Coronavirus fatalities top a staggering one-million cases as fear increases the death toll is steadily climbing worldwide.
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(Tuesday, September 29th) – Another dubious milestone reached overnight in the coronavirus pandemic. The worldwide death toll now tops one-million with over 207,000 of those deaths here in the United States.
The U.S. accounts for 1 out of 5 fatalities worldwide. That’s far more than any other country despite its wealth and medical resources. Brazil comes in 2nd with over 140,000 deaths.
“It’s not just a number. It’s human beings. It’s people we love,” said Dr. Howard Markel, a professor of medical history at the University of Michigan. Markel made that statement to the Associated Press, sharing his 84-year-old mother died in February from complications of COVID-19.
The virus first appeared late last year in patients hospitalized in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
It didn’t take long for Harvey to seal a deal with Facebook Watch and launch the new talk show “Steve on Watch.” The first season debuted at the beginning of 2020 with strong numbers, and has already started releasing episodes of the second season, which premiered this month on the streaming platform.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Having his daytime talk show canceled by NBC last year hasn’t stopped Steve Harvey.
While he waited for a new opportunity, the comedian continued to make his presence regularly felt on TV as the host of “Family Feud” and as an emcee for multiple recurring jobs, including the annual Miss Universe pageant.
It didn’t take long for Harvey to seal a deal with Facebook Watch and launch the new talk show “Steve on Watch.” The first season debuted at the beginning of 2020 with strong numbers, and has already started releasing episodes of the second season, which premiered this month on the streaming platform.
The new season was taped from Harvey’s Atlanta home in a newly constructed set to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. The production features about 50 live virtual audience members through Zoom as Harvey delves into human interest stories, viral sensations and interviews with celebrity guests including Gabrielle Union, Jack Black and Steph Curry.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Harvey opened up about his split with NBC, how Facebook has given him more creative control and his thoughts on Ellen DeGeneres, a fellow talk show host who was accused of having a toxic work environment.
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AP: What were your initial thoughts after NBC canceled your talk show?
Harvey: One of my buddies called me and said “Maybe you should do a letter writing campaign?” I said “No, I’m not going to do that.” People would say you should go up there and talk to them and sit down. I’m not doing none of that. I move on. I was on a talk show for seven years… Seven’s a good run.
AP: Why weren’t you stressed over NBC’s decision?
Harvey: My life is a testament to people who are watching me, especially young people. Life evolves all the time and it always changes. You got two things you can do with change: You can react to the change or you could participate in the change. I don’t react. I participate. I saw it coming. They had leaked it a year before that they were going to let the show go and replace it. I just went to work. I just kept on doing what I was doing. Sometimes when you get rid of something good, you might end up getting rid of yourself.
AP: Your facial expression is saying a lot right now…
Harvey: You got to be careful. I’m one of God’s favorites. You’ve got to be careful how you handle me.
AP: Do you have more creative control at Facebook?
Harvey: Absolutely. They understood. Let’s just take away all of the trimmings and let’s get to what this guy really does. Let’s play to his strong suits. They come up with a format where I can do just that. These human-interest stories, I do well with everyday people. I talk to people on different levels.
AP: How did your relationship with Facebook come together?
Harvey: I don’t really know how the talks initiated. I think when they heard that I was leaving NBC, I think between them and IMG (Harvey’s producing partner), some conversations started. I was doing really well digitally out there. I was actually getting more visitors and more views on my digital platform than I was on the TV show. I think the global recognition kind of put the two of us together.
AP: According to Facebook, your first season had 22 million unique viewers. Did that give you confirmation about your show?
Harvey: I never lost faith in the process of who I am as a talent or what I’m able to do with the right team around me. Facebook Watch did a really smart thing. They surrounded me with top quality people. It was nothing wrong when the show got canceled on NBC. It was nothing wrong with it at all. The numbers were what they were. Anybody else could stay on TV with that. Trust and believe they can. Those same shows is on there with that number and a lesser number and still on TV.
AP: What’s you biggest takeaway from the ordeal?
Harvey: I’m here to inspire people to never give up. When the door closes in your face, quit standing there beating on the door. Some doors close for a reason. My time at NBC was what it was. It was a good time. I learned a lot. It really opened the door to come to Facebook and do something that hadn’t been done before…. to take a full-fledged talk show and put it on the digital form.
AP: What did you think of allegations against Ellen DeGeneres, one of which claimed that racially insensitive remarks were made?
Harvey: She don’t need to let people drag her reputation down like this. The Ellen DeGeneres that I know…. Let me put it to you this way. I don’t care who don’t like it. I’m a 63-year-old Black man. I know racism. I don’t care where it is, you can’t fool me with it. You can’t fake me with it. You can’t slide it behind me. I’ve been around Ellen way too many times… Ellen DeGeneres is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met in this business.
“Whether students are learning virtually at home or in the classroom, the importance of keeping them reading cannot be underscored enough,” Patterson said in a statement Tuesday.
NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of schoolteachers will receive $500 grants from author James Patterson to help students build reading skills, especially as schools struggle to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Whether students are learning virtually at home or in the classroom, the importance of keeping them reading cannot be underscored enough,” Patterson said in a statement Tuesday.
“Reading teaches kids empathy, gives them an escape when they most need it, helps them grapple with harsh realities, and perhaps most importantly, will remind them that they are not alone — even if they’re unable to see their teachers, classmates and friends in-person,” he said.
