-percent of the adult population partially vaccinated by the 4th of July. COVID coordinator Jeff Zients told reporters that falling short should not undermine the enormous progress that has been made over the past few months. Zients said they will still continue to encourage 18-26 year olds to get vaccinated. Dr. Anthony Fauci also said unvaccinated Americans remain at-risk and he sounded another warning about the rise of the deadly Delta variant.
According to T-Pain he battled with depression for four years after an upfront conversation with Usher on a plane.
T-Pain says that his depression battle started after Usher honestly told him, “I’m gonna tell you something, man. You kinda f*cked up music.”
The confession took T-Pain by surprise so much that he thought the statement was a joke, until Usher repeated himself and explained that he thought T-Pain messed things up for the “real singers” by using Auto-Tune for his songs.
Do you think that T-Pain messed things up for singers by using Auto-Tune?
(Upper Marlboro, MD) — Operation Heatwave, an initiative to crackdown on violent crime is underway in Prince George’s County. The project was unveiled by Police Chief Malik Aziz as part of his plan for community policing during the summer months. Aziz said there were more than 13-thousand crimes in all of 2020 and he is hoping to reduce that number this year. The acting chief said part of his program will be to look at crime data and figure out where resources need to be placed. Aziz said that means extra manpower to crack down on traffic violators, street racing, violent crime, and property theft.
Dave Chappelle’s documentary, Untitled: Dave Chappelle Documentary, made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival over the weekend. Attendees got a first look at Academy Award-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar’s work as they documented their neighbor’s attempt to bring back live shows in their small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio.
“We have a neighbor. His name is Dave. We see him at the grocery store and on the street. When Dave came to us with the idea, we were immediately struck by the challenge to tell the story of our part of the world during the pandemic and the national reckoning on racial injustice. This was a historic moment and we really wanted to chronicle this place and this time, it just felt right,” Reichert and Bognar said as they introduced the film.
Along with laughs, Chappelle served up music to the 6,000 who were in attendance at the festival. Fat Joe, Q-Tip, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, Redman, and DJ Clark Kent gave a 30-minute performance.
What was supposed to be a weekend event turned into 50 sold-out shows for Chappelle.
Which events helped you get through the quarantine? “Verzuz,” Dave Chapelle’s comedy, social media lives?
The Game unleashed a six-minute video about the amount of “disrespect” he received on Father’s Day. The Game said only his oldest son, Harlem, was the only one to buy him gifts, “within his budget” for Father’s Day.
The Game went on to say that he’s “done a lot for people” and he believes he’s been a good dad to his kids but doesn’t feel he was shown the love he deserves on his special day.
Long story short, The Game says he’s done with doing for others and getting nothing in return, “If you’re in my life and you’ve been close to me and I’ve done what I’ve done for you and I’ve taken care of you and I’ve looked out for you over the years and you know that you didn’t show up for Father’s Day with any type of appreciation…Today is the day I cut you off.”
Did you get ignored by your children on Father’s Day? Can you relate to The Game and how he feels?
The number of Black women serving on federal appeals courts is set to double under President Joe Biden.
There are currently four Black women on federal appeals courts and if confirmed, Biden’s nominees would bring that number to eight.
If all Biden’s picks are appointed and none retire, it would be the largest number of Black women in history to serve on an appellate court at one time.
How would you grade President Biden on diversity so far?
The PBS series Sesame Street has introduced gay dads for an episode to recognize Pride Month.
The introduction came this past Father’s Day weekend and featured the same-sex couple in an episode titled, “Family Day.”
News about the episode drew many props from several LGBTQ+ groups.
This Wednesday Dunkin Donuts is introducing ‘bubble drinks.’
Not to be confused with bubble or boba tea but it will have the ‘spirit’ of those drinks.
Popping Bubbles can be added to its iced drinks, iced tea and frozen drinks.
Dunkin calls the new beverages an ‘experience.’
As Starbucks nationwide continue to experience shortages, have you stepped out and tried new drinks from places like Dunkin Donuts?
Tyler Perry never ceases to amaze fans with his business ventures and his latest venture with Bishop T.D. Jakes is truly amazing.
The actor. director, and entrepreneur announced that he plans to open an entertainment district near his production studio.
Perry plans for the district to include restaurants, retail stores, and of course a movie theater.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity this gives Tyler Perry Studios to extend our footprint in Atlanta,” Perry said about the 130-acre purchase.
Have you had the chance to visit Tyler Perry Studios?
By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The estate of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has reached an agreement with HarperCollins Publishers for rights to his archive. HarperCollins released King’s first book more than 60 years ago. The King Estate had been publishing books since 2009 with the Beacon Press. Those included the late civil rights leader’s first work, “Stride Toward Freedom.” It was his account of the 1955-’56 Montgomery bus boycott that helped bring him national prominence. “Stride Toward Freedom” was first released in 1958 by what was then Harper & Brother. Beacon also released editions of King’s speeches and sermons among other books.
We’re not sure what’s going on with Trick Daddy but he couldn’t have been worried about the Beyhive when in one breath he said Beyonce “can’t sing” and that JAY-Z was handed the crown as the king of New York after Biggie died.
It’s unclear what was said before the audio was recorded of Trick Daddy dissing the king and queen of Hip-Hop but Trick can be heard saying, “Beyoncé f*ck with her because she see money,” said Trick, comparing Beyoncé to another artist. “Beyoncé ain’t trying to give back to music or nothin’.”
“Beyoncé don’t write music and barely can sing her motherf*ckin’ self,” said Trick as other people can be heard agreeing with the Miami rapper. Trick says his “Godmama trained Beyoncé on how to sing and then there was this statement: “Beyoncé is to R&B what Jay-Z is to New York. That’s why they together. Jay-Z ain’t never won the greatest rapper alive. Whoever put him on a level like that?”
Finally Trick says the only reason Jay got the “king of New York” title is that New York needed “a hero” after Biggie died. We don’t know why Trick decided to come for the Carters but we’re sure the Beyhive will do their thing over the next few days.
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sales of previously-occupied homes fell for the fourth straight month in May, as soaring prices and a limited number of available properties discouraged many would-be buyers. Existing home sales dropped 0.9% last month from April to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.8 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday. The string of sales declines comes after sharp gains last fall and through the winter, as many Americans sought more living space during the pandemic. Sales are up nearly 45% from last May, when purchases fell to their lowest point of the COVID-19 outbreak.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World is planning an 18-month celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary, starting in October. Disney announced Tuesday that all four parks at the Lake Buena Vista, Florida, resort will take part in “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” The fun begins Oct. 1. Sine 1971, the resort has expanded from The Magic Kingdom to include EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. It also features multiple themed hotels, water parks, and the Disney Springs shopping and restaurant venue. The celebration will include new nighttime shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and a daytime show at Animal Kingdom.
