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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.

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

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.

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

(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

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.”

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’

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!


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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Tell-All Book By Trump Niece To Be Released Next Week

“Mary L. Trump has the education, insight, and intimate familiarity needed to reveal what makes Donald, and the rest of her clan, tick,” a release about the book said.

NEW YORK (AP) — A tell-all book by President Donald Trump’s niece that has been the subject of a legal battle will be released next week.

Publisher Simon & Schuster cited “high interest and extraordinary interest” in the book by Mary Trump titled “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.” The book was originally set for release on July 28, but will now arrive on July 14.

The revised date, announced Monday, came after a New York appellate court cleared the way for the book’s publication following a legal challenge by Trump’s brother.

The White House did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the release date change.

Robert Trump had sued Mary Trump to block publication of a book promoted to contain an “insider’s perspective” of “countless holiday meals,” “family interactions” and “family events.”

A judge last week left in place a restraint that blocked Mary Trump and any agent of hers from distributing the book, but the court made clear it was not considering Simon & Schuster to be covered by the ruling. The publisher has said that 75,000 first-run editions had already been sent to bookstores.

Mary Trump is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr., the president’s elder brother, who died in 1981. She has a doctorate in psychology.

“Mary L. Trump has the education, insight, and intimate familiarity needed to reveal what makes Donald, and the rest of her clan, tick,” a release about the book said.

The book is expected to include a number of allegations about President Trump, including how his upbringing led to his worldview and the derision he showed his father after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The book’s back cover opens with a biting critique of the president: “Today, Donald is much as he was at three years old: incapable of growing, learning, or evolving, unable to regulate his emotions, moderate his responses, or take in and synthesize information.”

Rickey Smiley’s Daughter Injured After Being Shot In Texas

“My youngest daughter was shot last night,” said Smiley, host of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. “I’m just so angry right now.”

HOUSTON (AP) — Atlanta-based radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley said Monday that his daughter was hospitalized after being shot in Houston while on her way to Whataburger to get something to eat.

“My youngest daughter was shot last night,” said Smiley, host of “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. “I’m just so angry right now.”

Smiley said that his daughter, Aaryn, was “going to be fine.” He said he was headed to Houston to be with her.

Houston police have reported an incident in which a woman was shot in her vehicle Sunday night but have not released her name.

Police have said three men and a woman were injured when someone opened fire in a Houston intersection Sunday night. Police said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Police said the suspect shot three men stopped at a red light following an argument. Police said the woman, who wasn’t involved in the altercation and was in another car, was hit by at least one stray bullet while waiting for the light to change.

Police say the suspected gunman fled.

Movement For Black Lives Seeks Sweeping Legislative Changes

“We stand on the shoulders of giants and there has been 400 years of work that Black people have done to try to get us closer to freedom,” Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said.

DETROIT (AP) — Proposed federal legislation that would radically transform the nation’s criminal justice system through such changes as eliminating agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration and the use of surveillance technology is set to be unveiled Tuesday by the Movement for Black Lives.

Dubbed the BREATHE Act, the legislation is the culmination of a project led by the policy table of the Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 organizations. It comes at an unprecedented moment of national reckoning around police brutality and systemic racism that has spurred global protests and cries for change after several high-profile killings of Black Americans, including George Floyd.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants and there has been 400 years of work that Black people have done to try to get us closer to freedom,” Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said.

“This moment is a watershed moment. I think this moment calls for structural change and transformative change in ways that we haven’t seen in a very long time. We see this opportunity to push for the BREATHE Act as a part of what we’re calling the modern-day civil rights act.”

The legislation was first shared with The Associated Press, and is scheduled to be revealed in a Tuesday press conference that is slated to include an appearance by singer John Legend.

The proposed changes are sweeping and likely to receive robust pushback from lawmakers who perceive the legislation as too radical.

University of Michigan professor and criminal justice expert Heather Ann Thompson acknowledged the uphill battle, but noted that that the legislation is being introduced at a highly opportune time.

“I think those programs that they’re suggesting eliminating only look radical if we really ignore the fact that there has been tremendous pressure to meaningfully reform this criminal justice system,” said Thompson, author of “Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy.” “Every radical piece of legislation that we’ve ever passed in this country, it has passed on the heels of the kinds of grassroots protests that we saw on the streets. The will of the people indicates that if they just keep putting a Band-Aid on it, these protests are not going to go away.”