The grant program is administered by Patterson and by Scholastic Book Clubs, which will provide teachers 500 club points to go with the $500 from Patterson. Out of more than 100,000 applicants, 5,000 teachers will receive grants and club points.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the sixth installment in the Patterson Partnership for building home and school libraries. Patterson, one of the world’s best-selling novelists, has given more than $11 million to teachers, along with millions he has given to bookstores, libraries and literacy organizations.
The Links Incorporated is hosting a virtual Get Out the Vote Forum tomorrow and they want everyone to join in on this crucial discussion. My guest is Elizabeth Williams – Chair of the DMV Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
The District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) Chapters of The Links, Incorporated will host a voter information forum on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM, entitled, “Vote Like Your Life Depends on it…Because it Does”. The goal for this event is to get more local residents registered to vote, provide voter education and increase voter participation in the November 2020 election.
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.
Some of you know this. Some of you may not. A few days after covering The March On Washington… I went to an urgent care office for a routine COVID-19 test It was negative… but what they did find was high blood pressure. An unpleasant surprise… but I felt fine. They sent me to an emergency room It was not my preference. It turned into an overnight hospital stay and afterwards I was forced to focus on an issue that I didn’t know i had. A
Dr. Mark Johnson, Chair, Department of Community & Family Medicine, Howard University
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A curfew is being lifted in Louisville, Kentucky, where many people have been arrested for refusing to stop their nighttime protests after a grand jury’s decision not to charge officers in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement that he decided to allow the curfew to expire as of 6:30 a.m. Monday. Meanwhile, a state lawmaker says she will propose changing Kentucky’s legal definition of rioting after Democratic state Rep. Attica Scott was charged with a felony rioting count while participating in Louisville protests for racial justice. Taylor was shot multiple times March 13 when police entered her home during a narcotics raid.
Dr. Maurice Watson is Pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church. His congregation held a backpack drive to benefit students of William Paca Elementary. They are still in need of 300 more backpacks. If you’re able to assist, please reach out to the church for more information on how you can help.
Keith Wonderboy Johnson talked about his song, “Try Jesus” to help people get through the coronavirus pandemic as well as “Something Is Happening” with Gloria Wilson that is from a movie entitled, “Negative Exposure.” He told me he plans to produce a new song in the Go-Go style. We can’t wait to hear that!
“If it’s on the Screen, we are definitely on the Scene!”
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It was old home week for me, as I was joined by my former BET colleagues. Harold McCoo and Kathy Andrews took us all down memory lane. Kathy shared stories of best and worst moments with Laurence Fishburne. Harold described how Denzel Washington looked out for him. But the funniest moments came when it was revealed what Harold is most famous for. He’s the reluctant star of YouTube.
These guys are hilarious and it was great to learn how they process.
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The night started with an animated conversation with comedian, actor, entrepreneur, J. Anthony Brown. So glad he found time for us as he’s got so much going on, co-hosting a daily morning show on the Steve Harvey Morning Show. He’s starring in a new Tyler Perry sitcom on BET, “Assisted Living!” We talked about many things, including how after several long months battling leukemia, he’s grateful to God he’s now cancer free.
We then welcomed the hilarious and multi talented comedian, Tony Baker. He captured most of our attention from his hilarious animal videos on Instagram. Tony took us through a little journey of how he became the voice of the animals. It really is fun to watch. He is “spot on” with the sound effects and everything! I’m surprised that Disney hasn’t swept him up to do voiceovers for animation. It’s just a matter of time.
Family of William Green reaches $20 million dollar settlement with Prince George’s County
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Largo, Maryland (Monday, September 28, 2020) – Prince George’s County has reached a $20 million settlement with the family of William Green. He’s the unarmed Black man fatally shot by officer Michael Owen, Jr. last January while handcuffed in a police cruiser.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made the settlement announcement this morning while joined by the Green family along with their attorney Billy Murphy. “This settlement in no way makes up for the loss experienced by Mr. Green’s mother, children and family,” said Alsobrooks. “However, when we are wrong, and we need to take responsibility, we will. When we need to make reforms in our police department, we will; and in circumstances where we must defend our department, we will.”
The officer accused of fatally shooting Green has since been fired and now faces a barrage of charges. Owen was arrested not long after the shooting and charged with second degree murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, first-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence.
On the evening of January 27, Prince George’s County Police took Mr. Green into custody following a series of car collisions. Mr. Green was subsequently handcuffed behind his back and placed in the front passenger seat of Prince George’s County Police Department Corporal Michael Owen’s cruiser. A short time later, Owen fired seven shots from inside his police cruiser, six of which struck Mr. Green, killing him. It was initially stated by the officer that Green, who was handcuffed, attempted to gain control of his weapon, but use-of-force specialists within the department were unable to corroborate that. Owen was charged with murder and taken into custody less than 24 hours after the shooting.
“The number here reflected the heinous nature, the brutal nature, the senseless nature of what happened to Mr. Green,” said Murphy.
After a 3 year $211 million modernization, the MLK Library is opening up its doors again virtually to the public. Here’s you chance to see what the new library looks like and how the library will operate under the COVID-19 guidelines. My guest is Richard Reyes-Gavilan – Executive Director of DC Public Library
The MLK Library will reopen after a 3-year $211 million modernization. There will be a reopening virtual ceremony allowing people to take part. 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.
