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The ESPYS Focus On Honors, Pandemic And Racial Justice

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, along with soccer star Megan Rapinoe and WNBA star Sue Bird, hosted the pre-produced show remotely from their respective homes in Seattle. Each wore Black Lives Matter T-shirts to open the show, and touched on the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were killed by police, as well as the life of Ahmaud Arbery. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

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No red carpet, no nattily dressed athletes, no house band or monologue poking fun at the past year’s top athletes and moments.

This was a different version of The ESPYS.

The focus of Sunday night’s show on ESPN was hope and inspiration in the time of coronavirus.

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, along with soccer star Megan Rapinoe and WNBA star Sue Bird, hosted the pre-produced show remotely from their respective homes in Seattle. Each wore Black Lives Matter T-shirts to open the show, and touched on the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were killed by police, as well as the life of Ahmaud Arbery. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

Rapinoe and Bird urged their fellow white athletes to “don’t just listen. Help.”

“This is the time we’ve got to have their backs,” Rapinoe said of Black athletes. Later in the show, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Olympic gold-medal skier Lindsey Vonn were among those calling on white athletes to listen, learn and act.

Wilson, who is Black, added, “Our country’s work is not anywhere close to being done.”

Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for sparking a national conversation about mental health. Two years ago, he wrote an online essay detailing his struggles with mental health, including having a panic attack during a game. As a result, other athletes and fans began sharing details of their own mental health challenges and sharing resources on how to get help.

Love created the Kevin Love Fund and has continued speaking out. During the COVID-19 crisis, he’s shared tips on how to cope with the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic.

At home, Love opened a box with the trophy inside, proclaiming, “It’s nice and shiny.”

“In light of all that’s going on in our country today, I accept this award as both an honor and a challenge,” he said, looking into the camera. “A challenge to not only continue on my path, but to push beyond it and stay vocal even when silence feels safer.”

Minnesota Twins outfielder Nelson Cruz received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in a videotaped piece introduced by the late boxer’s daughter, Laila. Cruz has helped his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic build a police station, a medical clinic and acquire a fire truck and firefighting gear, as well as an ambulance.

Cruz cried and put his head in his hands before composing himself and saying, “From the bottom of my heart, my family, my foundation and my hometown, thank you.”

Snoop Dogg rapped a tribute to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, tracing his life from high school to a career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in January.

Taquarius “TQ” Wair, who as a 4-year-old survived a house fire in 2005 that killed his 6-year-old sister, was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Wair was burned all over his body and given just a 20% chance to live. He lost fingers on his left hand. Wair began playing football at age 7 and is now playing at a junior college in Minnesota, with a goal of playing at a four-year school and in the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin informed Wair via laptop that he was being honored. Wair was handed a box with the trophy inside. He pulled it out and said, “Oh my goodness. Thank you.”

“This is humbling for me,” Wair said. “My family won’t let me give up. Let’s see where I can go from here. Stay tuned.”

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry introduced Kim Clavel as winner of the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The boxer from Montreal was preparing for her first main event bout on March 21 after winning the North American Boxing Federation female flyweight title last year. But the coronavirus pandemic meant the fight was canceled.

Clavel wasn’t idle for long. She had previous experience as a nurse in a maternity ward before focusing on boxing, so she began working in care units across Montreal over the last three months.

Via laptop, Clavel listened as her grandmother told her she was being honored with the award named after the player who left the NFL to join the Army after the 9/11 attacks. Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

“When I need motivation, I will look at this trophy,” Clavel said.

From her living room, Billie Jean King announced the winners of her namesake Youth Leadership Award, given to those tackling issues in their communities. Joel Apudo, Batouly Camara, Ally Friedman, Jaronn Islar, Chelsea Quito, Elijah Murphy and Niah Woods will receive either a $10,000 academic scholarship or a donation to the charity of their choice.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were named the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year for their foundation that works to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice in the city. The foundation will use the $100,000 award to continue its programs.

Actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key hosted an Olympic reunion via Zoom, checking in with enough athletes to represent 150 medals, and a Michael Phelps impersonator.

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In a story June 21, 2020, about the Espys, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Ahmaud Arbery was killed by police. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Amid Pandemic, Live Nation Announces Drive-In Concert Series

The entertainment company on Monday announced “Live from the Drive-In” — a set of nine shows to take place July 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Tour promoter Live Nation has announced its first-ever drive-in concerts series in the U.S. for July, months after the live music industry has been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The entertainment company on Monday announced “Live from the Drive-In” — a set of nine shows to take place July 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

Grammy-winning singer Brad Paisley will headline shows in all three cities, while fellow country artists Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also perform in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. Nelly will perform in Maryland Heights, near St. Louis.

Concertgoers will be able to drive into the parking lots of the amphitheaters — a maximum of four people per car — and will have two empty parking lot spaces in between each vehicle so fans can watch and party from their designated individual tailgating zones. Attendees are encouraged to bring food, drinks and chairs, setting up around their cars to view the performers from the stage and also from the large LED screens.

All venue staff are required to wear masks, and Live Nation requests that attendees wear masks upon arrival, where there will be contact-less ticket scanning through their windows. Masks are not required once fans are in their designated tailgate areas, and Live Nation is not requiring that fans wear gloves.

Tom See, president of Live Nation Venues-US Concerts, said the company spent months working to find a safe, enjoyable way to put on live shows during the pandemic.

“We’re really dialed in with partnerships with (the) local jurisdictions (and) we’ve been meeting with them for months, just talking about how we can provide a great, comfortable experience to fans with social distancing at the forefront in whatever phase they’re about to enter. Because of those relationships and that communication going back and forth, we’ve been successful in getting that green light,” See said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“It was really important to us not to just do one and be done. It wouldn’t be Live Nation. It wouldn’t be the concert industry leader. We wanted to make a bigger statement.”

Nelly, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album “Country Grammar,” and Pink Floyd tribute band El Monstero are both from St. Louis and will perform at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. Pardi and rock band Yacht Rock Revue will headline at the Ruoff Music Center near Indianapolis.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Friday. See said ticket prices will fluctuate by market, but they can be as low as $125, which is roughly $31 per person if the maximum number of four attendees per car attend.

“I’m very excited to do this because I wanted to make sure, if we were going to do anything like this, that they had the important stuff worked out,” Paisley said in an interview with the AP. “My goal would be not to spread this virus to one person. There should be no spread from this. That’s key. I just don’t think it’s worth doing shows if we’re putting people at risk.”

“The idea that we’re outdoors is a great thing,” Paisley added. “I just think it’s a fun way to watch a concert anyway. It’d be fun if there wasn’t a virus.”

