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‘Vanity Fair’ Cover Shot By Black Photographer For 1st Time

The publication has “had a problem in the past with putting Black women on the covers,” Davis says in an interview for the magazine.

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The new issue of Vanity Fair featuring a powerful image of Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis marks the first time the publication has featured the work of a Black photographer on its cover.

The historic image of Davis, shot by photographer Dario Calmese, shows the 54-year-old in profile, her back facing the camera. Davis is wearing a blue gown with a deep plunge in the back, hand on hip.

The publication has “had a problem in the past with putting Black women on the covers,” Davis says in an interview for the magazine.

Radhika Jones, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, writes in the issue that 17 Black people have been on the cover in the 35 years between 1983 and 2017, and that she was determined to fix the lack of representation when she took over the job.

She said in publishing Calmese’s photo of Davis on the cover, “we celebrate him and honor his vision at this heightened moment in American history.”

“Calmese describes his cover concept as a re-creation of the Louis Agassiz slave portraits taken in the 1800s — the back, the welts,” she writes. “This image (of Davis) reclaims that narrative, transmuting the white gaze on Black suffering into the Black gaze of grace, elegance and beauty.”

In her Vanity Fair interview, Davis discusses the recent racial justice protests, her upcoming role as Michelle Obama, her impoverished upbringing in Rhode Island, and the challenges of being a Black woman in Hollywood, among other topics. The issue hits newsstands on July 21.

CBS, NAACP Reach Multi-Year Agreement To Develop Content

“An important way to diversify and grow our storytelling is to expand our horizons beyond the traditional studio-producer system,” said George Cheeks, president and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — CBS Television and the NAACP have reached an agreement to develop content that tells stories of the African American experience.

The television studio and civil rights organization announced the multi-year agreement in a joint statement Wednesday. The partnership will focus on creating and producing scripted, unscripted and documentary content for the studio’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

CBS will work with the NAACP to form a team to acquire, develop and produce programming to detail inclusive stories.

“In this moment of national awakening, the time has never been better to further tell stories of the African American experience,” said Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, which stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“An important way to diversify and grow our storytelling is to expand our horizons beyond the traditional studio-producer system,” said George Cheeks, president and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group.

ViacomCBS Drops Nick Cannon, Cites ‘Anti-Semitic’ Comments

“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” the company said.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Cannon’s “hateful speech” and anti-Semitic theories led ViacomCBS to cut ties with the TV host and producer, the media giant said.

“ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism,” the company said in a statement Tuesday. It is terminating its relationship with Cannon, ViacomCBS said.

The company’s move was in response to remarks made by Cannon on a podcast in which he and Richard “Professor Griff” Griffith, the former Public Enemy member, discussed racial bias. The podcast reportedly was filmed last year and aired two weeks ago.

“We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’ on YouTube, which promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories,” ViacomCBS said.

“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” the company said.

Cannon produced “Wild ’n Out,” a comedy improv series for VH1, a ViacomCBS-owned cable channel. He’s been a regular part of TV shows unconnected to the company, including as the former host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and host of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

There was no immediate response to requests for comment made to a representative for Cannon and to him through his website. Fox also didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

In Cannon’s hour-plus podcast, he and Griffin contend that Black people are the true Hebrews and that Jews have usurped their identity.

Cannon then segues into a discussion of skin color — “And I’m going to say this carefully,” he begins — to allege that people who lack sufficient melanin are “a little less.”

Those without dark skin have a “deficiency” that historically forced them to act out of fear and commit acts of violence to survive, he said.

“They had to be savages,” Cannon said, adding that he was referring to “Jewish people, white people, Europeans,” among others.

ViacomCBS’ action came as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball great and writer, condemned several sports and entertainment celebrities for anti-Semitic tweets and posts and what he called a “shocking lack of indignation” in response.

Abdul-Jabbar made his comments in a column for The Hollywood Reporter that didn’t refer to Cannon.

As controversy over his remarks began to bubble up Monday, Cannon replied in a Facebook post.

“I do not condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric … The Black and Jewish communities have both faced enormous hatred, oppression persecution and prejudice for thousands of years and in many ways have and will continue to work together to overcome these obstacles,” he wrote.

In the lengthy post, Cannon also said he welcomed being held accountable for his statement and that he held himself accountable “for this moment and take full responsibility.”

Michael Jackson Channel Launching On SiriusXM

The channel will feature music from Jackson’s albums and from live performances, including his 1988 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The King of Pop is joining The Boss and Old Blue Eyes on SiriusXM satellite radio.

The month-long Michael Jackson channel was announced Wednesday by the singer’s estate.

The channel will feature music from Jackson’s albums and from live performances, including his 1988 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour.

Around-the-clock King of Pop programming will begin at noon Eastern. Jackson joins SiriusXM channels devoted to artists like Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.

Playlists created by singer Akon, Jackson’s brothers and fellow Jackson 5 members Jackie, Marlon and Tito will also be featured.

It will also include music that influenced Jackson from artists including James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone, and artists that Jackson influenced including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Journalist and author Steven Ivory, a family friend who interviewed Jackson often, will provide the voice of the channel, telling stories, introducing discussions that chronicle the history and career of Jackson and sharing his own Jackson playlist.

Ivory said the music and message of Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50, are especially fitting for the world in a moment of trouble and turmoil.

“Michael’s music has always rallied the world to acknowledge historical anguish in songs and videos such as ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and ‘Black or White,‘” Ivory said in a statement. “At the same time, he aspired to unify and lead the world with inspiring anthems like ‘Heal the World’ and ‘Earth Song’ which addressed issues that were important to him such as the care of our planet.”

The channel will be available for 30 days on the SiriusXM app and streaming devices, and on the satellite radio network’s channel 50 for a week.

Body Camera Footage Of Floyd Arrest Could Show More Of Story

The video could also show what Chauvin was saying and doing, and how much Lane and Kueng saw. It could also dispel some discrepancies in the two transcripts that Walker, the media attorney, said raise questions about their accuracy.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Video from the body cameras of two officers charged in George Floyd’s death is being made available for public viewing by appointment on Wednesday, but a judge has so far declined to allow news organizations to publish the footage for wider distribution.

Footage from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J. Kueng was filed with the court last week by Lane’s attorney, but only the written transcripts were made public. A coalition of news media organizations and attorneys for Lane and Kueng have said making the videos public would provide a more complete picture of what happened when Floyd was taken into custody.

Members of the news media and the public are viewing the video Wednesday by appointment at the courthouse. The media coalition, which includes The Associated Press, has said this arrangement is the equivalent of keeping the videos under seal, and the coalition is asking Judge Peter Cahill to allow the media to copy the videos and publish them.

Media attorney Leita Walker said in a court filing that the footage should be made widely available to “all members of the public concerned about the administration of justice in one of the most important, and most-watched, cases this State — perhaps this country — has ever seen.”

She also said allowing journalists to copy the footage, watch it multiple times, transcribe it and compare it to the transcripts and to time stamps from widely seen bystander video will help reporters piece together a more complete story.

“As the days of unrest in the Twin Cities showed, it is vitally important that the public have full confidence in the process and outcome of this criminal prosecution,” she said.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Tou Thao, Lane and Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.

The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court last week by Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a motion to have Lane’s case dismissed. Gray said at the time that he wanted the videos to be made public, telling the Star Tribune that they would show the “whole picture.” Gray said the bystander video shows just the last piece of what happened and “is not fair.”

Gray’s motion highlighted portions of the body-camera video that show Floyd “actively resisting and acting erratic” with officers. It also noted Floyd’s “request” to be put on the ground. Gray also argued that Lane didn’t have a clear view of what Chauvin was doing.

Kueng’s attorney, Tom Plunkett, said in a court filing that he also wants the videos made public. He said releasing information in piecemeal fashion has been catastrophic, leading to incomplete reporting by the media and unfairly portraying evidence in favor of the prosecution.

The video footage could provide a more vivid picture of what happened the night Floyd was arrested on suspicion of passing a fake $20 bill. The transcripts show Floyd appearing cooperative at times but becoming agitated as he begged not to be put in a squad car, saying repeatedly he was claustrophobic. The transcripts also detailed Floyd thrashing about in the back of the squad car to the point where he injured himself.