The average age of persons with the coronavirus is getting youngers
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Washington, D.C. (Friday, September 25, 2020) – A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the median age of people with the coronavirus in the United States is getting younger. Persons in their 20s now account for more cases than any other age group with 20 percent of the infections.
Americans in their 30s make up the 2nd largest group of COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, the number of infections in persons 40 and older appears to be steadily decreasing.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way nearly all of us conduct our lives in some way. For many of us… it has changed our personal finances. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 20 million jobs lost in April, 55% of the cuts impacted women. Even if you did not lose your job, how you spend and save has changed. We’re talking about strategies to keep your finances intact in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Singletary, Columnist, “The Color of Money”, The Washington Post
Virginia’s Governor and wife are isolating for next 10 days after testing positive for the coronavirus
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Richmond, VA (Friday, September 25, 2020) – Another indication that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and his wife have tested positive for the coronavirus. The governor’s office made the announcement this morning, saying it appears Northam doesn’t have any symptoms, but his wife is experiencing mild symptoms.
The Northams tested positive yesterday after learning earlier in the week that one of their residential staff members had the virus. The couple is said to be in good spirits and will isolate for the next 10 days. ” As I’ve been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious,” Northam said.
The Executive Mansion and Patrick Henry Office Building are closed today for deep cleaning.
Benjamin Crump, the Breonna Taylor family attorney, is questioning the grand jury process in the case that led to her death. We continue to examine the impact of the grand jury decision, protests and what justice means, going forward.
A. Scott Bolden, Attorney & Political AnalystPhillip Bailey, USA Today ReporterAprill O. Turner, Vice President, Campaign for Youth Justice
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are pushing back after President Donald Trump declined to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the Nov. 3 presidential election. McConnell vowed an “orderly transition” as has been done since the nation’s founding. Pelosi said she trusts voters.
On Thursday, the White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president will accept the results of a “free and fair election.” She insisted, as Trump does, that there is a potential for many fraudulent ballots. Still, the response from Capitol Hill was unequivocal, that lawmakers expect a peaceful transition, if Trump loses.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Authorities are pleading for calm while activists are vowing to fight on in Kentucky’s largest city after a gunman wounded two police officers during anguished protests over the decision not to charge officers for killing Breonna Taylor. A new round of demonstrations in U.S. cities was set off by outrage over a grand jury’s failure to bring homicide charges against the officers who burst into the Black woman’s apartment six months ago. The state attorney general said the investigation showed officers were acting in self-defense when they responded to gunfire from Taylor’s boyfriend. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer insisted Thursday that violence won’t cure his city’s pain.
MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Claire Reagan was feeling overwhelmed as her oldest child’s first day of kindergarten approached and with a baby on the way. The 5-year-old boy has autism, and she worried he would struggle with juggling in-person and virtual learning, and that she wouldn’t have enough time to give him the help he needs.
So she decided to wait a year before sending him to school.
“I was stressed about everything and then thought ‘Why does he need to start kindergarten?’ And it was like a weight was lifted,” said Reagan, a 36-year-old high school teacher in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.
Thousands of parents around the U.S. have made similar decisions, having their children delay or skip kindergarten because of the coronavirus pandemic. The opt outs, combined with huge declines in preschool enrollment, are raising worries about the long-term effects of so much lost early education.
“If there is a group for which you would be particularly concerned, it is these very young students who are not having these foundational experiences,” said Nate Schwartz, a professor at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University.
Kindergarten isn’t required in most states, and in normal times parents sometimes “red-shirt” children who would be young for their kindergarten class to given them an extra year of developmental readiness. But enrollment numbers have plunged in many places this fall as parents weigh health concerns and the prospect of helping young children to navigate distance learning while also holding onto their jobs.
In Los Angeles’ public schools, kindergarten enrollment is down about 6,000 students, or 14%. In Nashville, Tennessee, public kindergarten enrollment is down about 1,800 students, or 37%, from last year.
According to a University of Oregon survey conducted in early September with 1,000 parents from around the U.S., including 242 with a child who was supposed to start kindergarten this fall, 17% of respondents said they were delaying their children’s schooling. Among those, the most frequent reason cited was safety concerns, followed by concerns about managing virtual schooling and other responsibilities, according to Philip Fisher, a psychology professor at the university who is leading an effort to measure the effect of the pandemic on young children and their families.
Fisher said the vast majority of parents reported that they were making sure their kids were attending all of their virtual lessons and completing their coursework without the assistance of hired help or other adults, making juggling their own work a challenge. He said that parents are overwhelmed, particularly those in low-income communities where schools are more likely to be offering only remote instruction.
“We think young kids are likely getting lost in the shuffle,” he said.
Reagan, who is also keeping her 3-year-old daughter home from preschool, said she held off with kindergarten for many reasons, including her own pregnancy and instructions to quarantine for two weeks before she delivers in the fall. She said her job allows her to work from home and her family has insurance that will continue to pay for some of her son’s therapy.
For many young students, the delayed start of primary school follows a disrupted preschool experience. Among preschool-age children, participation rates plummeted in the spring, as programs closed and children stopped attending, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. The group is planning a follow-up report, but all indications are that enrollment hasn’t fully rebounded, said Steven Barnett, senior co-director of the institute.
He said public preschool programs such as Head Start have been “substantial equalizers” for low-income families.