For the Missouri show, See said they have a capacity to fit 1,000 cars while incorporating social distancing guidelines. Grills and BBQ pits are not permitted, but concertgoers can bring pre-cooked food and drinks, including alcohol. Live Nation encourages that groups assign a designated driver.

A menu of hot food items and nonalcoholic will be available for purchase, Live Nation said. People can place orders online and the items will be delivered to their designated tailgate zone.

Fans will only be able to leave their pods to access single restrooms, which See said will be cleaned regularly throughout the show. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when leaving for restrooms.

“They don’t have to walk too far to be able to use the facility,” he said.

“The traditional drive in, I get it, you’re stuck in your car, and you’re going to get it through an FM transmitter. That’s not happening with these shows,” See said.

“We’re giving you what’s about the size of a double-car garage to where you’re going to be able to park your car, get out of your car, and have a great tailgating hang for you and your friends, and listen to music through proper professional PA and amazing audio and video display. It’s really a different aspect of drive-in and live. It’s highly experiential.”

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Online:

http://www.livenation.com/drivein/

Medical Workers in Prince George’s Speak Up

Maryland ICU workers urge caution as states begin to reopen.

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FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (AP) — Medical workers at a Maryland intensive care center say they’re not ready to let down their guard against the coronvirus and the public shouldn’t be either. The workers at the Fort Washington Medical Center in Prince George’s County spoke as states are gradually reopening after months of shutdown because of the pandemic. Respiratory therapist Kevin Cole sees patients dying from COVID-19 every day and has trouble comprehending the sudden return of crowded public places where it’s tough to social distance. He and his colleagues in the ICU caution that the pandemic isn’t over and people need to continue taking it seriously.

Noose Found At NASCAR’s Black Driver Garage Stall

Bubba Wallace target of racist incident. Justice Department is investigating.

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(Monday, June 22, 2020) – Racism has reared its ugly head again.  This time at NASCAR where a noose was found yesterday at Talladega Speedway in the garage of Bubba Wallace.  Wallace is NASCAR’s only African American driver.  Wallace has been very vocal about racial injustice and has helped to lead the way pushing NASCAR to ban the use of confederate flags at its races.

NASCAR is promising a thorough investigation to find the person or persons behind the noose.  Wallace took to social media following the incident saying it part he’s saddened by the incident, but will not allow it to break him.

The Department of Justice is also looking into the noose.  “The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Alabama, FBI, and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are viewing the situation surrounding the noose to determine whether there are violations of federal law,”  US Attorney Jay E. Town said in a statement.

Bebe Winans Cuts Up With Pastor John K. Jenkins

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The Father’s Day edition of HUR@HOME Inspiration featured Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a church of 10,000 members that develops dynamic disciples, and Grammy award-winning artist, producer and author, Bebe Winans.

Pastor Jenkins talked about his sons Jim and Joshua, who directed the movie, “Sinners Wanted” that aired on TV One. He advised fathers raising a Black man in America today to be Godly role models to their children. He talked about his role to bring unity and to represent the voices of people of color as the Chairman of the Board Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals and the positive changes taking place in the Prince George’s County Police Department.

Bebe Winans talked about recovering from COVID-19 and his many experiences on his career journey. Bebe with his sister Cece Winans gained popularity through appearances on Tim and Tammy Bakker’s PTL Club television show where they experienced racist attitudes from staff and audience members. “Born For This,” a musical based on those experiences may become a movie.

Bebe shared hilarious memories of his father, Pop Winans and of his 22-year-old son, and Pastor Jenkins shared a hilarious memory of Bebe Winans at Pastor’s birthday celebration attempting to sing Temptation songs but not knowing any of the words.

Honoring DC’s #1 Dad

“Father’s Incorporated” announced their winner of the 2020 “DC Father of the Year Award”

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We are still celebrating our dads this morning.  Fathers Incorporated has announced its winner of its 2020 DC Father of the Year Award.  We’ll talk with the President of that organization and the amazing dad.  Ernest Woodson – President and Founder of Fathers Incorporated  and Hakeem Hut – Winner of the 2020 DC Father of the Year Award

Fathers Incorporated earlier this year launched a campaign to highlight the great works dads in DC are doing and who go beyond the call of duty with sometimes many challenges ahead of them.  More information here:

 

 

Listen  to this mornings segment here:

Men’s Roundtable on Fatherhood

 We talk about fatherhood as we head into this Father’s Day weekend.

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It’s seems now… more than ever… we need strong, engaged fathers… active in the lives of their children. A sense of humor can’t hurt either.  We talk about fatherhood as we head into this Father’s Day weekend.  We also talk about the racial justice revolution now taking place.

Resources:

Janks Morton

David A. Arnold

David A. Arnold, Comedian
Janks Morton, Filmmaker, Black Advocate

 

Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor Shooting to be Fired

Taylor was gunned down by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville’s mayor says one of three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor will be fired. Mayor Greg Fisher said Friday that interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Fischer said officials could not answer questions about the firing because of state law. He referred all questions to the Jefferson County attorney’s office. Taylor was gunned down by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant. She was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found at her home.

Hector Velez Named New Interim Police Chief In PG

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks names interim replacement for Chief Hank Stawinski

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Largo, Maryland (Friday, June 19, 2020) – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has named the interim replacement for Chief Hank Stawinski who abruptly stepped down yesterday.  Hector Velez was named to the post today.  Velez is a 26-year veteran of the force and was serving as Assistant Police Chief under Stawinski.

Velez says he’s all for police reform.  “I am ready to listen and I’m motivated to lead the department,” said Velez who was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Stawinski resigned yesterday effectively immediately.  It came on the same day a report from the ACLU was released alleging a pattern of racism and retaliation within the department under Stawinski.  A group of Black and Hispanic officers have brought a lawsuit against the department.  Asked today if her decision to name Velez as interim police chief had anything to do with the report, Alsobrooks said her decision was based on lots of thought and discussions and had nothing to do with the report.

Alsobrooks also thanked Stawinski for his service and applauded him for his successes.

’30 Rock’ Cast Reuniting To Tout New NBC, Cable Schedules

It’s a special born of the coronavirus pandemic, which kept NBCUniversal and other media companies from the mid-May tradition of presenting their 2020-21 schedules to crowds of ad buyers in New York City.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and other “30 Rock” stars are reuniting for a corporate cause: to promote the shows and stars that will be part of the new season for NBC and its NBCUniversal cable siblings.

Described as a “one-time, commercial-free event” — other than the extended ad it represents for NBCUniversal — the reunion will air July 16 on NBC and be shown on cable channels including USA Network, Bravo and Oxygen.

It’s a special born of the coronavirus pandemic, which kept NBCUniversal and other media companies from the mid-May tradition of presenting their 2020-21 schedules to crowds of ad buyers in New York City.