The footage will likely also will show what Lane, Kueng and Floyd did during the struggle, rather than what was merely said. It could also pick up on nonverbal cues that are not captured in the transcripts, such as labored breathing, tone of voice or physical reactions.

The video could also show what Chauvin was saying and doing, and how much Lane and Kueng saw. It could also dispel some discrepancies in the two transcripts that Walker, the media attorney, said raise questions about their accuracy.

Lamman Rucker Chooses Only Quality Roles; Ed Gordon Talks New Book

Lamman Rucker’s Hollywood Meets Ed Gordon’s News = A Great Night @HUR@Home

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Emmy Award-winning journalist, author Ed Gordon, talks about his timely, new book “Conversations In Black.” Later, actor Lamman Rucker joined in to talk about the importance of choosing quality roles. He also talked about his role as Jacob Greenleaf, on OWN TV’s hit show, GREENLEAF. This is the final season of the show.

 

Prince George’s County Tax Proposal

We’re going to hear from both sides of this taxing question.

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Welcome to another edition of HUR@Home. Tonight, I’m talking about a proposal to raise property taxes in Prince George’s County.  Controversial… because this question comes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.  County executive Angela Alsobrooks is on the record as recently as last week… that she is against it.  We’re going to hear from both sides of this taxing question. We hear from County Councilman Derrick Leon Davis, representing District 6 and County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey, representing District 5.

Preserving Our African Heritage

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition needs your help to stop the destruction of the Moses African Cemetery.

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My guest today has been on a crusade in Montgomery County trying to save the only African American cemetery in Bethesda that is the final resting place for enslaved Africans.  Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo – Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition is working to stop the destruction of the Moses African Cemetery.  The cemetery is being demolished to make way for new construction in the county.  The coalition has been calling on the county executive to stop the effort because enslaved Africans are still buried on the site.  The location to meet is 5214 River Rd. Bethesda, MD.

More information can be found here:   http://www.bethesdaafricancemetery.org/

 

 

Listen  to this mornings segment here:

Stacey Abrams, 2020 Election Politics and Your Vote

Stacey Abrams sits down for a wide ranging interview.

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She was narrowly defeated for governor of the state of Georgia.  But Stacey Abrams has let no political grass grow under her feet.  She is one of several black women being considered as Vice-President Joe Biden’s 2020 running mate.  We spoke to Abrams about that and other issues in a wide ranging interview.

2020 Census Information

Part 1

Part 2

Guests:

Stacey Abrams, Former Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

Dr. Ravi Perry, Chair, Dept. of Political Science, Howard University

Christian Cooper And The NYC Central Park Incident

He’s also the man who’s confrontation with Amy Cooper, no relation, about simply keeping her dog on a leash… turned into a national discussion about racism and black lives matter.

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Welcome to another edition of HUR@Home on WHUR.com and all of our social media platforms. I’m talking to Christian Cooper… a New York resident and bird enthusiast. He’s also the man who’s confrontation with Amy Cooper, no relation, about simply keeping her dog on a leash… turned into a national discussion about racism and black lives matter.

‘Empire’ Actor Arrested In Arizona, Accused Of Abusing Wife

Gray refused to leave his home when police arrived but was arrested after SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, police said.

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — “Empire” actor Bryshere Gray has been arrested in Arizona on accusations of abusing his wife, police said.

The Goodyear Police Department said 26-year-old Bryshere Gray was booked into jail Saturday, KPNX-TV reported.

The woman had visible injuries when she flagged someone down to ask for help near Gray’s home in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, saying her husband had assaulted her, police said. She told emergency responders that Gray had strangled her, and she was taken to a hospital, authorities said.

Gray refused to leave his home when police arrived but was arrested after SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, police said.

Gray, who played Hakeem Lyon on the Chicago-based TV show, was pulled over in Chicago in 2019 after authorities said a temporary license plate didn’t match the 2014 Rolls Royce he was driving. He was arrested on a misdemeanor registration charge and ticketed.

“Empire,” which ran for six seasons on Fox, aired its series finale in April.

Rockets’ Westbrook Has Virus, As NBA Bubble Faces First Test

“I tested positive for covid-19 prior to my teams departure to Orlando,” Westbrook wrote on his social media channels. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared.”

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Houston’s Russell Westbrook hasn’t made it to the NBA restart yet.

The coronavirus did — but health protocols seemed to work as the league and its players hoped they would.

On a day of troubling news for the league — Westbrook revealing that he has tested positive for the virus and two other players facing 10-day quarantines for leaving the league campus perimeter at Walt Disney World — it was also announced that two players tested positive for the virus after arriving in Central Florida last week.

But neither of those positive players ever made it out of quarantine, so neither entered the so-called bubble and could mingle freely with other players, coaches and staff. The NBA said both players, neither of whom were identified, “have since left the Campus to isolate at home or in isolation housing.” They could rejoin their teams later.

“Our protocols are unbelievable,” said Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, one of the players who helped craft the restart rules. “I think our protocols and our health and safety measures have been top-notch. I think this thing will work perfectly. … We’re doing everything that we can possibly do to make sure that we’re healthy, we’re safe and we’re in an environment where we can be successful and do our jobs at a high level.”

It’s unclear when Westbrook will arrive. As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook, NBA scoring leader James Harden and newly re-acquired Luc Mbah a Moute — none of the three traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days.

In Westbrook’s case, that now seems most unlikely.

“I tested positive for covid-19 prior to my teams departure to Orlando,” Westbrook wrote on his social media channels. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared.”

The arrival dates for Harden and Mbah a Moute are murky as well. Neither player has revealed why they aren’t at Disney, and Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni would only say that “these are things that people are dealing with.”

D’Antoni said Westbrook had taken part in individual workouts when they were permitted back in Houston, but declined to elaborate further on the guard’s condition. He also isn’t sure when the missing Rockets will arrive.

“I did have one year of pre-med,” D’Antoni said. “But I don’t know when it’s going to happen. As soon as protocols get out of the way … they’re all anxious to get here and they’re doing what they need to do to stay in shape.

“This is not going to set us back. We’re not going to let it set us back, and we’re going to be ready to roll here in the next two, three weeks.”

Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, eight rebounds and seven assists per game for the Rockets this season. Houston has clinched a playoff spot and resumes its season with the first of eight seeding games on July 31 against Dallas.

“I’m praying for his safety and the same for his family,” Phoenix guard Devin Booker said. “Hopefully he can get healthy and get down here as soon as possible.”

The league also said Monday that 19 players newly tested positive since July 1 during in-market testing, meaning tests done before teams began arriving at Disney on July 7. Upon arrival at Disney, 322 players were tested with the two positives.

“All we can do is try to stay optimistic about it and positive, and hopefully we can finish this season,” said Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, the reigning NBA Finals MVP.

Inside the NBA bubble, however, there was optimism that the rules established by the league and the players will work — even though some Disney parks reopened to visitors over the weekend and the MLS restart, also at the campus, has seen two teams leave after a spate of positive tests.

“It’s a condition, a virus, that does not discriminate,” Phoenix coach Monty Williams said. “And we’re trying to do everything we can to keep our guys safe.”

Those protocols that Lowry spoke of were designed to be taken seriously, and at least two players inside the NBA bubble have already paid a steep price for violating quarantine upon their teams’ respective arrivals last week.

Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes revealed Monday that he “briefly and accidentally” crossed the NBA campus line to pick up a food delivery. Under the NBA’s rules of the restart, he now has to spend 10 days in quarantine.

Holmes said he had eight days left in quarantine.

“I apologize for my actions and look forward to rejoining my teammates for our playoff push,” Holmes wrote.

Also Monday, a person with knowledge of the situation said that Houston’s Bruno Caboclo was also serving a 10-day quarantine for crossing the campus line. Like Holmes, Caboclo also had eight days remaining Monday, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Rockets have not announced the sanction.

Monday’s developments came on a day where more than 12,000 new cases were confirmed in Florida, now perhaps the hottest of virus hotspots in the U.S. And officials in Houston also called for that city to lock back down as area hospitals strain to accommodate patients sick with COVID-19.

Westbrook also offered a word of caution.

“Please take this virus seriously,” Westbrook wrote. “Be safe. Mask up!”