“When that falls apart, parents are not going to be able to fill the gap,” he said. “The people who are dependent on free public education as equalizers can’t make up the difference when left on their own.”
Some parents feel their children may be ready for in-person school but not for virtual school, said Anna Markowitz, an assistant professor of education at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“They are thinking I can’t work and monitor my child’s Zoom schooling. Parents are really in an impossible situation,” she said.
Only 17 states and Washington, D.C., require children to attend kindergarten, Markowitz said. Parents elsewhere can bypass kindergarten and just send their children to first grade next fall. In a typical year, only about 4% of children who are eligible to begin kindergarten are held back by their families, said Chloe Gibbs, a Notre Dame economist.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine released a report in July focused on younger children. Its advice was to prioritize the reopening of schools for children in kindergarten through fifth grade with well-funded safety measures in place. But since the report was released, high rates of community spread have made in-person learning more risky in many communities, turning young learners into virtual learning guinea pigs.
“When you look at the distance learning research, very little has been carried out on young students, even below middle school,” said Brown University’s Schwartz, who is a member of the committee that wrote the report and is also running a project that provides research to school leaders who are trying to make decisions during the pandemic. “Few people were even considering that it could be considered with kids this young.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For months, actors, sports stars, musicians and other celebrities have been using their platforms to call for justice in the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor, including at Sunday’s Emmy Awards. Her picture was used on the cover of O:The Oprah Magazine this year and even Beyoncé sent a letter to the Kentucky Attorney General asking for justice.
After a grand jury on Wednesday indicted one of the Kentucky police officers on criminal charges, but not for her death, many celebrities and sports stars decried the decision.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron referenced the calls from stars and their likely reaction during his remarks, and urged people to keep protests peaceful.
“There will be celebrities, influencers and activists who having never lived in Kentucky will try to tell us how to feel, suggesting they understand the facts of this case, that they know our community and the Commonwealth better than we do, but they don’t,” Cameron said. “Let’s not give in to their attempts to influence our thinking or capture our emotions.”
Here are how some stars and athletes reacted to the decision.
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“It’s a very complicated situation. But it ain’t right and enough already. Enough already. It’s time for some people to go to jail.” – Queen Latifah, recording artist and actor, in an interview with The Associated Press.
“I was born and raised in Kentucky. Cut tobacco on the farms of Kentucky. Both my parents and my sister live in Kentucky. I own a home in Kentucky, and I was there last month. The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions. Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death … by 3 white police officers, who will not be charged with any crime for her death. I know the community. I know the commonwealth. And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky what is right and what is wrong. I’m ashamed of this decision.” — George Clooney, in a statement, referencing Cameron’s comments about celebrities.
“I don’t have many words right now…. but all I can say is I’m praying for the city of Louisville right now!!!” – Donovan Mitchell, NBA player, former Louisville Cardinals player, via Twitter.
“No amount of money has ever brought a life back. Ask yourself ‘Why so long for Breonna Taylor?’” – Stevie Wonder, in a video message.
“The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people. #BreonnaTaylor #SayHerName #AbolishThePolice.” – Colin Kaepernick, via Twitter.
“It’s all kind of numbing. On one hand it’s like I KNOW I’m not crazy there’s a real problem in our country. On the other I’m sad that everyone doesn’t see it and some don’t want to. Of course I know God is at work. It’s just tough to process it all. #BreonnaTaylor” — Lecrae, recording artist, via Twitter.
“‘To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost all of the time.’ James Baldwin. #BreonnaTaylor” — recording artist and actor Common, via Twitter.
“Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump’s short list as replacement of #RGB on the Supreme Court. The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote.” — Kerry Washington, actor, referring to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, via Twitter.
“This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE!!! UnJust!!!! Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD!!!! Infuriated!!!!!!!” – Alicia Keys, recording artist, via Twitter.
“Everyone needs to register to vote. Vote early, go hard, we got to go hard. This is not a year to take it easy, because no one has taken it easy on us. You know, and there’s no reason that young woman should not be walking around today, there’s no reason her mom should be burying her child.” — Queen Latifah, in an AP interview.
“I don’t pretend to be an expert in the law, an expert in the legal system of every state. What I do know, what I do understand is whatever the law, whatever is protecting (the police) in this case and many other cases is hard to comprehend, hard to understand. If this is the protections they have, we have a real problem. There was an anticipation that this was not going to go down the way it should have. That’s been proven with the news we got today.” — Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce, in a media call on Wednesday.
“My heart is broken for the family of Breonna Taylor. once again we’re left with nothing that they try to make seem as something” – Ella Mai, recording artist, via Twitter.
″“Of course people are going to get on the street and they’re going to show you their pain, they’re going to show you their anger. And you have to meet that by listening. You cannot meet that by pushing back with, what are essentially baseball bats and poison that you’re spraying in people’s eyes and noses. But that is what will happen.” — writer-director Aaron Sorkin in an AP interview.
“It’s really disappointing because justice should be served for her death, Breonna Taylor, and this movement in general, Black Lives Matter, and understanding the neglect of not only Black people but colored people in general. The injustices and the police brutality and the systematic racism and everything of that nature. It’s bigger than just sports or politics or the color of your skin. It’s about how you treat people.” — Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins, via press conference.
“Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER. He’s fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR’S apartment & not for KILLING HER. This is systemic racism. Property is worth more than a Black woman.” — W. Kamau Bell, comedian, TV host, via Twitter.