The cast of the Emmy-winning, 2006-13 sitcom will be in character, including Jack McBrayer’s enthusiastic network page, the company said Tuesday.

“We’re all happy to have this excuse to (remotely) work together again for NBC,” series executive producers Fey and Robert Carlock said in a statement. “To quote Kenneth the page, there are only two things we love in this world, television and everyone.”

The special will feature new and returning shows from NBCUniversal’s platforms and include guests from entertainment, sports and news, the company said, with further details to be announced.

Also Tuesday, NBC played catch-up by releasing its schedule for the fall TV season, which remains shadowed by COVID-19. Given that the film and TV production that was abruptly halted in March is just getting underway, networks have been cautious in committing to specific debut dates.

The fall lineup will include the renewed “Manifest” and previously announced spin-off “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” with Christopher Meloni reprising his character from “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

The mid-season will bring freshman series including “Mr. Mayor,” a Fey-Carlock sitcom starring Ted Danson and Holly Hunter, and “Young Rock,” inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s life and produced by and starring the pro wrestler-turned-actor.

NBC is saying goodbye to the series “Sunnyside,” starring Kal Penn; “Bluff City Law” with Jimmy Smits, and “Indebted” with Fran Drescher.

 

Juneteenth Events

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Washington, D.C. (Friday, June 19, 2020) – It’s Juneteenth and celebrations, rallies, and protests are planned across the country all weekend and including here in the DMV.  Here’s a list of what’s happening in the Washington, DC region.

District of Columbia

Maryland

Virginia

Knowing Your Legal Rights During This Pandemic

Maryland Legal Aid has resources to help residents having challenges paying their rent or utilities

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The Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted people’s personal finances, many whom have been laid off, furloughed or had to take paycuts.  This has put a strain on family finances and forcing many to choose between paying bills and buying food.  If you’re having challenges with paying your rent or utility bills, Maryland Legal Aid has some great resources.  My guest this morning is Meaghan McDermott – Maryland Legal Aid with answers to questions regarding your rights and what protections are in place for you during the coronavirus pandemic.  More information can be found at:  http://www.mdlab.org

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

 

CNN Commentator Bakari Sellers

Bakari Sellers discusses politics, racism and racial justice.

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All week long we’re having conversations about race relations and racial injustice in America. We speak with progressive firebrand Bakari Sellers who has been outspoken on those very issues. He’s also the author of a very relevant memoir entitled, “My Vanishing Country”.

Resources:

Bakari Sellers Website

Bakari Sellers, Attorney, Author, CNN Political Commentator

 

 

PG Police Chief Steps Down

Hank Stawinski hands in his resignation

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Largo, Maryland (Thursday, June 18, 2020) – Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski has called it quits.  He submitted his resignation to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks today who has accepted it.  Alsobrooks is set to make a statement on the issue tomorrow at 12noon.  In a statement released by the County Executive, it says the resignation is effective immediately.

The resignation comes after officers suing the county filed an expert report Thursday that they say shows systems of discrimination and retaliation exist within the department.  The county NAACP planned to hold a vote of no-confidence in Stawinski’s leadership.

In an interview with WHUR just moments ago, Joe Perez, President of the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association  said others with in the top ranks of the police department also need to go.  “We can’t move forward with some of his (Hank Stawinski) other command staff still there.  There is still other work needs to be done.”

The original lawsuit, filed with the backing of the ACLU of Maryland and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs claimed a pattern of discrimination and retaliation against Black and Latinx officers.

Singer Of Black Anthem Song Signs Record Deal

“It just moved me to create music around his vocal,” said Dem Jointz, who produced music for the song and then contacted the family to share his version with them. “It was so much energy coming from the video alone, it was just easy for me to produce around that.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Keedron Bryant, the 12-year-old who turned heads on social media with his passionate performance about being a young black man in today’s world, has signed a deal with Warner Records and his poignant song will officially be released Friday.

Keedron Bryant’s powerful video, posted on May 26, features the lyrics “I’m a young black man doing all that I can” from the song “I Just Wanna Live,” written by his mother. Friday’s release of the track coincides with Juneteenth, the holiday to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in the U.S.

“It’s very exciting because this is what God’s called me to do,” Keedron Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press this week, adding that “it’s just been an exciting experience to work with my mom.”

Johnnetta Bryant, 38, said watching the video of George Floyd dying as a police officer pressed a knee on his neck “really hit my heart just so deeply because I am a mom to a black son. I have a black husband. I have black brothers, uncles, cousins, friends.”

So she said a prayer and asked God to send her a sign.

“I needed his wisdom. I went into prayer. He gave me those words so clearly,” Johnnetta Bryant said of writing the “I Just Wanna Live” lyrics. “I shared it with Keedron … and I told him, ‘…I want you to take these words and I want you to pray over them. Meditate on them. Whenever you’re done with them, come out and we’ll record it.’ He did just that.”

The clip went viral, with Barack Obama, LeBron James, Janet Jackson, Lupita Nyong’o and more acknowledging its impact and importance on social media.

Like most of the world, music producer Dem Jointz saw the video of Keedron Bryant singing a cappella, saying “it hit me in the gut.”

“It just moved me to create music around his vocal,” said Dem Jointz, who produced music for the song and then contacted the family to share his version with them. “It was so much energy coming from the video alone, it was just easy for me to produce around that.”

Dem Jointz’s re-working of the song caught the attention of the head of urban marketing at Warner Records: “I was already moved by the record but hearing the vocals over the production, it just hit me in another way,” Chris Atlas said.

“I was like, ‘Wow this is an amazing song.’ We should be a part of making sure the world hears this on a larger capacity but then also donate proceeds from the song to the right cause,” the senior vice president added. “That’s actually giving back and using music as a healing mechanism, which I truly believe it is.”

Warner Records is donating 100% of the net profits of “I Just Wanna Live” to the NAACP and for every stream of the song on Amazon Music, the company will donate $1 to the NAACP for the first 24 hours the song is out, giving up to $50,000.

Born in Sicily, Italy, to minister parents, Keedron Bryant began singing when he was 5. He gained fame earlier this year when he appeared on the NBC variety series “Little Big Shots.”

Johnnetta Bryant said since writing “I Just Wanna Live” she’s caught the songwriting bug.

“I actually just finished five songs,” she said. “I never would have considered myself to be a songwriter, but I do know that God speaks to me. What he gives me is necessary and in season. He’s doing a new thing in me. I’m humbly so grateful for it.”

“She has an untapped talent,” said Dem Jointz, who has produced for Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak and K-pop group NCT 127. “She was anointed by God and it came from her heart.”