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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Deceased Cat Gets Voter Registration Application In Mail

“There’s a huge push but if they’re trying to register cats, I’m not sure who else they’re trying to register. I’m not sure if they’re trying to register dogs, mice, snakes,” Carol Tims said.

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ATLANTA (AP) — In a presidential election year, there’s always a push to get people registered to vote.

For one Atlanta family, that push got a little interesting.

Ron Tims said he checked his mail Wednesday and found a voter registration application addressed to Cody Tims — his cat, who died 12 years ago.

“A great cat, indoor and outdoor, loved his family, loved his neighborhood. He was 18 and a half when he passed away,” Carol Tims told WAGA-TV.

The Tims were surprised, and a bit amused when they saw what Cody received in the mail.

“There’s a huge push but if they’re trying to register cats, I’m not sure who else they’re trying to register. I’m not sure if they’re trying to register dogs, mice, snakes,” Carol Tims said.

The Secretary of State’s Office said the application did not come from its office and that third-party groups often use mailing lists to get names and addresses.

“Third-party groups all over the country are targeting Georgia to help register qualified individuals,” the Secretary of State’s Office said in a statement. “This group makes you wonder what these out-of-town activists are really doing. Make no mistake about it, this office is dedicated to investigating all types of fraud.”

The Secretary of State’s Office said it’s quite sure that even if Cody were still alive and showed up at the polls, he wouldn’t be allowed to vote since he does not have a license or state ID.

If you’re wondering how Cody would have voted if he could go to the polls. His owner said he was a DemoCAT.

Pandemic Leads 7-Eleven To Forgo Free Slurpees On 7-11

“Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven’s chief marketing officer.

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DALLAS (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has taken away another summertime tradition in the U.S.: There will be no free Slurpees at 7-Elevens on Saturday — July 11 — to hail a date that doubles as an abbreviation of the convenience store chain’s name.

7-Eleven has been giving away its slushy beverage to all customers for nearly 20 years on July 11, but it scrapped the promotion this summer to reduce the risk of people flocking to its stores and risking contracting the coronavirus.

“Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven’s chief marketing officer.

The Dallas-based chain instead decided to donate 1 million meals to Feeding America, a hunger relief group. The roughly 33 million people who had 7-Eleven’s membership app installed on their smartphones as of July 1 are also eligible for a free medium Slurpee at any time this month.

Naya Rivera, Who Rose To Fame On TV Show ‘Glee,’ Dies At 33

Viola Davis sent her prayers to Rivera’s family and Kristin Chenoweth said: “Thank you for what you gave the world.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “as a Latina, it’s rare to have a rich, complex characters reflect us in media.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Naya Rivera, a singer and actor who played a gay cheerleader on the hit TV musical comedy “Glee,” was found dead Monday in a Southern California lake. She was 33.

Rivera’s body was discovered five days after she disappeared on Lake Piru, where her son, Josey, was found July 8 alone on a boat the two had rented, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body was Rivera’s.

“Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were,” wrote “Glee” co-star Jane Lynch on Twitter. Steven Canals, who co-created and produced the FX television show “Pose,” tweeted that he was “heartbroken over all the stories that will remain untold.”

Viola Davis sent her prayers to Rivera’s family and Kristin Chenoweth said: “Thank you for what you gave the world.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “as a Latina, it’s rare to have a rich, complex characters reflect us in media.”

Rivera began acting at a young age, but she rose to national attention playing a lesbian teen on “Glee,” which aired from 2009 until 2015 on Fox. She is survived by her parents, Yolanda and George; a younger brother, Mychal; a sister, Nickayla; and her 4-year-old son.

“Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do and this is such a terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made to ‘Glee,’ from the first episode to the last,” said a statement from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.

A native of Santa Clarita, California, Rivera began acting at 4, appearing in such series as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters” and “The Bernie Mac Show.” As a teen, she struggled with an eating disorder and had breast implants put in at 18 (“a confidence thing, not a sexual thing,” she would later write in her autobiography).

“I had the lowest self esteem in high school possible. I wasn’t popular, I didn’t have friends, but I would say it’s really important that you know who you are and you’re going to win in the end because of that,” Rivera said in a 2011 interview with The Associated Press.

She worked odd jobs as a telemarketer, a nanny, a waitress and an Abercrombie & Fitch greeter before landing the role of Santana Lopez on Ryan Murphy’s “Glee.” She auditioned by singing “Emotion.” The pilot offered her no speaking lines.

Rivera played a secondary character — the mean cheerleader with blistering put-downs — in the show’s first season, but became a show regular in the second season as she struggled to reveal her character’s sexual identity. Many on social media credited her character for making them feel better about their own sexuality.

Parades, Close-Ups With Mickey Out As Disney World Reopens

Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, two of Disney World’s four parks are reopening Saturday. When they do, visitors to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” will find new rules in place.

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Forget about up-close “meet-and-greet” sessions with Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck when Walt Disney World parks reopen. There will be no firework shows or parades — those would draw too many people together — and both visitors and employees will be getting temperature checks when they enter.

Despite a huge surge of Floridians testing positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks, two of Disney World’s four parks are reopening Saturday. When they do, visitors to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” will find new rules in place.

Everyone has to wear a mask and maintain social distance. No hopping between parks is allowed, for the time being, and visitors will need reservations to enter.

Disney employees won’t be allowed to take photos of visitors in front of Cinderella’s Castle since it involves touching the tourists’ cameras. There will be no live shows since the reopening has caused a labor dispute between Disney World and its actors and singers.

“That is a very different Disney World than the one you worked at back in March, and that is because of the need for safety,” Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! Local 362, told his members in a recent Facebook discussion.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen Saturday. Disney World’s other two parks, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will welcome back guests four days later. All of the parks closed in mid-March in an effort to stop the virus’s spread. Disney World’s crosstown rivals, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, also closed in March but have been back open for several weeks after instituting similar rules to protect employees and customers from the virus.

Also this month, the NBA and MLS are restarting their seasons at Disney World, which has a massive sports complex featuring multiple playing arenas.

Disney has been opening back up its parks around the globe for the past two months. In May, the company opened Disney Springs, a complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in Lake Buena Vista. Only Disneyland in California delayed its plans to reopen in mid-July, saying it was awaiting guidelines from the state.

The union that represents Disney World actors and singers wishes the Florida resort would do the same until workers can be tested on a regular basis. Florida and other Sunbelt states have seen recent surges in coronavirus cases, and unlike other Disney workers, the singers and actors can’t wear face masks when they perform.

On Thursday, Actors’ Equity Association filed a labor grievance against Disney World, saying their members faced retaliation for demanding the coronavirus tests. The actors and singers initially were called back to work, but that invitation was rescinded last week after the union made public their concerns about the lack of testing, according to Actors’ Equity Association.

For the parks to reopen, “the epidemic must be under control with contact tracing … and that is not the case in Florida,” said Brandon Lorenz, a spokesman for Actors’ Equity Association. “We don’t believe the workplace plan is safe. It has risks not just for the workers but for the guests.”

In a statement, Disney on Thursday said, “We are exercising our right to open without Equity performers.”

Other union leaders are confident in the new safety measures. Clinton, whose members are custodians, housekeepers and park greeters, said a visit to Disney World is now safer than going to the grocery store.

“Will I be safe at work? The short answer to that is, ‘Yes,’” Clinton told his members.

Firefighters and paramedics for Disney World’s private government are expecting to see more heat-related calls from visitors due to the mandatory mask-wearing.

“With the masks and summer in Florida, that’s going to be interesting,” said Tim Stromsnes, an official with the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, Local 2117. “A lot of people aren’t used to our heat and humidity.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that he believe Disney is well-prepared for the reopening.

“I have no doubt it is going to be a safe environment,” DeSantis said. “I am really impressed with what Universal has done and I have looked at Disney’s plan and it is very, very thorough.”

Disney spokeswoman Andrea M. Finger said in a statement Wednesday that the company is “moving forward carefully and methodically.” She said seven unions representing thousands of staff have signed agreements to return to work.