“This is why police need to be defunded and ultimately abolished! We time and time again hope for a sliver of justice but why would we get that when the system is designed to protect the very folks that are murdering and terrorizing us. This isn’t a bad apple, it’s a rotten tree.” — Layshia Clarendon, WNBA player for the New York Liberty, via Twitter.
“Bulls— decision!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!! Cannot be said enough times.” — Viola Davis, actor, via Twitter.
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Associated Press Writers Jamia Pugh in Los Angeles, Paul Newberry in Atlanta and AP freelance reporter Adam Zielonka in Ashburn, Virginia contributed to this report.
Here’s a listing of upcoming events taking place in the DMV.
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WHUT
WHUT reminds you to read, talk, sing, and play with your children every day. Get free educational tips on how. Text WHUT to 274448.
Montgomery County Nominations
Do you know someone whose contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in Montgomery County? The County Office of Human Rights is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame thru October 15th. www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Autism
When it comes to autism, finding the right words and community can be tough in these challenging times. Find out how. www.autismspeaks.org
PG Domestic Violence Event
The Prince George’s County Department of Family Services invites you to “Girls Talk, Love United,” a virtual domestic violence discussion October 17th. www.loveunited2020eventbrite.com
Breast Cancer Walk
Join the fight against breast cancer. The Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter is hosting a Zoom 5k Breast Cancer Walk October 3rd. MEAGTGC5kVirtual.eventbrite.com
Tenant Rights
Do you have questions about your tenant rights in DC? Housing Counseling Services, Inc. is hosting a series of virtual workshops throughout the month of October to answer your questions. www.housingetc.org
Fire Safety
Fire Safety Week is October 4th thru the 10th. Did you know that cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Learn the facts about fire safety. www.nfpa.org
WHUR’s Community’s Choice Contact
To get your non-profit on WHUR’s Community’s Choice, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.
This morning we are spotlighting DC’s own filmmaker Merawi Gerima. He has a new film on Netflix called “Residue” and its based here in DC and features real-life themes like gentrification, mass incarceration and economic disparities. My guest is Merawi Gerima – DC Filmmaker
The film takes place in DC and features real-life themes – gentrification, mass incarceration and economic disparities, the dreams of young Black men and the assault on Black male identity. The casts are DC natives and locals and it was shot in DC. The film debuted on NexFlix September 17th and in selected theaters. RESIDUE premiered as an official selection at this year’s 77th Venice International Film Festival’s
Heartbreaking decision today for those hoping criminal charges would be filed in the death Breonna Taylor. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, conducting what amounted to a criminal law class on why two officers were not charged and why the officer who was indicted had nothing to do with Taylor’s death. We’re looking at all of the angles in this complex issue.
Guests:
Glenn Ivey, Former Prince George’s County State’s Attorney
Dr. Valethia Watkins, Director, The Women’s Studies Graduate Certificate Program & Associate Professor, Afro-American Studies, Howard University
Ron Hampton, Former DC Police Officer and Criminal Justice Consultant
Alvin Herring, Executive Director, The Faith in Action Committee
Ashok Chandran, NAACP Legal Defense Fund Assistant Counsel
Magic Johnson talks candidly about police brutality and his own fears of police.
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(Wednesday, September 23, 2020) – He’s a basketball legend and a multi-millionaire business owner. But even with his iconic status and money, Magic Johnson says police still make him nervous.
Johnson spoke recently as part of a panel discussion at the virtual Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. Johnson opened up to California Congressmember Maxine Waters about past interactions with police. “When I see a police car, I still get nervous, and I have to, you know, do everything the right way,” said Johnson. Johnson is the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a Basketball Hall of Famer and gained his fame with the Los Angeles Lakers. “If I do get pulled over, my hands are on the steering wheel. I’m going to abide by the commands and I’m going to try to do everything the right way.”
“Police brutality is running rampant through our country and we have to somehow bring a stop to that,” Johnson added.
None of the officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor are facing charges in her killing.
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(Wednesday, September 23, 2020) – A grand jury has handed up an indicted against one of the police officers in the shooting that ultimately ended in the death of Breonna Taylor. Ex Louisville officer Brett Hankison has been charged with three counts of wanton endangerment in the March 13th shooting.
Hankison is not actually charged in the death of Taylor. His charges stem from firing his weapon that ended up in adjacent apartments to Taylor. No other officers are charged in the case.
The grand jury announcement, followed by comments from state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, has angered many who had been hoping the officers would face murder charges in Taylor’s death.
Taylor’s family attorney calls grand jury result outrageous and offensive.
We know the story… it took two and a half years after The Emancipation Proclamation for black slaves in Galveston, Texas to get word that slavery was over. We’re talking to social activist Opal Lee. She is 93 years old and shows no signs of slowing down in her quest to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Vice President Joe Biden talked with Steve Harvey this morning about his plan for Black America, his running mate, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and the importance of getting out the vote.
Michael B. Jordan, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyler Perry have all made the Time100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2020.
Other entertainers include Jennifer Hudson, The Weeknd, Billy Porter and Jojo Siwa.
Time100 also honored Dr. Anthony Fauci, tennis player Naomi Osaka, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Black Lives Matter founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi.
For a complete list of this year’s honorees, see here.
Sayers died Wednesday at the age of 77, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Relatives say he was diagnosed with dementia. His wife said she partly blamed his football career.