Keedron Bryant, who turns 13 on July 3, said he’s excited to record more songs and work with Warner on music. He said though “I Just Wanna Live” came from a dark place, he’s looking forward to society changing for the better.

“It’s unfair that black people can’t go out and enjoy life and live without having fear that something’s going to happen to them, so it was kind of sad to sing those lyrics,” Keedron Bryant said. “But (there’s) still hope in the world that we can change the world.”

 

Atlanta Police Officer Devin Brosnan Turns Himself In

Prosecutors said Brosnan was cooperating with their investigation, but his attorney said he has not agreed to be a state’s witness.

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(Atlanta, GA)  —  Atlanta Police Officer Devin Brosnan is in custody for his role in the death of Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy’s parking lot.  He faced a deadline to turn himself in by six tonight.  Brosnan is being charged with aggravated assault and violating his oath during the confrontation with Brooks last week.  Former officer Garrett Rolfe faces the same deadline to turn himself in.  He’s being charged with felony murder among others.  Prosecutors said Brosnan was cooperating with their investigation, but his attorney said he has not agreed to be a state’s witness.

 

House Speak Wants Confederate Portraits Down

Pelosi orders removal of Confederate portraits from Capitol

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WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she is ordering the removal from the Capitol of portraits honoring four previous House speakers who served in the Confederacy. In a letter Thursday to the House clerk, Pelosi directed the immediate removal of portraits depicting former speakers. They are Robert Hunter of Virginia, James Orr of South Carolina and Howell Cobb and Charles Crisp, both of Georgia. Pelosi says that “there is no room in the hallowed halls of Congress or in any place of honor for memorializing men who embody the violent bigotry and grotesque racism of the Confederacy.”

Preparing Women for Success

DC’s Dress for Success is now launching a Virtual Career Center

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It’s all about my ladies this morning, even in the midst of the new world of virtual reality.  DC’s Dress for Success is  launching a new Virtual Career Center to help with everything from career coaching, resume writing,  jobs searches, and interview techniques.  My guest is Susan Kyles – Executive Director of DC Dress for Success

 DC Dress for Success is launching a new Virtual Career Center and is offering financial management, health and wellness, work life balance, professional etiquette, leadership and community action training.  They are even adding,  “Suiting into a Box” for clients who need free professional clothing. For more information go here:

 Listen to this mornings segment here:

Decompressing During the Stresses of 2020

How do you de-stress and decompress during the rough ride of 2020?

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Philanthropist, fitness expert and celebrity life-coach A.J. Johnson is checking in and making sure you do the same. How are you doing… is the question we keep asking ourselves and others. How do you de-stress and decompress during the rough ride of 2020?

Resources:

A.J. Johnson

Guest:

A.J. Johnson, Philanthropist, Fitness Expert, Celebrity Life Coach

 

A Conversation On Defunding Police Departments

There is a move to redirect funds away from police departments and towards community based programs. How and should that take place? It is a topic being debated across the country.

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Tonight, part two of our conversation on policing and proposed reforms to police departments across the country.

In part one we heard from the men and women in blue whose charge is to serve and protect.

Tonight, we hear from elected officials who make the laws and who represent the community.

Are new laws needed?  And if so, what should they look like and would they make a difference?  Just a few of the questions we’ll tackle.

AUDIO:

Our guests:

Will Jawando – Member of the Montgomery County Council

Phil Mendelson – Chairman of the DC Council

 

Living Your Dream During The Pandemic

Local African American business owners share their tips to running a small business during the pandemic.

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Your dream is to open a business.  You’ve made it your mission.  You do it.  You’re living it.  But then COVID-19 hits, hard.  It is a game changer.  Especially for African American small businesses owners.

Tonight, we will be joined by two black business owners who will share their experiences of trying to run a successful and thriving business during the pandemic.

AUDIO:

Our guest:

Karin Sellers – Owner, Here’s The Scoop

Charles “Shorty Corleone” Garris – Co-Owner, DCity Wings & Shorty’s

Officer Charged with Murder In Rayshard Brooks Shooting

Prosecutors say officers stood on Rayshard Brooks’ back and shoulders after shooting him.

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(Wednesday, June 17, 2020) – Prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia are hitting the Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks with nearly a dozen charges, including felony murder.

Brooks was shot twice in the back last Friday after a scuffle with police in which he was able to break flee with one of the officer’s stun guns.

Garrett Rolfe who has been fired from the police force is also accused of kicking Brooks while he lay on the ground and the other officer Davin Brosnan stood on Brooks’ shoulders as the father of 4 struggled for life, said Attorney Paul Howard at a Wednesday press conference.

The Brooks shooting has touched off even more protests in Georgia, which has already been on edge from demonstrations in the George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.

Brooks was shot last Friday in a Wendy’s parking after police were called to the area over complaints of a car blocking the drive-thru lane.  An officer found brooks sleep behind the wheel and called for another officer to do field sobriety testing.  Police body cam video shows Brooks and the officers talking for nearly 40 minutes before they tried to handcuff him and that’s when things turned sour.

Brooks’ widow and family attorney attended today’s announcement of the charges.

Brosnan is charged with aggravated assault and other crimes.  He has been placed on administrative leave.

 

Black Lives Matter Network Establishes $12M Grant Fund

A separate $6.5 million fund has been established for its network of 16 affiliate chapters.

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NEW YORK (AP) — A group behind the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement has established a more than $12 million fund to aid organizations fighting institutional racism in the wake of the George Floyd protests. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation said it is setting aside $6 million from donations to support black-led organizing groups. A separate $6.5 million fund has been established for its network of 16 affiliate chapters. The foundation told The Associated Press Wednesday it has received more than 1.1 million individual donations at an average of $33 per gift since Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee to the black man’s neck.

DC Could Enter Phase 2 Reopening Monday

Mayor Bowser says the District is trending in the right direction for Phase 2

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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 17, 2020) – D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the District is trending in the right direction and could begin Phase 2 reopening as early as Monday, June 22nd.  As of today, the District has had 13 days of decline in community spread.

The District has a total of 9,847 persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 with 523 fatalities.

 

Aunt Jemima Going Away

Iconic figure is being replaced from packaging in a move toward racial equality.

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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 17, 2020) – In another sign of the times, Aunt Jemima is changing its name and removing the Black character seen for generations.  The brand owner, Quaker Oats, says the iconic Aunt Jemima figure is based on a racial stereotype.  It says the name change and removing the image are part of an effort to make progress toward racial equality.

Parent Company PepsiCo told Adweek that the new name for the syrup and other products will be revealed at a later date.  In the meantime, starting in the 4th quarter, the Black figure will no longer be seen on the packaging.