Because of the limits on attendance, new ticket sales and hotel reservations are temporarily on hold so people already with tickets and reservations get first dibs. Even some who already had reservations ran into problems. Shortly after the shutdown, Disney fan Lloyd Stevens and his partner, Andy Rogow, booked a room at the budget Pop Century Resort for next week. But when they called recently to confirm, they were told the only availability was in a much more expensive resort.

“We had to cancel everything,” Stevens said. “I was hoping to get there in midweek and have it not crowded. But with cases rising anyway, I guess we’re kind of glad it didn’t work out.”

Disney World workers have been at the parks already for several weeks, going over hygiene protocols to stop the spread of the virus, sanitizing handrails and consoles and reviewing other changes such as new break rooms that now only accommodate four people at at time.

In addition to a thermometer, workers were given three face masks and a plastic face shield, equipment that made it difficult for some of them to recognize their colleagues without checking their name tags, said Hollywood Studios worker Scott Dudas.

In a Facebook discussion with colleagues, Dudas said he was reassured by the face shields, which can be used when a worker needs to get in close contact with guests, such as making sure children are the proper height for rides.

“I think from a safety aspect, everyone should be on board to feel comfortable with everything in place,” Dudas said. “I feel super safe.”

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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP.

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Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.

How Police Reform Could Look In Prince George’s County

There are many ideas on what it will take to change Police/ Community relations

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Police brutality remains a top of the mind issue across the country.  In Prince George’s County, a group called Progressive Maryland has put forth a set of demands on what police reform should look like in that county.  Tamara Davis-Brown – Member of the Justice Task Force for Progressive Maryland

Progressive Maryland wants Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to take a critical look at how to improve police community relations and they have set out a list of demands for Alsobrooks to use in order to achieve police reform. More information 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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

Pregnancy Mortality

For black women over 30, the risk of dying during pregnancy is four to five times high than white women.

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It’s called pregnancy mortality or maternal mortality, women dying while pregnant or within 42 days of becoming pregnant. The most recent numbers collected by the CDC say nearly 700 women died during pregnancy in 2018.  For black women over 30, the risk of dying during pregnancy is four to five times high than white women. Why is that? What can be done about it?

Resources:

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Black Maternal Health Caucus

Dr. Jamila Perritt, MD,, OBGYN, Reproductive Health & Family Planning Specialist

Mayor Refuses to Release Breonna Taylor Documents

Louisville Mayor Says He Can’t Release Taylor Case Documents

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(Louisville, KY)  —  Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is denying a request asking him to turn over all documents related to the Breonna Taylor case.  Mayor Fischer sent a letter to council members yesterday saying he can’t release the documents which would include investigative materials being reviewed by the FBI, the Department of Justice and the attorney general’s office.  Metro Council made the request last week, including asking for files related to a redevelopment project in the Russell neighborhood.  Lawyers for Breonna Taylor’s family say the Vision Russell project led to the deadly March drug raid on Taylor’s home.

Plan to Dismantle Gen. Lee Statue in Richmond

Richmond’s Lee statue would be cut apart, reassembled

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The state of Virginia plans to remove the large statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Richmond’s Monument Avenue by cutting it into three sections and then reassembling it elsewhere. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that statue’s removal still depends on a court’s approval. But in the meantime, the state has been figuring out how it could deconstruct the sculpture. A state review board recently approved a plan that calls for a crane to remove the 21-foot statue from its 40-foot pedestal. The bronze statue would then be taken apart because it’s too tall to go under bridges. A conservation firm said the entire process will leave “little evidence of cutting and reassembly.”

HUR@HOME Inspiration Dr. Frederick Haynes III and J.J. Hairston

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Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas Texas, and GRAMMY award nominee J.J Hairston were the guests on HUR@HOME Inspiration Sunday July 12, 2020. They both are dynamic men of God who have had tremendous impact on spiritual lives worldwide.

Dr. Haynes is a prophetic pastor, passionate leader, social activist, and eloquent educator. Under his leadership, his church grew from less than 100 members in 1983 to over 12,000. Unfortunately, there are still people who believe that the corona virus is a hoax, such as the 30-year-old in San Antonio who died after going to a COVID party. Dr. Haynes reminded us that we need to follow the wisdom of our scientific leaders who are doing the best they can with the information they have to protect us from COVID-19. Dr. Haynes recapped the sermon he gave on July 4th in which he spoke about white supremacy, the elephant of racial injustice in the room, and that there is still a chance to reset.

Dr. Haynes led Friendship-West to work with local officials and neighborhood groups to decrease the crime rate. He reminded us in the DMV, who just witnessed the shooting death of an 11-year old boy, that James Baldwin once said that the most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose. We should work to give our youth something to live for by redirecting more funds to strengthen our communities.

J.J. Hairston told the story of how God brought his marriage to Trina Hairston from the brink of divorce to a model of a miracle marriage. The couple has written a book about it and mentors other couples. J.J. is also the CEO and founder of Jamestown Music. Inspired by the movie “Ray” about Ray Charles, he now owns all his music. Both Dr. Haynes and J.J. talked about the importance of their connections with countries in Africa and how beneficial those ministries have been. J.J. announced that he has an upcoming music project that will focus on the sound of the DMV.

In his closing prayer, Dr. Haynes prayed for WHUR Sunday morning Gospel host Patrick Ellis who is battling COVID-19. We all pray that he will soon heal and return to his Gospel Spirit program on WHUR.

Daily Affirmations: Embrace That COVID-15 Sis!

Judging by the title I’m sure you’re thinking how? How do I embrace 15lbs? Well, adjusting to the new norm of quarantine has not been easy on any of us. 

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Contributed by Diamond Sydnor

Judging by the title I’m sure you’re thinking how? How do I embrace 15lbs? Well, adjusting to the new norm of quarantine has not been easy on any of us.  It’s very easy to get caught up in the everyday stressors brought to us by this pandemic.  However, there are many things to be thankful for during the pandemic as well.  Many of us have had the opportunity to not only be at home, but we’ve had the opportunity to be still, to reflect, and to meditate and work on things we haven’t had the time to address when the world was and our lives were at a much faster pace.

The world is opening back up in phases and depending upon if you’ve gained weight or not, you may not necessarily feel that your body is summer ready! Let’s change the narrative a bit.  Don’t be too hard on yourself especially after surviving a pandemic! Beauty isn’t just about the outer layer and the physical, it’s about the beauty we possess inside. Yes, I know that may sound cliché but let’s empower ourselves, there’s enough negativity in the world already!

Instead of complaining about the weight you may have gained and not being summer ready, let’s refocus and speak life into crushing your fitness goals! Jot them down if you need to and post them where you can see them as a daily reminder that you’ll get there one day soon.  Here are some affirmations of positive beauty for you to repeat to yourself while mentally preparing to crush your fitness goals:

  1. I am worthy.
  2. I will reach my fitness goals.
  3. I will give myself grace.
  4. I did not have a bad day with eating, I decided to treat myself to my favorite meal.
  5. I will not quit.
  6. Beauty is within.
  7. My physical body is already beautiful, but I want to improve what I already have.
  8. I will not compare myself or my fitness journey with anyone else.
  9. I am enough as is, I want to crush my goals to become a better version of myself.

Don’t beat yourself up, you’re not alone.  Speak positive affirmations over yourself, even if you don’t believe it yet, you will.  In the wonderful words of India Arie “the words that come from your mouth, you are the first to hear, speak words of beauty and you will be there, no matter what anybody says, what matters most is what you think of yourself.”

Let’s crush our fitness goals and embrace where we are currently together!

Dan Snyder Officially Retires “Redskins” Name and Logo

Washington’s NFL Team drops the “Redskins” name and logo amid growing pressure

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Washington, D.C. (Monday, July 13, 2020) – It’s official.  The name “Washington Redskins” is no more.  Washington’s NFL team announced today it will drop the name and the Indian head logo immediately.

The move ends an 87 year history amid a time of reckoning over racial injustice.  While the new name has yet to be announced, the removal of the team name comes less than two weeks after team owner Dan Snyder revealed the team would undergo a through review of the name.

Snyder had been facing mounting pressure from sponsors to change the name.  Nike, FedEx, Pepsi, Bank of America, and many more, all had lined up against the name.

In making the announcement today, the team said it is retiring the name and log and that Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working together to come up with a new name and design.