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers has died. Sayers made his mark as one of the NFL’s best all-purpose running backs and was later celebrated for his enduring friendship with a Bears teammate with cancer. Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet,” Sayers was considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen. Yet it was his rock-steady friendship with Brian Piccolo depicted in the 1971 film “Brian’s Song” that marked him as more than a sports star. Sayers died Wednesday at the age of 77, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Relatives say he was diagnosed with dementia. His wife said she partly blamed his football career.
U.S. coronavirus death toll now the highest in the world and climbing.
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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, September 23, 2020) – The United States coronavirus death toll topped 200k yesterday and now experts are predicting that number could nearly double by next year.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington estimates the U.S. death toll will likely hit nearly 380,000 by the end of this year. Officials say while that projection is staggering, the loss of life could reach more than 445,000 by the end of 2020 if health and safety mandates are relaxed.
The U.S. COVID-19 death toll is now the highest in the world. Health experts say by the end of this year, we will likely have more coronavirus deaths than suicide, kidney disease, diabetes, influenza, and pneumonia combined.
Ginsburg will lie in repose for two days at the court where she served for 27 years and, before that, argued six cases for gender equality in the 1970s.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The casket of late Justice Ruth Ginsburg has arrived at the Supreme Court for a private ceremony with the eight remaining justices, family and colleagues. Ginsburg’s flag-draped casket arrived at the court at 9:30 a.m. and was carried into the court’s Great Hall past her former law clerks who lined the steps and wore black masks. Ginsburg will lie in repose for two days at the court where she served for 27 years and, before that, argued six cases for gender equality in the 1970s. Thousands of people are expected to pay their respects during two days of public viewing outside the court. Ginsburg, 87, died Friday of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
The March on Washington Film Festival is underway. This year’s event is virtual. But the fun and excitement remain. My guest is Isisara Bey – March On Washington Film Festival
The March On Washington Film Festival is an annual civil rights and social change legacy project. The festival this year will be from September 20th to 27th and will be all virtual. The festival will honor the life and Legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis. 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.
A disease disproportionately impacting African Americans is getting new attention under the coronavirus pandemic. This is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. We look at the increased risk of having the disease under the COVID-19 pandemic and the new hope for treatment.
Nicole Williams-Militsits, Advisory Board Member, The Howard University Center For Sickle Cell Disease. (not pictured)
Dr. James Taylor, VI, MD., Director, Center for Sicle Cell Disease, Howard University
The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has topped 200,000, by far the highest in the world, hitting the once-unimaginable threshold six weeks before an election that is certain to be a referendum in part on President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis. The count is kept by Johns Hopkins University, based on figures from state health authorities. The real number of dead is thought be much higher, in part because many COVID-19 deaths, especially early on, were probably ascribed to other causes. The number of lives lost in the U.S. is equivalent to a 9/11 attack every day for 67 days. It is roughly equal to the population of Salt Lake City or Huntsville, Alabama.
(Louisville, KY) — Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is issuing two executive orders this afternoon ahead of any decision in the Breonna Taylor case. Mayor Fischer declared a state of emergency, which gives him the power to implement a curfew and hire people to deal with possible unrest. The second order limits access to five downtown parking garages and bans on street parking. Fischer says he doesn’t know when Attorney General Daniel Cameron will announce a decision on charges.
“The cops still haven’t been held accountable,” King said in a Zoom session with media. “She represents just decades, hundreds of years of violence against Black bodies. Wearing Breonna’s likeness and representing her and her family and the stories that we were exploring, presenting and holding a mirror up to on ‘Watchmen,’ it felt appropriate to represent with Breonna Taylor.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Regina King and Uzo Aduba used the come-as-you-are fashion edict for Sunday’s virtual Emmy Awards to highlight the national struggle for social justice.
Both Black actresses wore T-shirts featuring Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old EMT from Louisville, Kentucky, who was shot and killed by police in March. King’s T-shirt featured Taylor’s face.
“The cops still haven’t been held accountable,” King said in a Zoom session with media. “She represents just decades, hundreds of years of violence against Black bodies. Wearing Breonna’s likeness and representing her and her family and the stories that we were exploring, presenting and holding a mirror up to on ‘Watchmen,’ it felt appropriate to represent with Breonna Taylor.”
King won for actress in a limited series or a TV movie as the masked hero in HBO’s “Watchmen.”
Taylor was shot in her apartment after police officers executing a no-knock warrant burst in and killed her after returning fire from her boyfriend. None of the officers has been charged. One was fired and two others were placed on leave.
Aduba, sitting behind a table at home, wore a black T-shirt with Taylor’s name in gold. King and Aduba were pleased to see each other’s fashion choice.
“I loved when I saw her shirt and standing in it with such strength and power, which we all know she has,” said Aduba, winner for supporting actress in a limited series or TV movie for “Mrs. America” in which she played Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
Aduba wanted to give a boost to the demands for social justice that have swept the nation during the coronavirus pandemic this year. Without an audience or red carpet, nominees were encouraged to wear whatever they wanted and say anything in accepting their trophies from wherever they chose to be.
“I would be remiss not to bring in some of what is happening outside in the streets and the experiences of so many who look like myself,” Aduba told reporters via Zoom.
Damon Lindelof wore a black T-shirt with “Remember Tulsa ’21” in yellow letters while accepting the Emmy for limited series writing for “Watchmen.” Cord Jefferson, who shared the award, and Lindelof stood in front of a banner reading “Give a Damn” that was hung from a fireplace mantle.