The brand was formed in 1889 and the character on the box was inspired by a Black storyteller and cook named Nancy Green.  The character has evolved over the years. According to the company website, Aunt Jemima was said to have been born into slavery. Quaker Oats purchased the brand in 1926 and switched out Aunt Jemima’s original red bandana in 1989 for a Black woman with pearls and curly black hair.

Eddie Levert Shares Story Of Son Dying In Police Custody

We’re talking about the issue that everyone is concerned about these days… the loss of black men while in the custody of law enforcement.  This issue hits home for Levert.

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Tonight we have the honor of sitting down with Eddie Levert of the O’Jays.  But we’re not talking about music.  We’re talking about the issue that everyone is concerned about these days… the loss of black men while in the custody of law enforcement.  This issue hits home for Levert. He lost one of his sons in a similar manner.

Showing Love To Black Fathers for Father’s Day

The Black Fathers Matters Project is asking for a show of love and support for Black Fathers this Sunday

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Father’s Day is coming up this weekend and I have details about what a group of Black Fathers is doing to help showcase the value of Black dads.  It’s called the Black Fathers Matters Project.  My guest is  Chuck Hicks

DC BLACK FATHERS MATTERS PROJECT is asking DC residents to show their solidarity by displaying a black balloon or a black ribbon in front of their home, from their balcony, on a tree, on their car or any visible location.  The committee is also asking residents to create banners, yards signs or other displays to show support for BLACK FATHERS MATTER AND BLACK LIVES MATTER and display them as early as Sunday, June 14. Balloons and ribbons should be displayed on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21.    (202) 421-8608 or blackfathersmatter2020@gmail.com.

 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Graduates Scooping Up Some Tasty Treats

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Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, June 16, 2020) – Nobody would debate the reality that this indeed has been a challenging year for many.  Most graduates have had there special day completely altered.  Whether it’s the little ones going from Pre-K to kindergarten or the college senior preparing for the real world, big plans of graduation ceremonies were severely hampered this year by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Here’s the Scoop,” a black owned ice cream parlor in the District of Columbia in partnership with WHUR, sought to put some smiles on the faces of those graduates.  Here’s the Scoop dished out free ice cream today to the Class of 2020.  Using social distancing guidelines, owner Karin Sellers packed up dozens of individual cups of ice cream and handed them out to students as they drove by.

“It’s our small way of letting them know we are proud of them and we wanted to give back to the community even in the midst of this pandemic,” said Sellers.  Dressed in their school colors and with cars decked out in school spirit, dozens of youth and their parents took advantage of the free treats.  “I love ice cream and I especially love it even more when it’s free,” said one student.

WHUR was happy to be on the scene to play music and make the giveaway fun and festive for all.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020.  You DID IT!!!

Anti-Racism Activist Jane Elliot

We speak with the anti-racism activist who is still teaching lessons about prejudice and racism.

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52 years ago, school teacher Jane Elliot performed an exercise for white, elementary age children.  The ground-breaking blue eyes, brown eyes exercise gave them an unvarnished look at prejudice and racism.  Today, we sit down with the anti-racism activist who is still teaching those same lessons to all of us.

Guest:

Jane Elliot, Anti-Racism Activist

 

Anxiety Post-Quarantine At An All-Time High

If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or a mental illness please seek professional help.  This is not medical advice, this is from personal experience. 

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Contributed by Diamond Sydnor

Experiencing anxiety right now during a pandemic is more common than you may think. That’s right! Calm down! You are not alone.  Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or an uncertain outcome.  Anxiety disorder is the constant experience of anxiety on a heightened level.  Anxiety symptoms include irritability, restlessness, sweating, excessive worry, lack of concentration, and unwanted thoughts.  More heightened symptoms include nausea, palpitations, trembling, feelings of impending doom and fear.  Anxiety affects 40 million people in the U.S. each year.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the mental health of citizens everywhere.  It is completely normal to experience it during this time, especially with the state of the world.  Some states and countries are moving into different phases in order to reopen the economy however, the symptoms of anxiety may still linger due to the number of cases steadily increasing while more and more economies are constantly reopening.

If not carefully handled anxiety can cause other severe health issues.  Before it gets to that, let’s discuss ways to carefully deal with anxiety during a pandemic:

 

  1. Disconnect at some point from the news and social media.  Constantly hearing updates can trigger anxiety symptoms.
  2. For essential travel such as the grocery store, go super early in the morning or later at night to avoid large crowds.
  3. Talk with trusted family members about how you are feeling
  4. Eat healthy! Believe it or not the food we eat releases endorphins that make us feel good. If you eat junk, you’ll feel like junk.
  5. Drinking plenty of water to flush your system of toxins that can cause emotional distress
  6. Exercise daily to release endorphins that keep you feeling happy. Go for a walk for at least 30 mins a day
  7. Change the scenery! Being in quarantine can make you feel like you are losing it. Walk outside to the park by your home and spend some time with nature, but please bring a mask and practice social distancing
  8. Find a hobby! Anxiety is all based on your mind and mindset. Do things you enjoy to keep your focus off of what has you feeling anxious
  9. Protect yourself and do what makes you comfortable, even if some view it as dramatic! As the economy is reopening in several states more people will be out. If you need to wear gloves, wear gloves. If you need to wear a mask wear a mask, even if you need to wear a mask and a face shield, wear what makes you comfortable
  10. Lastly, give yourself grace! Everyday will not be a walk in the park, but each day try to conquer something new.

Anxiety can control you or you can control it.  Let’s work together to conquer it!

If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or a mental illness please seek professional help.  This is not medical advice, this is from personal experience.

Va. Governor Pushes to Declare Juneteenth Paid Holiday

Pharrell Williams joins Governor Northam calling to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

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(Tuesday, June 16, 2020) – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam wants to make Juneteenth an official paid holiday in the Commonwealth and he’s pushing state legislators to make it happen.  Joined by Virginia native Pharrell Williams, Northam said by commemorating Juneteenth it says to black communities that this is not just your history, this is everyone’s shared history.

Williams said he called Northam this past weekend to talk about the potential for making Juneteenth a state holiday.  Using his executive power, Northam gave executive branch state employees this Friday, June 19th the day off with pay.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.  The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.  “We are changing what we honor in Virginia,” said Northam.

This is a big display of progress and I’m grateful for Virginia and us leading the way,” added Williams.

Trump Signs Police Reform Executive Order

The order is aimed at encouraging best practices and tracking officers with excessive use of force complaints.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on policing following weeks of national protests after the death of George Floyd. The order is aimed at encouraging best practices and tracking officers with excessive use of force complaints. In the Rose Garden, Trump stressed the need for higher standards and commiserated with mourning families, even as he hailed the vast majority of officers as selfless public servants and held his law-and-order line. The order comes as Senate Republicans prepare to unveil their own package of policing proposals after Democrats did the same.