No members of Congress have yet said they plan to introduce the bill, but it has won early support among some of the more progressive lawmakers, including Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib, who also are due to participate in the news conference.

The bill is broken into four sections, the first of which specifically would divest federal resources from incarceration and policing. It is largely aimed at federal reforms because Congress can more easily regulate federal institutions and policy, as opposed to state institutions or private prison facilities.

The other sections lay out a detailed plan to achieve an equitable future, calling for sweeping changes that would eliminate federal programs and agencies “used to finance and expand” the U.S. criminal-legal system.

The elimination would target agencies such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has come under fire in recent years for its aggressive deportation efforts, and lesser-known programs such as Department of Defense 1033, which allows local law enforcement agencies to obtain excess military equipment.

The act, which also seeks to reduce the Department of Defense budget, would institute changes to the policing, pretrial detention, sentencing and prosecution practices that Cullors said have long disproportionately criminalized Black and brown communities, LGBTQIA people, Indigenous people, and individuals with disabilities.

It would establish the Neighborhood Demilitarization Program, which would collect and destroy all equipment like military-grade armored vehicles and weapons in the hands of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies by 2022.

Federal law enforcement also would be unable to use facial-recognition technology, which many communities across the nation already have banned, along with drones and forms of electronic surveillance such as ankle-monitoring.

The bill would end life sentences, abolish all mandatory minimum sentencing laws and create a “time bound plan” to close all federal prisons and immigration detention centers.

Recent polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows a dramatic shift has occurred in the nation’s opinions on policing and race, with more Americans today than five years ago believing police brutality is a very serious problem that too often goes undisciplined and unequally targets Black Americans. The polling found that the majority of Americans say the criminal justice system needs major changes, including many saying it needs a complete overhaul.

Cullors said she is hopeful the bill will gain support and build upon the change the movement has produced since it first began seven years.

“We are calling for the federal government to be creative in identifying new approaches to dealing with harm and violence in our communities as well as developing investments into building healthy, sustainable and equitable communities,” she said.

The bill would direct Congress to establish a Community Public Safety Office that would conduct research on non-punitive, public safety-focused interventions that would be funded through new grants, and programs like a “Free Them All” Matching Grant Program offering a 50% federal match for projected savings when states and communities close detention facilities, local jails, and state or youth prisons.

According to the document, it also would bring about numerous changes for parents and children, such as removing police, school resource officers and other armed security and metal detectors from schools.

The coalition first began releasing policy recommendations in 2016 and is in the midst of relaunching its Vision for Black Lives 2020, which will be rolled out and expanded over the coming months leading up to a planned National Black Convention in August of 2020.

“We are a generation that wants to make sure that the needs of all Black people are met,” Cullors said. “We believe the BREATHE Act is that legislation. It’s an act that is pushing us to look at the future of this country, an act that is is mandating and demanding a new future and policies that are courageous and visionary.”

Executive Turmoil At Essence, Ebony Magazines Prompt Changes

The essay, “The Truth About Essence,” was published on Medium on June 28 under the byline “Black Female Anonymous.” The essay alleged pay inequity, sexual harassment and corporate bullying and intimidation on the part of management at Essence, where Naomi Campbell just graced the cover of its 50th anniversary issue.

NEW YORK (AP) — Two storied magazines that focus on news and culture in the Black community, Essence and Ebony, are in the midst of turmoil at their top levels.

Ebony late last week forced out CEO Willard Jackson following an initial inquiry into some of his financial transactions. The general interest magazine, which focuses on news and culture about African American life, celebrates its 75th anniversary later this year.

Essence, a magazine geared to women, was hit by an anonymous essay reportedly penned by former and current employees that alleged a toxic work environment and recently named an interim CEO.

Jackson is a partner in the CVG Group, which purchased Ebony in 2016. The board of directors is looking for an interim CEO and operating committee to replace him.

Jacob Walthour Jr., chairman of Ebony’s board of directors, said Monday the board became aware of financial transactions that did not go through the proper approval process, including some where it wasn’t clear whether the magazine or Jackson was the beneficiary.

The lack of transparency was unacceptable and prompted the investigation, which is continuing, he said.