Lindelof, who is white, was drawing attention to the race riot in Oklahoma that occurred after white residents, many of them deputized and given weapons, attacked Black residents and businesses in the city. Jefferson called it “the original sin of our show.”
“This country neglects and forgets its own history often at its own peril, and we should never forget that,” Jefferson said.
“This Is Us” actor Sterling K. Brown presented the show’s final award for best drama series. He took the stage at Staples Center wearing a black T-shirt with white letters BLM for Black Lives Matter and a white raised fist.
Tune into the Steve Harvey Morning Show tomorrow morning at 7am as Steve will talk with Democratic Nominee Vice President Joe Biden about his plan for the country, the Black community, and much more.
“We’re just a group of guys that are opinionated,” Hart said. “Our views mesh sometimes, and they don’t. But having the conversations and talking about the topics that most are afraid of is where we basically strive.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kevin Hart is bringing more of his funny back to SiriusXM.
The satellite radio company announced on Tuesday a new multi-platform deal with Hart and his comedy network Laugh Out Loud. The superstar comedian-actor will host new regular and live programs on his channel, Laugh Out Loud Radio, while expanding additional comedic programming that includes radio shows, podcasts and on-demand video.
Hart said the deal with SiriusXM will give him more creative control. He said the new programs will enable him to provide more “real, raw and authentic conversations.”
“That’s our priority,” said Hart, who launched LOL three years ago. His radio show “Straight From The Hart” debuted on Pandora through SiriusXM last year. “If we can continue to engage at a very high level, being ourselves and being true to who we are, the success is endless.”
As part of the deal, Hart will interview top comedians on his new regular show. He will also host more live editions of his bi-weekly program with his longtime friends called the Plastic Cup Boyz, who include Will “Spank” Horton, Na’im Lynn, Joey Wells, Harry Ratchford and Wayne Brown.
“We’re just a group of guys that are opinionated,” Hart said. “Our views mesh sometimes, and they don’t. But having the conversations and talking about the topics that most are afraid of is where we basically strive.”
Hart called working alongside the Plastic Cup Boyz a bonus.
“This is about giving my team a chance to shine, giving my team a chance to grow,” he said. “The men that they all have grown into and become, it’s dope to see, myself included. As a group, we’ve shared so much and done so much. So to give people a bird’s eye view into our world, our life and conversations that we normally have daily, I think it’s special.”
Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s president and CCO, said he believes the collaboration with Hart can create a “bold vision of what comedy should be in the audio world.”
“When Kevin does something, he goes all in, and so we’re absolutely thrilled to enter this exciting new chapter with such a massive talent,” Greenstein said.
“We are pleased to have Chairman Morse serve as the Opening Convocation speaker as we kick off the new school year,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “It is both a privilege and an honor to have Dr. Morse deliver this inspirational message at such a significant time in our University’s history. As a fellow alumnus and supporter of the Hilltop, I know he will challenge our students with a message filled with personal experience and wisdom.”
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WASHINGTON – Laurence C. Morse, Ph.D., alumnus and chair of the Howard University Board of Trustees, will deliver the keynote address during the 153rd Opening Convocation on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. As part of changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s festivities will broadcast at 11 a.m. ET on WHUR 96.3 FM and rebroadcast on Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. ET on WHUT-TV. During the ceremony, Chairman Morse will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Achievement.
“We are pleased to have Chairman Morse serve as the Opening Convocation speaker as we kick off the new school year,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “It is both a privilege and an honor to have Dr. Morse deliver this inspirational message at such a significant time in our University’s history. As a fellow alumnus and supporter of the Hilltop, I know he will challenge our students with a message filled with personal experience and wisdom.”
Opening Convocation is a time-honored tradition that officially signals the beginning of the academic year. The address will welcome the Class of 2024 and acknowledge recent achievements of the University during the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chairman Morse is a co-founder and managing partner at Fairview Capital Partners, a private equity investment management firm. He has said that it would be difficult to imagine the arc of his professional career without the benefit and foundation he received as a Howard undergraduate.
Prior to co-founding Fairview, he held positions with TSG Ventures, Equico Capital Corporation and UNC Ventures. He serves on the advisory boards of a number of venture capital partnerships, including U.S. Venture Partners (USVP), Battery Ventures, Sierra Ventures and Trinity Ventures. Trustee Morse is a member of the board of directors of Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS) and the board of trustees of Harris Associates Investment Trust (the Oakmark Mutual Funds). He is a former member of the board of trustees of Princeton University, and served three terms on the board of the Princeton University Investment Company (PRINCO).
Chairman Morse was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2014 and most recently served as a vice chair of the University’s Board from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. During his tenure, he has served as chair of the Development and Alumni Relations Committee, vice chair of several committees, including Audit and Legal, Compensation and Succession and Executive as well as co-chair of the Howard University Hospital/Adventist Ad Hoc Committee. He also served as a member of the Finance and Student Life committees.
Chairman Morse graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University, having spent his junior year at The London School of Economics and Political Science as a Luard Scholar. He earned a Master of Arts degree and Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University.
The former Democratic presidential candidate has helped raise more than $20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election. Bloomberg also has pledged $100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Just days after after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they’ve paid off fines, restitution and court fees, billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them pay off the debts.