Drake Tops BET Awards Nods; Show To Air On CBS For 1st Time

Beyoncé, Minaj, Brown, Lizzo and DaBaby earned four nominations each.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Drake is the leading nominee at the 2020 BET Awards, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this month.

BET announced Monday that Drake is nominated for six honors, including video of the year and best male hip-hop artist. For both best collaboration and the viewer’s choice award, Drake is nominated twice thanks to the hits “No Guidance” with Chris Brown and “Life Is Good” with Future.

The 2020 BET Awards will air live on June 28 across ViacomCBS networks, including CBS for the first time. The show, which will be a virtual celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic, will also air on BET and BET HER.

Breakthrough rappers Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch follow Drake with five nominations each. Megan Thee Stallion, who recently topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her Beyoncé-assisted “Savage” remix, is nominated for video of the year, best female hip-hop artist, best collaboration, the viewer’s choice award and album of the year for “Fever.”

Ricch, who won his first Grammy Award earlier this year, also topped the pop charts with his upbeat hit “The Box.” The video for that song is nominated for video of the year alongside DaBaby’s “Bop,” DJ Khaled, Nipsey Hussle and John Legend’s “Higher,” Doja Cat’s “Say So,” Megan The Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer” and Chris Brown and Drake’s “No Guidance.”

Beyoncé, Minaj, Brown, Lizzo and DaBaby earned four nominations each.

Kanye West, who released a gospel album last year, is nominated for the Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award. He will compete with Kirk Franklin, the Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee and PJ Morton.

Saints’ Jenkins Joins CNN As Social Justice Contributor

“I believe I can be a voice for other athlete activists and those who have dedicated their lives to changing legislation, policies and reforms for human equality,” Jenkins said, touting his experience addressing “the inequalities of our criminal justice system, educational system and disparate wealth in our marginalized communities” during his 11-year NFL career.

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ATLANTA (AP) — New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins will join CNN as a contributor focusing on racial and social justice, the network announced Monday.

“I believe I can be a voice for other athlete activists and those who have dedicated their lives to changing legislation, policies and reforms for human equality,” Jenkins said, touting his experience addressing “the inequalities of our criminal justice system, educational system and disparate wealth in our marginalized communities” during his 11-year NFL career.

With protesters amassing in cities nationwide in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd last month in Minneapolis, Jenkins has actively engaged in recent discussions about police brutality and police funding on social and in mainstream media, as well as at rallies. Jenkins was among Drew Brees’ harshest critics when the Saints quarterback re-stated his long-held opposition to protesting during the national anthem. Brees has since apologized for his comments, saying he now recognizes the protests were not about the flag or the anthem, and that he wants to help promote equality.

“As we move forward from these moments, journalists must not make the grave mistake of allowing the world to go back to sleep,” Jenkins said. “The ground swell of energy that has been injected into all of us must continue when the protests stop, and that includes responsible reporting.”

Jenkins was drafted by New Orleans out of Ohio State in 2009 and won a Super Bowl with the Saints his rookie season. He spent the past six seasons with Philadelphia, winning a second Super Bowl in the 2017 season, before returning to New Orleans as a free agent this offseason.

In 2017, Jenkins and retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin created the Players Coalition, a charity that advocates for racial and social equality.

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, launched in 2010, focuses on improving educational and other opportunities for students with limited financial resources in New Orleans, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Atlanta Mayor Vows Changes In How Police Officers Use Force

“I am often reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — ‘There is a fierce urgency of now in our communities,’” the mayor said.

“It is clear that we do not have another day, another minute, another hour to waste,” she said.

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ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta’s mayor is vowing to change police use-of-force policies and require that officers receive continuous training in how to deescalate situations before the consequences become fatal.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced her plans after the police killing of another black man, Rayshard Brooks, outside a fast-food restaurant on Friday touched off more large protests in the city.

“I am often reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — ‘There is a fierce urgency of now in our communities,’” the mayor said.

“It is clear that we do not have another day, another minute, another hour to waste,” she said.

The mayor said she’ll also require officers to intervene if they see a colleague using excessive force, saying “they are duty-bound to intercede.”

“It’s very clear that our police officers are to be guardians and not warriors within our communities,” the mayor said.

Other cities nationwide are taking similar steps, and police reform proposals are emerging in Congress. Republicans plan a bill with restrictions on police chokeholds and other practices, while a Democratic proposal would limit legal protections for police, create a national database of excessive-force encounters and ban chokeholds. The White House plans to announce executive actions Tuesday.

Pleading through tears on Monday, Brooks’ relatives demanded changes in the criminal justice system and called on protesters to refrain from violence as tensions remain high across the U.S. three weeks after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.

An autopsy found that Brooks, 27, was shot twice in the back. Two white officers had responded to calls about a man who was asleep at the wheel in a Wendy’s drive-thru lane. Police video showed him cooperating until a breath test determined his blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit and one of the officers moved to handcuff him. The officers took him to the ground. Brooks broke free and took off with a stun gun; a white officer shot him as he tried to run away.

“When does it stop? We’re not only pleading for justice. We’re pleading for change,” said Chassidy Evans, Brooks’ niece.

Relatives described Brooks as a loving father of three daughters and a stepson who had a bright smile and a big heart and loved to dance. Evans said there was no reason for him “to be shot and killed like trash in the street for falling asleep in a drive-thru.”

Floyd’s death on May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into the black man’s neck touched off demonstrations and scattered violence across the U.S., and Brooks’ killing rekindled those protests in Atlanta. The Wendy’s restaurant where Brooks was shot was burned down over the weekend.

Several Democratic lawmakers joined the protests and called for Georgia to repeal its citizen’s arrest and stand-your-ground laws, among a slate of other proposed reforms. State Republicans have pushed back against swift action on most of the Democratic agenda.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said he hopes to decide by midweek whether to bring charges in the Brooks case. Officer Garrett Rolfe, who fired the shots that killed Brooks, was fired, and the other officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, was put on desk duty. Police Chief Erika Shields resigned.

Officials nationwide are responding to calls for reform while protests persist. The New York City Police Department is disbanding the type of plainclothes anti-crime units that were involved in the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner and have long been criticized for aggressive tactics, Commissioner Dermot Shea said Monday.

In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said a panel of residents, activists and one police official will review the Police Department’s policy on when officers can use force. Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mayor Tim Keller said he wants a new department of social workers and civilian professionals to provide another option when someone calls 911.

New Jersey’s attorney general ordered police to begin divulging names of officers who commit serious disciplinary violations.

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Associated Press contributors include Russ Bynum in Savannah, and Ben Nadler in Atlanta.