Without giving specifics, Walthour said the board was also concerned about some of the entities that Jackson was dealing with. He cited the “class, integrity and honor” with which company founder John H. Johnson operated with.

“It’s our view that we prevented significant damage from being done to the brand,” he said.

There was no immediate response to an attempt to reach Jackson through CVG Group.

The essay, “The Truth About Essence,” was published on Medium on June 28 under the byline “Black Female Anonymous.” The essay alleged pay inequity, sexual harassment and corporate bullying and intimidation on the part of management at Essence, where Naomi Campbell just graced the cover of its 50th anniversary issue.

“The company’s longstanding pattern of gross mistreatment and abuse of its Black female employees is the biggest open secret in the media business,” said the essay, which was accompanied by a petition seeking a management change.

It is the latest example of journalists of color, in the week of George Floyd’s death and nationwide demonstrations, speaking up about alleged mistreatment and inequities in the industry as well as their news organizations.

Essence management called the letter “heartbreaking” in an initial response. The magazine, run by Essence Communications, called the anonymous letter “an unfounded attempt to discredit our brand and assassinate personal character.”

Last week, however, Essence announced the appointment of Caroline Wanga, a former Target executive hired in June, to step in as interim CEO. The owner of the magazine, Richlieu Dennis, was a focus of many of the complaints in the anonymous letter.

Essence also said it would hire outside investigators to interview employees and determine the truth about the accusations.

‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ Hymn Ignites Hope Across Nation

“The fact that this song could survive us going from the back of the bus and the outhouse to the Truman Balcony at the White House, it shows that this song really resonates in our hearts,” Sharpton said. “Very few songs would last through those kinds of changes in Black America. That’s why it’s a great barometer to the cultural shift.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Black national anthem was born more than a century ago, but the popular hymn within the African American community called “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has resurrected a beacon of hope during nationwide protests.

In recent weeks, countless rallies were held from D.C. to Seattle with arm-locked protesters of different races reciting the song’s lyrics while marching against police brutality of unarmed Black people. The demonstrations throughout the U.S. were ignited by the killing of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes.

Some marches were peaceful, while others turned violent. But one common thread at protests were people chanting the anthem‘s long-lasting message of faithfulness, freedom and equality.

“I saw whites singing that song saying ‘No justice, no peace’ and ‘Black Lives Matter.’ It’s something I didn’t see early in my career or even 15 years ago,” recalled the Rev. Al Sharpton, referring to protesters in Minneapolis in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. “You got to see people other than us appreciating our song, our anthem. This is just not a moment. This is a real movement.”

Growing up, Sharpton said he learned self-identity through the anthem, which was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson before his brother, J. Rosamond, turned it into music. The song was performed for the first time in 1900, not long after it was written.

The NAACP dubbed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the Black national anthem in 1919. The decision came more than a decade before “The Star-Spangled Banner” was adopted as the national anthem of the U.S.

During the civil rights movement, the song was popular during protests with the likes of “We Shall Overcome” and “Amazing Grace.” The latter was written by former slave trader John Newton, but the song helped define racial equality.

Sharpton said the ability of “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” enduring several generations speaks volumes.

“The fact that this song could survive us going from the back of the bus and the outhouse to the Truman Balcony at the White House, it shows that this song really resonates in our hearts,” he said. “Very few songs would last through those kinds of changes in Black America. That’s why it’s a great barometer to the cultural shift.”

Protesters are certainly making the song heard. In Dallas, hundreds flocked to the plaza where John F. Kennedy was shot in 1963 to march before collectively taking a moment to sing the song. Protesters sang the song last month at the historic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The same happened in Los Angeles, Chicago, Baltimore and Minneapolis.

“The song is a refreshment and renewal of my faith,” said Andrew Young, the civil rights leader and former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He said the singing of the song at protests shows how “desegregation of America is really the integration of cultures, ideals, energies and spirituality.”

Young has known the song’s lyrics since kindergarten and even recited every word during a recent interview. He believes the Black anthem is a more “powerful and patriotic” song than America’s national anthem, which was written by a slave owner who made a painful reference to slavery in its little-known third stanza.

“It’s much more applicable to the United States as we would love it to be more than ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’” Young said of the Black anthem.

Along with the protest, the staying power of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” into broader audiences can also be credited to the biggest entertainers and political figures who have referenced it.