The former Democratic presidential candidate has helped raise more than $20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election. Bloomberg also has pledged $100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida.
A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences, Florida felons must pay all fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote. The case could have broad implications for the November elections. Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House.
Under Amendment 4, which Florida voters passed overwhelmingly in 2018, felons who have completed their sentences would have voting rights restored. Republican lawmakers then moved to define what it means to complete a sentence.
In addition to prison time served, lawmakers directed that all legal financial obligations, including unpaid fines and restitution, would also have to be settled before a felon could be eligible to vote.
The Florida Rights Restitution Coalition had raised about $5 million before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $17 million more, according to Bloomberg advisers, who weren’t authorized to speak on the record because the announcement hadn’t been made yet.
The money is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $1,500 or less. That accounts for about 31,100 people, Bloomberg advisers say. In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes, that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat.
Organizers for the group say they aren’t targeting people registered with a particular political party.
“To hell with politics, to hell with any other implications or inuations, at the end of the day it’s about real people, real lives, American citizens who want to be a part of this,” said Desmond Meade, the group’s executive director. “People with felony convictions have had their voices silenced for so long.”
The Florida Rights Restitution Council said other donors include John Legend, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, Ben & Jerry’s, Levi Strauss & Co., the Miami Dolphins, the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat and Stephen Spielberg.
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This version corrects the name of the group to Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
This morning a conversation with the newly appointed president of Prince George’s Community College. Like many colleges and universities across the DMV, Prince George’s Community College students are virtually learning. We’ll discuss the new moving forward initiatives. My guest is Dr. Falecia Williams – President of Prince George’s Community College
Dr. Williams in the newly elected President of Prince George’s Community College. She is the 9th president of the college overseeing nearly 40-thousand students. She took her position just last month. More information on programs, 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.
She was only the second woman appointed to the highest court in the land… but Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was arguably the most well-known and influential. We look at the impact she had on The Supreme Court, the nation and the fight to fill her seat.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes-Norton, (D) District of Columbia
Dr. Michael Fauntroy, Political Science Professor, Howard University
Erinn Martin, Policy Counsel for The Public Policy Project at The Lawyers’ Committee For Civil Rights Under Law.
(Washington, DC) — DC Water is warning District customers to be on the lookout for two men passing themselves off as utility workers. The warning comes after police report that two men dressed as construction workers attempted a home invasion on the three-thousand block of M Street SE. Police say the pair attempted to gain entry into a home identifying themselves as DC Water employees needing to check on pipes inside the home. The resident refused to let the men inside before calling police.
Final farewell to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg set for this week.
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Washington, D.C. (Monday, September 21, 2020) – The Supreme Court has released details for the final farewell to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She will lie in state at the Supreme Court Wednesday, September 23rd and Thursday, September 24th.
Ginsburg’s body will arrive in front of the court just before 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. According to a statement released by the high court today, there will be a private ceremony in the Great Hall. Public viewing will be allowed under the Portico at the top of the Supreme Court building’s front steps from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday where Ginsburg will lie in repose.
Former law clerks to Justice Ginsburg will serve as honorary pallbearers and will line the front steps as the casket arrives. Supreme Court police officers will serve as pallbearers. The Justices will remain inside the Great Hall where the casket will be placed on the Lincoln Catafalque, which has been loaned to the Court by the U.S. Congress for the ceremony. A 2016 portrait of Justice Ginsburg by Constance P. Beaty will be on display in the Great Hall.
A private burial service is set for next week at Arlington National Cemetery.
Multi-Grammy award winning Gospel artist Cece Winans joined me on this latest installment of HUR@Home. Cece shared that although 2002 has been an incredibly tough year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Her daughter and son-in-law are expecting their first child together in December. Cece’s latest single, “Never Lost” is inspiration to get us through COVID-19 and the many obstacles of 2020.
DC releases updated list of high-risk coronavirus states
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(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, DC Health released an updated list of high-risk states where the seven-day moving average of daily new COVID-19 cases is 10 or more per 100,000 persons. Mayor Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-081 with requirements for all people traveling into Washington, DC from high-risk states.
Anyone coming into Washington, DC from a high-risk state (within the prior 14 days) who was traveling for non-essential activities will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in the District. Individuals traveling from high-risk states after essential travel or arriving in the District for essential travel are required to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days and, if they show signs or experience symptoms of COVID-19, they are to self-quarantine and seek medical advice or testing.
Travel to and from Maryland and Virginia is exempt from the Order. This list should be used until Monday, October 5.
States that were added to the updated list include: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
States that were removed from the updated list include: California, Hawaii, and Ohio.
High-risk states that require 14 days of self-quarantine:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
All individuals coming into Washington, DC from high-risk states can find the full Mayor’s Order atcoronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo.
We are kicking off the week with some important information about HBCUs and how you can join the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities.It’s National HBCU Impact Day and HBCU Week Observance. My guest this morning is April Gaines-Jernigan – Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Xi Omega Chapter
National HBCU Impact Day and HBCU Week Observance are designed to encourage support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The AKAs will promote the importance of giving back to support scholarships and education for youth.
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.
You’ve heard the term, feast or famine. Feasting is really important for black-owned restaurants right now with the start of black restaurant week today for the DC metro. Since the pandemic shutdown… businesses have experienced a financial famine because restaurants were first closed and then at a limited 50% capacity.
Derek Robinson, Marketing Director, Black Restaurant Week