 

It’s Still Important To Wear Your Mask

The Black Coalition Against Covid has created the “I Mask 4 DC” campaign.

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It’s become a part of our daily routine.  But despite it being a life-saving effort, many people are still failing to wear a mask to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.  This morning, I have details about a campaign designed to get everyone to mask-up.  It’s called the I Mask for DC, a video festival and competition.  My guest is Dr. Reed Tuckson – Black Coalition Against COVID

Black Coalition Against COVID is sponsoring the #iMask4DC Video Festival and Competition.  The goal is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the community by promoting mask-wearing during this pandemic.  The deadline to submit for the competition is June 20th.  For details, go here:

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Fear of Police, Black Men and Emotional Trauma

How publicity about deadly encounters between police and black men are impacting mental health.

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      Amid the growing list of black men who have had fatal police contact… are black men who are concerned that they may be next.  June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. We look at black men, mental illness and how the fear of a police encounter is impacting them.

Guest:

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Dr. Ronald Evans, Licenced Clinical Professional Counselor

 

Rayshard Brooks Family Calls For Justice

`When does it stop?’ Slain man’s family makes tearful plea.

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ATLANTA (AP) — The family of a black man killed in a scuffle with Atlanta police outside a fast food drive-thru is pleading for nonviolent protests and policy changes to end future deaths in police custody. About 20 relatives of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks said at a news conference Monday that he was a loving father with a big heart. Brooks was shot late Friday as police tried to arrest for being intoxicated behind the wheel. His niece, Chassidy Evans, said the family isn’t just pleading for justice, but also for change. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people joined a protest outside the Georgia Capitol, where Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a slate of criminal justice reforms.

Byron Cage Talks “Broken, But I’m Healed,” Bishop Walter S. Thomas Offers COVID Testing

Byron Cage is a multiple Stellar award-winning Gospel artist who is the Minister of Music at Ebenezer AME in Fort Washington, Maryland. Byron’s song, “Broken, But I’m Healed” was sung as the family walked into the sanctuary at George Floyd’s funeral in Houston.

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On this edition of HUR@HOME Inspiration we talked with two anointed men of God who are inspiring millions of believers around the world. Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. is known as “Pastor’s Pastor,” and is the Senior Pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He served as the past president of the Hampton University Minister’s Conference and received his Master of Divinity from the Howard University School of Religion.

Bishop talked about how George Floyd’s death birthed a racial awakening in this country. African Americans who are privileged with wealth and status are forced to recognize that they are still members of the oppressed race. He said that non-Black allies to the cause of ending racial injustice need to do more than just “understand.” They need to be pro-active. Bishop Thomas talked about how New Psalmist Baptist in Baltimore is providing food and COVID-19 testing to its community and he announced the upcoming Medical Town Hall.

Byron Cage is a multiple Stellar award-winning Gospel artist who is the Minister of Music at Ebenezer AME in Fort Washington, Maryland. Byron’s song, “Broken, But I’m Healed” was sung as the family walked into the sanctuary at George Floyd’s funeral in Houston.

Byron told the story of how Bishop Walter Thomas gave him the inspiration he needed to leave Bishop Eddie Long’s church as minister of music. He said it was one of the best decisions he had ever made. Byron talked about his new song is called, “Oh How Good It Is” and his new book that chronicles his 30 years as a Minister of Music and how to maximize the role of Music Ministers in churches today.

DC Expanding COVID-19 Testing at Fire Stations

Free walk-up coronavirus testing now available at more DC firehouses

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WASHINGTON, DC) – Beginning, Monday June, 15, the District is expanding free COVID-19 testing to include four firehouses each day, Monday-Saturday. The firehouse testing sites are walk-up and no appointment is needed.

Over the past two weeks, two firehouses have been open each evening, Monday through Friday, for free COVID-19 testing. So far, more than 2,300 people have been tested at a firehouse. The testing at these sites is done by personnel from the DC Fire and EMS Department, the Public Health Lab, and the Department of Health.

The new firehouse testing schedule is below:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Engine 4 (2531 Sherman Ave NW)
  • Engine 11 (3420 14th St NW)
  • Engine 24 (5101 Georgia Ave NW)
  • Engine 31 (4930 Connecticut Ave NW)

Thursday and Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Engine 8 (1520 C St SE)
  • Engine 10 (1342 Florida Ave NE)
  • Engine 30 (50 49th St NE)
  • Engine 33 (101 Atlantic St SE)

The firehouse testing sites are in addition to the many free testing sites across DC, including the walk-up testing site at F Street, NW between 4th and 5th Streets, NW and the drive-thru and walk-up testing sites at 2241 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE in Ward 8 and at the UDC-CC Bertie Backus campus in Ward 5.

Residents are still encouraged to access testing through their health care providers so that they are connected to health care. However, anyone who needs a test can get a test at the testing locations listed above.

Find a full list of testing locations at coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.

For more information on the District’s COVID-19 response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

 

Autopsy Shows Rayshard Brooks Shot Twice In the Back

White officer who shot and killed black man outside Wendy’s could face murder charges.

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(Sunday, June 14, 2020) – The Fulton County, Georgia Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of Rayshard Brooks as a homicide and shows he was shot twice in the back.

Brooks is the latest black man, whose death at the hands of police, has touched off protests in the streets of Atlanta and elsewhere.  Brooks was shot Friday night outside a Wendy’s after  being approached by officers for sleeping inside his car at the fast food.  Much of the incident was caught on video.  It shows, as officers tried to place Brooks under arrest for suspected driving under the influence, some kind of scuffle occurred.  The camera also shows Brooks getting hold of one of the officer’s tasers and may have fired the taser at the officers as he ran away.

One officer then fatally shot the 27-year-old father of four.  The officer, Garrett Rolfe,  has been fired.  A second officer, Devin Brosnan, has been placed on administrative leave.  Rolf, the officer who fatally shot Brooks, could face murder charges.  GBI has launched an investigation.

The shooting has touched off more protests in and around Atlanta.  The Wendy’s where the shooting took place was set on-fire Saturday.  Meantime, the police chief of Atlanta, Erika Shields, has stepped down in the midst of the

THE JOURNEY: “The Black Coalition Against COVID”

President Frederick speaks with Marie Johns, a Trustee at Howard University, as well as the Chairwoman of the Student Life Committee and Ambrose Lane Jr., Co-Founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and Chair of the Health Alliance Network.

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ABOUT

Many community leaders are lending a helping hand for those who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. In the District of Columbia, there is a new coalition with a strong initiative to stop the spread and to keep the African American communities informed. On today’s episode of “The Journey,” President Frederick speaks with Marie Johns, a Trustee at Howard University, as well as the Chairwoman of the Student Life Committee and Ambrose Lane Jr., Co-Founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and Chair of the Health Alliance Network.