There have been reports that the new name could not be revealed because the team is fighting over a trademark issue for the new name.

Providing Our Youth With The Best Education Possible

The goal is to expand Montessori education for African American Youth.

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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This morning on Taking It to the Streets we look at a new effort underway to transform Montessori education for the Black community.  A DC based educational non-profit is on a mission to make it happen.  My guest is Dr. Ayize Sabater – Board Member of MOMIE’s TLC

MOMIE’s TLC is launching a one-million dollar initiative to create the Black Montessori Educational Fund to increase Black exposure, expenditure and expertise around Montessori.  More information 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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

 

Great Quarantine Date Ideas

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Single folks out there, I have a question for you — “How’s your dating life going amid the pandemic?” If you are like me then I’m pretty sure it’s lukewarm at best. But don’t get yourself in a state of depression. Here are some great ideas that you can do for some socially distancing dating this summer!

Summer Socially Distancing Ideas

1. Take a hike on some new trails – Hit up one of your state parks and hit the trails.

2. Sightseeing/People Watching – Although some things may not be open fully for you to enjoy there are some outdoor areas that are and will give you the chance to see your city in a new light. Hit up your local park with your date and be sure to sit 6ft away from one another on a bench and chat it up while people watching.

3. Have a picnic! – That’s right get a basket and fill it up with some light finger foods, a nice bottle of wine or sparkling water, a blanket, bug spray and a charged up portable speaker for some music. You can space yourself out and enjoy your date and some conversation.

4. Star Gazing – It may sound cheesy but it’s actually cool and makes for a great date. After your picnic from above kick it a little longer and watch the sunset and gaze at the stars. You will need a lot of bug spray at this point!

I hope these small but fun activities help you on your quest for love in these “new normal” dating days.

Follow on Instagram @StretchG

African Americans and The Second Amendment

Responsible Black gun owners speak out.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Over the past several days we’ve seen viral video on social media of African Americans exercising their 2nd Amendment right.  For example, dozens of members of the NFAC Militia gathered in Stone Mountain, Georgia over the weekend at a known Ku Klux Klan meeting spot. Those members, black men and women, heavily and legally armed. We discuss the constitutional right to bear arms and how it’s seen through the eyes of responsible black gun owners.

Resources:

The Black Gun Owner’s Association

DeShawn Keith Bowser, 2nd Amendment Advocate, Gun Owner
Chanel Tillman, Vice Commander, Black Gun Owner’s Association

 

NBC News Sets Goal Of A Workforce That Is Half Minority

The staff is currently nearly 27% minority, including 8% each of Black, Latino and Asian workers. Conde set no deadline for achieving his “50 Percent Initiative.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — NBC News leader Cesar Conde, in one of his first public acts in the job, has committed to building a workforce at the news organizations he supervises where at least half of the employees are minorities.

The staff is currently nearly 27% minority, including 8% each of Black, Latino and Asian workers. Conde set no deadline for achieving his “50 Percent Initiative.”

He also wants women to comprise half the employees at NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC, and he’s already nearly there.

The plan, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, makes Conde a leader in the current movement to diversify the news business. That conversation has spread throughout the industry since George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police in May.

For example, the top editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer resigned after Black reporters objected to a racially insensitive headline. Black reporters at The New York Times said an opinion piece on protests by Sen. Tom Cotton made them feel unsafe; the Times later said the column should not have run without changes and the opinion editor stepped down.

“It’s not just the right thing to do,” Conde said in an interview Thursday. “It’s the right thing for any business that wants to grow in the United States.”

Conde, a former Telemundo executive, was appointed in May as NBC Universal News Group chairman, filling Andrew Lack’s role.

The networks’ on-air record is mixed. Lester Holt, who is Black, has the most prominent anchor role at NBC News. But until Thursday’s appointment of Joy Reid to host the 7 p.m. show on MSNBC, the liberal-leaning network’s evening cast featured five white men and one white woman.

A more diverse workforce will be able to spot stories that might otherwise be missed, Conde said.

“We are a news organization that I think has a unique responsibility to reflect and represent the various communities we serve,” he said. “In order to do that, we wanted to make sure that we attract the best and the brightest from all walks of life.”

Minority hiring will be one factor in how managers at the news organization are judged, along with finances and ratings at the shows they supervise, he said.

That’s important, since it will force managers to focus on the issue both in hiring and in retaining minority employees, said Doris Truong, director of training and diversity at the Poynter Institute, a journalism think tank. Truong said NBC News should also set goals for minority representation in leadership.

Conde and Truong have both suggested paid internships to attract young people of different economic backgrounds.

Given where NBC currently stands, particularly with Black employees, Truong said she understands why the initiative has no deadline and is glad that progress will be checked regularly. But she said Conde needs to ensure his initiative outlasts him.

“What I would like to hear is whether other people at NBC are committed to this moving forward,” she said.

Conde told his staff that NBC plans to seize the moment of awakening in the United States.

“This is the right moment for NBC Universal to not just wait for change to happen but to take the lead in it,” he told the AP.

Reid Says She Wants Different Perspectives On MSNBC Show

“We are going to try to fire out of the gate with whatever is the most important thing that’s happening that night, and try to frame it and contextualize it,” Reid said in an interview. “Hopefully, I have a very unique frame.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Joy Reid says she wants to bring some different perspectives to MSNBC’s evening lineup — lots of them.

As anticipated, the host of MSNBC’s weekend “AM Joy” show was appointed Thursday to succeed former “Hardball” host Chris Matthews in the 7 p.m. Eastern time slot on weekdays.

“We are going to try to fire out of the gate with whatever is the most important thing that’s happening that night, and try to frame it and contextualize it,” Reid said in an interview. “Hopefully, I have a very unique frame.”

As a Black woman, Reid addresses a somewhat embarrassing oversight at a news and talk network aimed at a mostly liberal audience. Before her selection, the 5 p.m. to midnight hours were hosted by five white men and one white woman.

“She’s earned this, spot on,” said NBC Universal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, who has said his goal is a workforce with 50 percent minorities at NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC. “I happen to think she’s the right person for the right moment in time.””

Reid was a news junkie, a sixth grader who convinced her mother to let her stay up late to watch Ted Koppel’s “Nightline” reports on the Iran hostage situation in 1979.

“It almost didn’t even sink in until I was older that I was watching a parade of white men tell me what’s happening in the world, explaining the world to me,” she said.

She naturally brings a different perspective to stories, particularly with the current debate over policing.

Reid has also sought, like MSNBC predecessors Melissa Harris-Perry and Ed Schultz, to seek out a greater variety of sources for stories. Instead of bringing in a frequently-seen Harvard professor for a story on the economy, why not find an expert from Morehouse College, for instance?

“It’s kind of like a family dinner table in a really interesting family, a crowded dinner table in a family that adopted multiracial children from all around the world,” she said.

Reid appears to have worked past a damaging incident from 2017, when anti-gay statements from a blog she wrote a decade earlier were revealed. Reid hired an investigator, convinced she’d been hacked. She later apologized when the investigator could find no evidence the words weren’t Reid’s.

Harris-Perry was among the colleagues who tweeted congratulations on Thursday, as did Soledad O’Brien, Yamiche Alcindor, Jonathan Capeheart and Craig Melvin.

So did Dan Rather, who she grew up watching. And Matthews, who was forced into an early retirement in March following a series of gaffes and an article that accused him of inappropriate comments to some women on his show.

“Joy will prove once again her commitment to telling the truth about our country’s history, our present challenges and her hopes for America’s future,” Matthews tweeted. “She’s the real deal.”

Melvin Lindsey Tribute: Maysa And Boney James Perform ‘Love Is A Battlefield’

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What a night! What a night! The incredible, Grammy Award nominated, saxophonist, Boney James, was first to join the conversation tonight on HUR@Home. He talked about how he’s dealing with staying home all this time because of the pandemic. He even tells us how his new CD, Solid, was number 10 on Billboard. That’s impressive.  A self proclaimed home body, he said that staying home is actually not that different from his normal lifestyle. With the exception of not being able to tour. When he’s not working out in his home gym, Boney practices on his sax every day, except Sundays, in the sanctity of his backyard.

Then we brought on the incredible, Grammy Award nominated songbird, Maysa. She looked beautiful and sounded so good. If you haven’t caught it, Maysa entertains us every Sunday with her Kitchen Karaoke Sessions. Follow her on IG so that you don’t miss any. I really enjoyed how Maysa talked about the state of the world today and how we are all in need of more love. That’s nothing but the truth. When you press play, you’re gonna feel the love as Maysa and Boney James collaborated on her song, Love Is A Battlefield. It was so moving.

We closed out the night with a birthday toast to the creator of the Original Quiet Storm, Melvin Lindsey! Hope you enjoy the conversation!

@boneyjames01 @maysaleakmusic @angelastribling @whurfm

HUR@HOME with Howard Hewett

We Talked About What Really Went Down With Shalamar!

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Grammy Award winner, Howard Hewett, is one of the most gifted vocalists in the Post-Marvin Gaye era of pop R&B.

He started singing as a child, fronting his older sisters in The Hewett Singers. The group toured the gospel circuit. As a teen, Hewett sharpened his crooner skills in a funk band called Lyfe. In 1976, Hewett moved to Los Angeles and formed a group put together by the owners of the historic Maverick’s Flat, called Beverly Hills. Hewett got his mainstream break as the male vocal lead in Shalamar, a centerpiece of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles Records) label. His tenor voice mixed beautifully with the bright vocals of Jody Watley, the dancing skills of Jeffery Daniels and the writing and production of Leon Sylvers III.

The fact that there was an obvious echo (technical glitch) from his end, we all enjoyed every moment. That was one of the best IG Lives! We learned so much about this gifted artist. His spirituality, and how he’s using this time during the pandemic to get even closer to God. Howard Hewett was quoting bible scriptures. He even talked about his love for his children. Howard was so open, honest, and engaging for our WHUR viewers.

We talked about what really went down with his former group, Shalamar, that left he and Jody Watley not speaking to each other for decades. In fact, he said that this is the most he’s opened up about it in an interview. Press play to see the full interview. Watch the entire show, and you’ll get a special “serenade treat” at the end.

Instagram: @howard_hewett @angelastribling @whurfm

Authorities Search For ‘Glee’ Star Believed To Have Drowned

Rivera, 33, disappeared after renting the pontoon boat for three hours Wednesday afternoon and taking it out on Lake Piru in Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

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Authorities planned Friday to renew the search for “Glee” star Naya Rivera, who is believed to have drowned in a Southern California lake while boating with her 4-year-old son.

Rivera, 33, disappeared after renting the pontoon boat for three hours Wednesday afternoon and taking it out on Lake Piru in Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

The lake an hour’s drive from Los Angeles was searched by dozens of people, most of them divers, with help from helicopters, drones and all-terrain vehicles. The search to recover Rivera’s body continued into the night Thursday before ending for that day.

The area where the boat was found is about 30 feet (9 meters) deep. Murky waters heavy with plants made it difficult for divers to see more than about a foot ahead of them, sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Donoghue said Thursday.

“If the body is entangled on something beneath the water, it may never come back up,” Donoghue said.

Rivera played Santana Lopez, a singing cheerleader in 113 episodes of the musical-comedy “Glee,” which aired on Fox from 2009 until 2015. She also had recurring roles on “The Bernie Mac Show” and “The Royal Family.”

Rivera, a Los Angeles resident, had experience boating on the lake in Los Padres National Forest, Donoghue said.

Surveillance video taken at about 1 p.m. Wednesday shows Rivera and her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, leaving on the rented boat.

When the boat failed to return, its vendor found the vessel drifting in the northern end of the lake late Wednesday afternoon with the boy asleep on board. He told investigators that he and his mother had been swimming and he got back into the boat but she didn’t, according to a sheriff’s office statement.

The boy was wearing a life vest and another life jacket was found in the boat along with Rivera’s purse and identification.

Rivera is believed to have drowned “in what appears to be a tragic accident,” the statement said.

The boy, Rivera’s son from her marriage to actor Ryan Dorsey, was safe and healthy and with family members, authorities said. The couple finalized their divorce in June 2018 after nearly four years of marriage.

She called the boy, her only child, “my greatest success, and I will never do any better than him” in her 2016 memoir “Sorry Not Sorry.”

The most recent tweet on Rivera’s account, from Tuesday, read “just the two of us” along with a photo of her and her son.

It appeared increasingly likely she would become the third major cast member from the show to die in their 30s.

Co-star Mark Salling, who Rivera dated at one point, killed himself in 2018 at age 35 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.

Cory Monteith, one of the show’s leads, died at 31 in 2013 from a toxic mix of alcohol and heroin.

Rivera was engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013, but their relationship ended a year later. The pair met on Twitter and collaborated musically, with the rapper appearing on Rivera’s debut single “Sorry.” She married Dorsey a few months later.

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.

Send Your Kids To A Virtual Camp

Camp Arena Stage is offering virtual camps this summer

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Art can connect people even when they are not in the same physical space.  That’s why in this period of social distancing, Camp Arena Stage is moving online.  Virtual Camp Arena Stage will provide young people ages 8 – 15 with the opportunity to explore, discover, and create art while building long lasting meaningful relationships.  My guest is Rebecca Campana – Co-Camp Director

Camp Area Stage are virtual camps that are half days- morning or afternoon – and run Monday thru Friday for two weeks.  Camp dates are July 17thand July 20th– 31t.  Registration is open and camper can attend more than one camp. More information here:

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Remain Safe As We’re Reopening

These are just a few ideas! Quarantine doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. Let’s get creative together as we are trying our best to adjust to this new virtual way of living!

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Contributed by Diamond Sydnor

States across the world are opening in phases, but please be reminded the Covid-19 pandemic is not over. New Coronavirus cases are being found everyday as the number of cases in states are either re-spiking or steadily increasing. Please continue to wash your hands, wear a face mask, and socially distance.

Being in quarantine can become tiring because at some point we all want a change of scenery now from our home setting, and let’s be honest parents even a break from the babies just to breathe and regroup. At first, we looked forward to the grocery store runs and essential runs because that’s the only place we were permitted to go. Working from home has required us to do more work at home than in the office, trying to adjust to the new norm. Now we want a vacation! Hold your horses, let’s slow down on planning any trips even if the world is re-opening in phases for our own personal safety and our loved ones too.

I know what you’re thinking, the grocery store and essential runs to alleviate spending all day in the house are getting mundane. The thirty-minute walks around the same park in your neighborhood with your children and pets are becoming repetitive. Although, in some states you can enjoy a dine-in outdoor experience, some of us still have anxiety and fears even being around those we don’t know even if we are socially distant. Don’t worry we’re all in this together. It’s time to get creative!

This article is going to help shed some light on some fun and socially virtual activities you can enjoy with your family and friends. Here we go:

1. Put the kiddies to bed and set up a zoom call with your friends and do a paint and sip night

2. Set up a zoom and share your screen to play a game night with your family. Look up ways to create games on google and enjoy. I’ll give you one, jeopardy templates are all over the internet and directions on how to set it up are too

3. Have a virtual brunch with your friends

4. Create your favorite meal at home and zoom your coworkers for a lunch date

5. Set a day for the family to connect for a weekly check-in via zoom

6. Watch your favorite Netflix series with your family or friends via zoom

7. Host a virtual cooking night. Find a new recipe and challenge your friends or family to get all of the ingredients and cook with them via zoom

8. Have an arts and crafts night with your children or even bake a cake or make a pizza! We know the kids love pizza and sweets

9. Host a virtual happy hour to chat and sip! You’d be surprised at how relaxing and fun it’ll be

These are just a few ideas! Quarantine doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. Let’s get creative together as we are trying our best to adjust to this new virtual way of living! Don’t forget as stated before the pandemic is not over, wash your hands, wear a mask, and continue to participate in being socially distant. Be safe and be well.

Activists Seek $75k Reward to Find Relisha Rudd

Saturday, July 11th is being proclaimed Relisha Rudd Day as organizers seek to increase the reward to find the missing DC girl to $75,000.

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Washington, D.C. (Thursday, July 9, 2020) – Relisha Rudd is the 8-year-old District of Columbia girl who went missing back in March 2014 after last being seen with a janitor at the DC General Homeless Shelter.  Despite countless searches and pleas, DC police have not been able to locate the girl.

Activists and family members are calling on the city to increase the reward in hopes of getting someone to step forward with any information. Henderson Long with DC’s Missing Voices is helping to spearhead the effort to have the reward increased from $25,000 to $75,000.  “We think that will stimulate tips and leads to come in.  We know with more money people are more inclined to step forward and speak as opposed to just $25,000, said Long.

He has circulated a petition on change.org to urge D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department to up the reward.  “If we are serious about finding her (Relisha), we have to start putting our money where our mouth is.”

Relisha had been living in the shelter with her mother when she was befriended by janitor Khalil Tatum, a former felon.  She apparently stopped attending school.  But it was a month before her absence was reported to police.

Tatum was later found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound in a NE park.  His wife was also found murdered in a Prince George’s County hotel.

Relisha has not been found.  Saturday, July 11th is being proclaimed National Relisha Rudd Day.  Activists and family members plan to hit the streets with more age progression photos of Relisha in hopes of finding her now six years later.   Relisha would be turning 15-years-old in October.

Arrest in Murder of Davon McNeal

 The boy was shot in the head on the 4th of July during a stop-the-violence cookout in Anacostia.

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DC Police have announced an arrest in the killing of 11-year-old Davon McNeal.  The boy was shot in the head on the 4th of July during a stop-the-violence cookout in Anacostia. McNeal’s mother is part of the District’s Violence Interrupters program.  One of his grandfathers is a long-time community activist and founding member of the DC Guardian Angels. More information is expected during news conference tonight.

DC Councilmember Says Chief Newsham Needs To Go

Councilmember David Grosso also offered criticism of Mayor Bowser for her support of Chief Peter Newsham. 

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DC At-Large Councilmember David Grosso is calling for new leadership in the Metropolitan Police Department.  Grosso sent a letter to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser today requesting that Chief Peter Newsham be relieved of this position.  In a statement released today Grosso criticized Newsham saying, “Chief Newsham has regularly engaged in an adversarial, rather than collaborative, relationship with the Council, even on piecemeal reforms….”

Grosso also offered criticism of Mayor Bowser for her support of Chief Newsham.

DC Police Chief Peter Newsham

Family Re-Imagines Bob Marley Classic For COVID-19 Relief

All proceeds from the new version of “One Love,” released by Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music, will support Reimagine, UNICEF’s global campaign for coronavirus relief efforts focused on helping and aiding children around the world.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Bob Marley’s Grammy-winning children and chart-topping grandson have re-imagined one of his biggest hits to assist children affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Stephen Marley, Cedella Marley and her son, Skip Marley, have joined forces to produce a new version of “One Love,” which will be released July 17 and will also include special guest appearances from other musicians. A music video will also be released that day.

“Daddy wrote this song like 40 years ago, a long, long time. It just feels like right now in the world we need to have some different type of unity happening. Not just lip service, but real action,” Cedella Marley, 52, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week. “I think we’re going to bring this song to a generation that needs to know we do care. We do care what happens. We’re going to do a nudge and push and a shove and hopefully the message will resonate.”

Bob Marley & The Wailers released “One Love” in 1977. Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981 at age 36.

All proceeds from the new version of “One Love,” released by Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music, will support Reimagine, UNICEF’s global campaign for coronavirus relief efforts focused on helping and aiding children around the world.

“(The) song is very special because of (its) message. It’s a song of equality. One love meaning love for everyone, for all humanity. It doesn’t matter the color, creed or social status or anything like that. It’s appreciating the human family. ‘One heart, let’s get together and feel all right,’” eight-time Grammy winner Stephen Marley said. “It’s a very important statement to my family.”

Jewelry brand Pandora says it will match every dollar raised from “One Love,” giving up to $1 million.

Cedella Marley said they recorded the song at her house in Miami and they received Rita Marley’s blessing. “My mom, she came in and she listened, and she gave us a thumbs up and that seal of approval is priceless.”

Skip Marley, the 24-year-old rising star who has collaborated with Katy Perry and Major Lazer, said recording the song reminded him of his first-ever studio session.

“The first time I was ever in a studio recording, we were recording ‘One Love.’ Actually, you remember, mom?” he said, looking to Cedella Marley.

“Yeah, it’s in my book,” the three-time Grammy winner said, referring to her children’s book called “One Love.”

“I remember that was my first time I was able to sing on the mic,” Skip Marley added. “It’s just bringing me back. It’s just a mommy-son thing.”

Skip Marley recently made history by becoming the first Jamaican artist to top Billboard’s adult R&B songs chart. He achieved the feat with the tune “Slow Down,” featuring R&B superstar H.E.R., and he will release an album in August.

“He put in the hard work,” Cedella Marley said. “He’s very disciplined. He loves what he does. His voice now can reach a different generation than my voice. I think we have to use the vessels that are in front of us, sometimes, to get our message across.”

“Still working. Still putting in the hard work,” Skip Marley added. “We no stop working.”

Cedella Marley said she’s happy to see her son keep the family name active, and it’s important to her to keep her father’s legacy alive.

“It’s something that I actually enjoy. I’ve been doing it since I was like 13. It’s something that I’ve grown to love. I go into each day thinking, ‘How can Daddy’s voice bring about something? How can I make him more relevant today than he was yesterday?’” she said. “I always come up with some really cool ideas.”

MSNBC Appoints Joy Reid As Chris Matthews’ Replacement

“I’m honored and thankful for this opportunity,” Reid said in a statement.

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NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC says Joy Reid will move into the early evening time slot vacated in March by former “Hardball” host Chris Matthew’s retirement in March.

Reid, who has been a weekend anchor at the cable news network and lately has subbed in the 7 p.m. Eastern time slot, now has the position full time, will do a Washington-based show dubbed “The ReidOut.”

Reid said she was intent on “bringing in diverse, smart and accomplished voices to the table on topics that are important to our viewers.”

Reid, who is Black, brings diversity to a lineup popular with liberals that currently has five white men and a white woman as hosts in the hours between 5 p.m. and midnight.

“I’m honored and thankful for this opportunity,” Reid said in a statement.

Matthews retired on-air in early March following a series of gaffes and an article written by journalist Laura Basset that accused him of making inappropriate comments to her and other women who were on his show.

Sheriff: ‘Glee’ Actor Naya Rivera Missing In California Lake

She called the boy “my greatest success, and I will never do any better than him” in her 2016 memoir “Sorry Not Sorry.”

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities were searching the waters of a Southern California lake Thursday for “Glee” star Naya Rivera a day after her 4-year-old son was found alone on a rented boat.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said helicopters, drones and divers including some from other agencies were joining the search that was suspended overnight after several hours Wednesday. It resumed Thursday morning on Lake Piru, 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles in the Los Padres National Forest.

Rivera rented a pontoon boat at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, and planned to go swimming with the little boy in the reservoir’s recreation area, authorities said. Another boater found her son on the north end of the lake asleep on the boat and wearing a life vest.

“We’re going on the belief that she did go in the water and we have not been able to locate her,” Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Buschow said at a news conference. “So this may well be a case of drowning.”

Rivera’s identification was found on the boat and her vehicle was found in a parking area, authorities said. The boy was safe and healthy and with family members.

There have been occasional drownings through the years in the lake’s popular recreation area, which is technically a reservoir. It was shut down Thursday for the search.

 

Rivera’s 4-year-old son is from a marriage with actor Ryan Dorsey. The couple finalized their divorce in June 2018 after nearly four years of marriage.

She called the boy “my greatest success, and I will never do any better than him” in her 2016 memoir “Sorry Not Sorry.”

The actress was engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013, but their relationship ended a year later. The pair met on Twitter and collaborated musically, with the rapper appearing on Rivera’s debut single “Sorry.”

Rivera played Santana Lopez, a singing cheerleader in the musical-comedy “Glee” that aired on Fox from 2009 until 2015. She appeared in 113 episodes of the series and dated co-star Mark Salling, who killed himself in 2018 at age 35 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.

Cory Monteith, one of the show’s leads, died at 31 in 2013 from a toxic mix of alcohol and heroin.

Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.

Supreme Court Delivers Trump Victory and Defeat

Supreme Court justices say Manhattan prosecutor can see President Trump’s personal financial records.