Beyoncé performed the song in front of a mostly white audience at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in 2018. The late Rev. Joseph Lowery began his benediction reciting the song’s third verse at the inauguration for President Barack Obama in 2009; and musicians Mike Phillips and West Byrd sprinkled in snippets of the song while playing the national anthem at NASCAR’s 2020 Pocono 350 on Sunday.

The NFL will play “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before each game during Week 1, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press. It’ll be played first when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans to kick off the NFL regular season on Sept. 10.

Last month, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden released the “Lift Every Voice” plan, which is a reference to the song. The plan proposes to address issues in the Black community, including “systemic misconduct” in police departments and prosecutors’ offices.

The Rev. Markel Hutchins said Biden’s reference to the song and hearing white Americans singing the lyrics has given him “hope and confidence, although we’re in a dark place as a nation today.”

“There’s new inspiration and motivation in America today for people of every walk of life, every race, every culture and every orientation,” he said.

Some NBA and collegiate teams played the song at games during Black History Month years ago, thanks to Eugene Williams. The retired Howard University professor lobbied for teams to play the song in February.

Williams wants the song to be played in all U.S. sporting venues, but Young and Hutchins are unsure if that should be the case. Hutchins thinks the song should be sung with pride and not taken lightly.

“I think the song is just too sacred to be reduced to what ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is,” he said. “The ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ is patriotic and inherently and uniquely American. It represents the complexities of America. But ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is much more sacred on my view and should be handled as such.”

Sharpton confidently said the song should be performed at big venues for sporting events and beyond.

“It should because it recognizes the heritage and the true authentic America struggle,” he said. “There’s always been the controversy about race being involved in the national anthem. Here’s an authentic anthem coming out of the American experience that does not denigrate the country, but also uplifts the struggle and affirmation of people that have been part of this country.”

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MrLandrum31

Top Retailers To No Longer Sell ‘Skins Items

Target and Walmart say they will put pull Washington’s pro football team items off their shelves because of the team’s racist nickname.

Walmart and Target will no longer sell the apparel of Washington’s pro football team because of the team nickname.  Nike has already stopped selling Burgundy & Gold items.

More than a dozen Native American leaders sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday requesting the team change its name.

President Trump is against a name change for Washington’s football team and Cleveland’s professional baseball team, saying a change would simply be political correctness.  The ‘Skins organization has said a review of whether the name Redskins should be dropped is underway.

DC Council To Address Police Budget

The city council in the District will address a 553 million dollar budget for the police department.

 

Police reform is on the docket today at the Wilson Building as the DC Council debates a more than 500 million dollar budget for the city’s police department.  The emergency police reform bill passed in response to the death of George Floyd expires today.  It’s expected that new legislation will include changes requested by the mayor.  Activists want parts of the police budget redirected to community programs.

Removing Racist Marketing and Branding Campaigns

How big businesses deal with changing branding and marketing based on racial stereotypes.

For the first time since purchasing the team… Daniel Snyder… the owner of Washington’s professional football team is considering changing the name.  That name is seen by many as a racial slur. It is the latest in a series of moves by big businesses to end branding and marketing bases on racial stereotypes.  We’re looking at that the issue… not just in professional sports… but across the entire business community.

Guests:

Wes Hall, WHUR Announcer, Sports Analyst
Dr. Kerry Ann Hamilton, CEO, KAH Consulting Group

 

 

Mayor of Atlanta Tests Positive for COVID-19

Keisha Lance Bottoms reveals the coronavirus has personally hit her, announcing she hasn’t had any symptoms.

(Monday, July 6, 2020) – Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has revealed she tested positive for the coronavirus.  In a post on Twitter,  Bottoms  said COVID-19 has literally hit home.  “I have had no symptoms and have tested positive.”

The mayor told MSNBC that she received the news today and that both she and her husband tested positive.  “It’s a shock.”  Lance-Bottoms says she decided to get a test after her husband was sleeping more than normal.

She says her positive results are just another indication how contagious COVID-19 can be.  The mayor says she has no idea where they were exposed.  Lance-Bottoms is one of the most popular mayor’s in the US and is one of the  contender’s to be Joe Biden’s pick for vice-president.