Air Date: June 14, 2020

Mother Of Son Shot By DC Police Sues For Millions

The mother of a 22-year-old killed by DC police is suing the District and its police department for millions.

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On June 12, 2018, 22-year-old Marquees Alston was shot and killed by DC police.  Now two years later, his mother filed a 100-million dollar lawsuit against the District.  Police say they shot Alston after he first fired at them from an alley way.   Kenithia Alston, Marquees Alston’s mother, rejects the police version and has requested the release of the officers’ body-worn camera footage.

This week the DC Council unanimously approved reforms to the city’s police department, which included changes to how the public can access police body cam video.

Biden’s Running Mate Search Narrows

Joe Biden’s potential running mate list has narrowed to six, according to Democratic officials.

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Joe Biden’s search for a running mate is entering a second round of vetting with several black women in strong contention.

Democrats with knowledge of the process said the former vice-president’s search committee has whittled the choices down to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Those still in the hunt include African Americans Senator Kamala Harris, Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obama’s national security adviser, Florida representative Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.  New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Latina, is also a candidate along with Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Pharrell Williams Proposes Virginia Black Lives Matter Art

Williams, a recording artist and producer who’s from the city, proposed the tribute in an Instagram post this week, adding a photo of what the message would look like along Virginia Beach’s boardwalk with the caption “VB let’s make it happen.”

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — Virginia Beach is considering painting Black Lives Matter down its oceanfront boardwalk after Grammy-winning musician Pharrell Williams supported the idea on social media.

Williams, a recording artist and producer who’s from the city, proposed the tribute in an Instagram post this week, adding a photo of what the message would look like along Virginia Beach’s boardwalk with the caption “VB let’s make it happen.”

An Instagram page called Oceanfront9 had first posted the photo, The Virginian-Pilot reported.

Last week, the same words were painted in giant yellow letters down the Washington street that leads to the White House. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the painting was intended to send a message of support and solidarity to Americans outraged over the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.

More than 136,000 people had liked Williams’ post as of Thursday morning and Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said Wednesday that he and city staff planned to discuss whether the artwork could happen.

“Obviously, it would involve (a city) council decision and also working with the community,” The Virginian-Pilot quoted Dyer as saying. “We’re going to be looking at multiple ways of addressing the concerns of African American people.”

Williams went to high school in Virginia Beach and has since been involved in a number of causes in the city, including organizing the multi-day “Something in the Water” music festival and penning a new song for a tourism advertisement campaign.

‘Cops,’ On Air For 33 Seasons, Dropped By Paramount Network

The show had been pulled temporarily from the air in late May, when protests aimed at police over the death of George Floyd began to gain momentum. That move was made permanent Tuesday.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — After 33 seasons on the air, “Cops” has been dropped by the Paramount Network as protests against police proliferate around the world.

“Cops is not on the Paramount Network and we don’t have any current or future plans for it to return,” a spokesperson for the cable channel said in a statement Tuesday.

The show had been pulled temporarily from the air in late May, when protests aimed at police over the death of George Floyd began to gain momentum. That move was made permanent Tuesday.

It’s not clear whether the company that makes the show, Langley Productions, would try to find a new home for it. A voicemail at a company phone number was not accepting messages.

The reality show, with its widely known reggae theme song “Bad Boys,” allowed viewers to ride along with police officers on patrol in various cities.

It ran on the Fox network for 25 years until 2013, when Viacom-owned Spike TV picked it up. The show remained on the air after Spike was re-branded as the Paramount Network in 2018.

 

It’s Important to Keep Track of Your Health

A free app that can send your vitals directly to your Doctor in real time

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It is more important than ever to stay on top of your health and any underlying issues you may have as we navigate through these difficult times.  Taking tele-medicine to a whole new level with a free app that can send your vitals directly to your physician in real time, so you can get the medical attention you need immediately.  Mimi-Rx is a free app that can be downloaded to your phone or ipad.  A kit that can come with this app is like having a medical exam in a box, which includes a Electronic BP Cup, Infarred Thermometer, Pulse Oximeter and more.  For more information go to: www.theeagleforce.net/

My guest this morning is Walter Kirkland – Founding President of the 100 Blackmen of Prince George’s County

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Congressman Wants Confederate Names Removed From Naval Academy Buildings

Confederate names should come off Naval Academy buildings, according to a Maryland congressman.

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The names of two members of the Confederacy should be removed from buildings at the U.S. Naval Academy, the chairman of the academy’s Board of Visitors said Thursday.

Rep. C.A Dutch Ruppersberger, a Maryland Democrat, said the Pentagon should consider removing Confederate names from all military bases as people across the country protest against racial inequality and police brutality.

“There has been discussion of renaming these buildings since at least 2017,” Ruppersberger said in a statement. “As the new Chairman, the time for discussion is over. It’s time for action. Midshipmen who have earned the privilege to study in one of our nation’s most prestigious institutions should not have to walk around campus and see buildings named for men who fought to uphold slavery and promote white supremacy.”

The academy superintendent’s residence is named after Franklin Buchanan, the academy’s first superintendent who left to join the Confederate Navy at the start of the Civil War. The academy’s Weapons and Systems Engineering division is house in Maury Hall. It’s named after Matthew Fontaine Maury, who was a leader in the fields of naval meteorology and navigation. He headed the coast, harbor and river defenses for the Confederate Navy.

“This isn’t about erasing history,” Ruppersberger said. “We simply shouldn’t lift up traitors who fought against American values like equality and tolerance.”

The congressman said he would bring up the issue at the board’s next meeting. The board is similar to a board of trustees at a civilian college and includes members of Congress. He also said he would offer an amendment to appropriations measures in Congress to require the academy to rename the two buildings.

“We are working hard to attract minority applicants to our service academies and all of our service branches,” Ruppersberger said. “We must send a strong and unequivocal message to all potential minority applicants that we stand united in opposing the glorification of leaders who defended slavery.”

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration will “not even consider” changing the name of any of the 10 Army bases that are named for Confederate Army officers. Two days earlier, Defense Secretary Mark Esper indicated he was open to a broad discussion of such changes.

Supporters of disassociating military bases from Confederate Army officers argue they represent the racism and divisiveness of the Civil War era and glorify men who fought against the United States.

School Board Delays Vote On In-School Police

Prince George’s County school board to revisit the issue of police in county schools.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
Posted on

The Prince George’s County school board postponed a vote on whether the school system will continue to have police resource officers in county schools.  The board was set to take a vote Thursday night, but have rescheduled the vote for September 14.  Supporters of taking police out of county schools want the over 3 million dollars used for police resource officers to be used to hire guidance and mental health counselors and implement educational programs.