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Washington, D.C. (Thursday, July 9, 2020) – In two separate rulings today, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a mixed bag of decisions for President Trump about his business and financial affairs.  The high court in a 7-to-2 decision ruled a New York prosecutor can in fact see President Trump’s private and business financial records.  The decision ends an intense legal battle by Trump to keep those records under wrap.

Moments later, justices ruled unanimously blocking Congress from getting Trump’s financial records, sending the controversial case back to lower courts.

The Paycheck Protection Program Has Been Extended

What you need to know if you own a small business or are self-employed

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Valuable information this morning for small businesses and those self-employed.  The government’s small business aid program has been extended and I have information about resources you need to know.  My guest is Katie Vlietstra – Vice President for the National Association for the Self-Employed

The Paycheck Protection Program which was to end on June 30th. has been extended, which is great news for so many businesses that are still in need of help because of the Covid-19 pandemic.  More information can be found at the website of The National Association for the Self-Employed….  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.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

DC Gun Violence: Old Problems, New Concerns

As of July 8th, 2020 there have been 93 homicides in DC so far this year.  This time last year, there were 78.

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Eleven-year-old Devon McNeal was shot and killed over the July 4thholiday weekend during a surge of deadly gun violence in DC.  As of July 8th, 2020 there have been 93 homicides in DC so far this year.  This time last year, there were 78. That’s an increase of 19%.

DC isn’t the only place we’ve seen high-profile homicides involving children. This month eight-year-old Secoriea Turner was shot in Atlanta.  Eight-year-old Royta De’Marco Giles was shot in Hoover, Alabama, just west of Birmingham.  Seven-year-old Natalia Wallace Was shot in Chicago and an unidentified six-year-old boy was killed in San Francisco.  What is going on?  Why is this happening?

Guests:

John Ayala, Founder, DC Guardian Angels (not pictured)

Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammad, Associate Professor, Dept. of Criminology and Sociology, Howard University

 

SCOTUS Allows Birth Control Opt Out From Obamacare

Court: Some employers can refuse to offer free birth control

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has ruled broadly in favor of the religious rights of employers in two cases that could leave more than 70,000 women without free contraception and tens of thousands of people with no way to sue for job discrimination. In both cases Wednesday the court ruled 7-2, with both liberal and conservative justices ruling in favor of the Trump administration and religious employers. In the more prominent case, the justices greenlighted changes to President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul that would allow more employers to opt out of providing no-cost birth control coverage.

Storied Men’s Clothiers Files For Bankruptcy

Brooks Brothers dressed American presidents from Lincoln to Kennedy.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Brooks Brothers, the 200-year-old company that dressed nearly every U.S. president, is filing for bankruptcy protection. Founded in New York in 1818, Brooks Brothers survived two world wars, the Great Depression and even managed to stay afloat when more men opted to wear hoodies over ties in the office. But the pandemic pushed it into file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday with so many of its stores closed, and a crisp suit far removed from most shopping lists.

HU President Frederick Discusses Fall Re-Opening Plan

Gayle and Frederick’s conversation touches on key points of the plan, including what the hybrid campus model entails, additional fall campus safety measures, and the need for the community buy-in to achieve a successful environment.

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WASHINGTON – Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA recently sat down with alumna and journalist Anna-Lysa Gayle of WJLA ABC 7 for a WHUT TV special titled, “Howard University Re-Opening Plan for Fall 2020.” During the conversation, Dr. Frederick highlights the University’s plan to return to campus in a hybrid format, while cautioning that the administration will continue to monitor the coronavirus spread and make adjustments accordingly.

Gayle and Frederick’s conversation touches on key points of the plan, including what the hybrid campus model entails, additional fall campus safety measures, and the need for the community buy-in to achieve a successful environment.

“We have a sacred obligation when students come to Howard University to protect them; it’s the first priority. This is an urban city which comes with all of the risks of being in an urban city and now, the coronavirus is highest risk that rises to our attention at this point of time,” said President Frederick. “However, being an urban campus, there are risks all the time and we take the responsibility of bringing students to campus very seriously. We will put the best effort forward to create a safe campus, but our student’s participation in our process is key. We can put up all the safeguards, but if they don’t social distance, if they don’t wash their hands frequently, if they don’t wear their masks, then those are risks that we are not going to be able to combat. We need everyone to commit to make sure that this works.”

When asked about his concerns related to students adhering to the safety measures, Dr. Frederick says he’s confident that Howard’s predominantly African American population of scholars of are paying attention to how the virus is disproportionately impacting minority communities and will carry themselves appropriately.

“I’ll tell you what my own gut instinct is, being a Howard alum, a faculty member and as someone who is currently still operating during this crisis and seeing patients who have contracted this virus. The disproportionate impact this has had on African Americans is something that I think our community needs to take seriously, and this movement around the social injustice and the systemic racism that has been occurring in our country has brought a lot of people to the party. A party that Howard University, in many ways, has been at since the very beginning and has continued. While everybody else comes and goes out of this particular issue, we’ve been steady. At the core of this particular issue is that Black Live Matter and one of the things I hope that people will recognize is that Howard’s Black Lives Matter and they should be of paramount significance in our thoughts as we think about what we should be doing. So rather than have students and faculty and staff sign a pledge, I want to speak to their consciousness about who we are as a community and why we need to take care of each other.”

The special is available to view on Howard’s Youtube channel and will rebroadcast on WHUT TV on Friday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. EST and Monday, July 13 at 9 a.m. EST.

US Coronavirus Cases Top 3M

COVID-19 cases hit another new milestone with a record 60,021 cases reported Tuesday, pushing the overall total passed 3M

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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, July 8 2020) – The number of persons in the United States infected with COVID-19 has now surpassed 3 million and experts believe millions more probably have the virus.

The death toll has also hit nearly 132,000.  Health officials say the numbers are rising fast because many Americans have fallen into a false sense of security, abandoning social distancing guidelines and wearing masks.

While the infection rate is steadily climbing, the number of deaths has stabled off in recent weeks.  But experts caution reading too much into that statistic. “It’s a false narrative to take comfort in a lower rate of death,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

How The YMCA Has Evolved, COVID Shutdown

We hear about how the “Y” has evolved to meet the needs of the community during the COVID-19 shutdown.

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Tonight we talk to Angie Reese-Hawkins, CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.  We hear about how the “Y” has evolved to meet the needs of the community during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Teen Athletes and the COVID-19 Pandemic

How do teen athletes cope with the COVID-19 shutdown?

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Before the covid-19… the boys and girls of summer were ready ramp up their warm weather regimine. For many elite teen athletes… this isn’t about just tossing a ball around.  This is about laying the foundation for big athletic goals including college scholarships… even with an eye on pro sports. But 2020 has thrown a curve at young athletes.  Some of them wondering how the canceling of their sports this summer will impact their future. We examine how they’re coping with the new normal and what they can do instead.

Resources:

The Grassroots Project

Niah Wood, Howard University Track & Field Team
Dr. Tyish Hall-Brown, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Howard University College of Medicine
McKenzie Jones, The Grassroots Project

 

More Confederate Statues Come Down In Richmond

Richmond removes statue of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart.

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Work crews in Richmond, Virginia, have lifted away an monument to Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. It’s the third major Confederate statue to be removed as the Confederacy’s former capital rushes to remove symbols of oppression amid nationwide protests over police brutality and racism. The 22-foot bronze equestrian statue went up on Richmond’s Monument Avenue in 1907, a time when white leaders across the South sought to glorify the ‘lost cause’ of the Civil War and suppress attempts by Black people to achieve equality. Mayor Levar Stoney ordered the removal of all city-owned Confederate statues on July 1.

Breonna Taylor Lawsuit

Family argues police had no cause for raid.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A lawsuit from Breonna Taylor’s family says Louisville police called off a warrant search of her apartment after a drug suspect was located elsewhere. But it alleges the police then went ahead with the deadly raid to look for other suspects. Attorneys for Taylor’s family say police “should never have been at Breonna Taylor’s home in the first place.” The man who police connected to Taylor was arrested that night more than 10 miles away. The suit says police went ahead with the search at Taylor’s home to look for other suspects who did not have a connection to Taylor.