 

Extended Tax Deadline Ends Next Week

No more delays: What to know about the July 15 tax deadline

Tax procrastinators, your time is running out. As the coronavirus pandemic took hold this spring, the federal government postponed the traditional April 15 filing deadline until July 15. The move provided some economic and logistic relief for taxpayers dealing with the disruptions and uncertainty brought on by lockdowns, school closures and shuttered businesses. But now that new deadline is rapidly approaching. Taxpayers must file or seek an extension by the new deadline or face a penalty. The IRS is expecting about 150 million returns from individuals and as of last count, it had received almost 139 million.

White Woman Charged After Racist Central Park Confrontation

Amy Cooper charged with falsely reporting.

NEW YORK (AP) — A white woman walking her dog who called the police during a videotaped dispute with a Black man in Central Park was charged Monday with filing a false report. In May, Amy Cooper drew widespread condemnation for calling 911 to report she was being threatened by “an African-American man” when bird watcher Christian Cooper appeared to keep his distance as he recorded her rant on his phone. District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement on Monday that his office had charged Amy Cooper with falsely reporting the confrontation, a misdemeanor. She was ordered to appear in court on Oct. 14.

HUR@HOME Inspiration Pastor Anthony Maclin and Brent Jones

The July 5th edition of HUR@Home Inspiration featured Anthony Maclin, Pastor of The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Prince George’s County and Gospel artist Brent Jones. Anthony Maclin became Pastor of The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in 1986. Under his pastoral leadership, The Sanctuary has grown to more than 3,000 members with 75 active ministries. Gospel Today Magazine lists Pastor Maclin as a “Pastorpreneur” and he was recognized by the 100 Black Men of Washington, DC for Outstanding Leadership in Community Development.

Pastor Maclin talked about The Sanctuary’s drive-in Sunday church services that have been keeping the congregation safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Sunday morning sermon was entitled, “Teachable Moments” and used biblical references to how God is shifting his people into new seasons. He originally did not think that celebrating Juneteenth, that commemorates how slaves in Texas were delayed in finding out they were free, was a good idea. However, God revealed to him that the celebration is not in the delay, but in the freedom, just as we celebrate our freedom through God’s grace and not our delay in coming to Him.

Pastor Maclin is working to educate the residents of Price George’s County about an upcoming referendum around property taxes and he emphasized the importance of voting. Pastor Maclin talked with our next guest Brent Jones about preserving the impact of large choirs despite the challenges of COVID 19.

Brent Jones is a singer/songwriter/choir master extraordinaire that is working to release a new choir album in January. His group, Brent Jones and the T.P. Mobb made their recording debut in 1994. Brent also served in the music ministry of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD. He returned to his native state of California and contribute his song “Fear and Faith Can’t Live Together” to the DreamWorks blockbuster film, “Trolls World Tour.”

He also provided choral accompaniment for multiple tracks on Donald Glover’s Childish Gambino album “Awaken My Love.” His song “Open Your Mouth and Say Something” reached number three on the Billboard Gospel chart.

‘Skins Owners Want To Sell

The minority owners of DC’s pro football team want to sell their stake in the team because they reportedly do not get along with majority owner Daniel Snyder.

Three people who own a minority share of Washington’s professional football team want out.  According to the Washington Post, Robert Rothman, Dwight Schar and Frederick W. Smith are looking to sell their 40-percent ownership in the Burgundy & Gold because they are not happy being partners with majority owner Daniel Snyder.  The trio have reportedly hired an investment banking firm to find potential buyers.  This is happening as the team announced last week that it is reviewing whether to drop the name Redskins.

Police Seek Suspects In Fatal Shooting Of District Youth

Police are still searching for the killers of 11-year-old District boy.

This morning, DC police continue its search for the person or persons who killed an 11-year-old District boy.

Authorities say Davon McNeal was struck by a stray bullet as he was heading to his grandmother’s home Saturday night.  The shooting happened in the 14-hundred block of Cedar Street in Southeast.  Police say a group of about five men were shooting in the area.

Authorities have offered a 25-thousand dollar reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the case.

YMCA Opens Up For Business

The YMCA will be offering some great summer programs

As much of the DMV begins to return to its new normal, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is also opening up many of its facilities and continuing to provide critical services.  My guest is  Kevin Correll – Vice President of Operations for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is beginning to open some of its location throughout the DMV.  To learn what’s open and more about the different services offered by the Y’s.  More information here: 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here: