Howard University’s Homecoming 2024, marked the 100th anniversary of this celebrated tradition. “Yard of Fame,” acknowledged Howard’s influence and the accomplishments of its alumni, while also looking forward to future generations of Bison!
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Time to pull out your dress to impress gear and get ready for the 2024 Prince George’s County Public Schools Hall of Fame Gala. My guest is Thea Wilson – Executive Director of the Excellence In Education Foundation for the Prince George’s County Public Schools, Inc.
The 2024 Prince George’s County Public Schools Hall of Fame Gala is Friday, October 25th at 6pm @ the MGM National Harbor. For more information go here: www.eefpgcps.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Financial Workshop
Time to get your financial house in order. Join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for its Financial Wellness Expo October 26th at Westlake High School in Waldorf.
Improv @ Upper Marlboro Library
Discover the joy and spirit of improv. Come out October 26th for an Improv Workshop at the Upper Marlboro Branch Public Library. www.pgcmls.info
Trunk or Treat @ Bowie State
Get ready for an evening full of free family fun October 26th at the “BOO-WEE WEEN” Trunk or Treat on the campus of Bowie State University. www.bsucaas.wixsite.com
Urban League Workforce Readiness
The Greater Washington Urban League is hosting a series of Workforce Readiness Workshops October 21st thru October 29th. www.gwul.org
Housing Discrimination Help
Housing discrimination based on skin color is against the law. If you believe you or anyone in your household is experiencing discrimination, contact Housing Counseling Services. www.housingetc.org
Anti-Bullying Talent Show
Stand up against bullying. Attend Stars Performing Arts talent show October 26th at Charles Houston Rec in Alexandria, Virginia. www.starsfortheheartscom
L.O.V.E. Drive
Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center invites you to its 12TH Annual LOVE DRIVE now thru December 15th. Donations help to integrate arts programs in schools across the DMV. www.ltyc.net
Momma’s Safe Haven Conference
Momma’s Safe Haven 7th Annual You Go Girl Female Transformational Conference is October 26th at the Thurgood Marshall Center in NW. www.mommassafehaven.org
Washington, D.C. (Thursday, October 17, 2024) – What do you get when you combine R&B’s “Love King” with DC’s top-rated “Love Show?” The ultimate “Quiet Storm.” 96.3 WHUR proudly announces that beginning Thursday, October 17th National Recording Artist Raheem DeVaughn will be the new host of the legendary “Original Quiet Storm.” Tune in weekdays from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. for an unforgettable musical experience.
The announcement comes as WHUR prepares to celebrate nearly 50 years of the iconic program, made popular by the late legendary Melvin Lindsey. Since 1976, the “Original Quiet Storm” on WHUR has guided listeners on a nightly journey of soulful slow jams and romantic melodies. “We are thrilled to launch this new chapter of the ‘Original Quiet Storm’ with one of the most talented creative artists in R&B, proudly representing Washington,” said Al Payne, Senior Director of Programming for WHUR.
Raheem DeVaughn is no stranger to radio. He has been hosting his own self-titled podcast since 2012. This evolution will further highlight his engaging hosting abilities and provide an opportunity for artists to connect with listeners in a unique and authentic way. “I’m humbled and extremely excited about my partnership with the WHUR family. The ‘Original Quiet Storm’ is a legacy brand and to be hand chosen as the new voice and face is an honor and a dream come true,” said DeVaughn.
Working as the executive producer of the show will be WHUR Assistant Program and Music Director Traci LaTrelle. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Raheem DeVaughn. His soulful voice and deep connections to the DMV and R&B will bring a fresh intimate energy to the show, perfectly capturing the essence of the “Original Quiet Storm.”
WHUR’s new fall weekday lineup is now set. Start your day with “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by “Sunni and the City” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the afternoon, tune in to the “Nina & Joe Show” with Joe Clair and Nina Brown from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Then, catch “The Daily Drum” with Harold Fisher from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Finally, unwind with “The Quiet Storm” hosted by “The Love King” Raheem DeVaughn from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Foundation “Dancing With The Stars” Event
https://pgcfamilyjusticecenterfoundation.org/dancing-with-the-stars/
Helping the DMV avoid being taken by scammers. An important fraud prevention seminar is coming up this month to help alert you to the latest efforts criminals are using to steal your money and identity. My guest is the Reverend Dr. Brian Bellamy – Senior Pastor Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Rockville
Fraud Prevention Seminar Saturday, October 26th at 10am at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. For more information go here: www.aka-too.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama joined Stevie Wonder onstage Tuesday (October 15) at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore for his tour stop.
Wonder encourages voters on his 10-city “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour before election day.
Democratic President Barack Obama has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. He surprised Kamala Harris’ campaign staff in Pittsburgh last week.
Wonder is legendary. Before performing at the August Democratic Convention, he had won 25 Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and helped make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday.
His hit songs include “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “I Wish,” “Sir Duke,” “Higher Ground,” “Superstition,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.”
A concertgoer got to capture the moment, saying,”I’m at a Stevie Wonder concert, and lemme tell you… I did not expect the Obamas to walk out with him.”
According to PEOPLE, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers have requested the identities of the accusers in his sex trafficking case to be disclosed in order to prepare for his trial in May 2025.
The legal team argues that the numerous allegations against Combs, fueled by his celebrity status and previous lawsuits, have created a media circus that could deprive him of a fair trial. The request comes after four men and two women sued the rapper for sexual assault and rape, with the lawyers dismissing the accusations as a publicity stunt.
Combs was previously sued by his ex-girlfriend, triggering a wave of sexual assault lawsuits against him, and he is currently held on sex trafficking and racketeering charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York.
My guest is all about elevating the future of Black culture and giving black businesses a leg up. It’s called Black On the Block and it’s making a return to the DMV this weekend with more than 100 black businesses all under one roof. My guest is Lanie Edwards – Co-Founder of Black On the Block
Black On the Block is October 20th at Nationals Park Shop 100 Black-owned businesses, enjoy great food, drinks, music, special guests, Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Shoutout, AT&T Dream in Black, and much more! For more information go here: www.blackxtheblock.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Resources: https://naacp.org/campaigns/power-your-vote
Know Your Voting Rights :Stay informed about your local election laws, and make sure you’re aware of deadlines for voter registration, absentee voting, and Election Day protocols.
Register and Verify Your Status Early: Checking your status early gives you time to correct any issues, avoiding surprises on Election Day.
Fight Voter Suppression Tactics: Speak out against these tactics, and support policies that expand access to voting for all.
Vote Early or Absentee if Possible: Voting early or by absentee ballot helps reduce long lines and wait times on Election Day.
Stay Engaged and Advocate for Election Protection: Even after you’ve cast your ballot, continue to advocate for fair elections by staying engaged.
Recently, Taraji P. Henson reflected on her sexy strip tease scene in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and how she was shy about filming it.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a series following streetwise hustler Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, played by Kevin Hart who works his way to throw a party after Muhammad Ali’s historical comeback fight in 1970. Hart and Henson take center stage of the Peacock Original with Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Terrance Howard, and many more.
Henson said, “It was difficult dancing in front of all of my peers like that. But that’s when you have to just black out, and that’s what I did. I removed myself from the room, mentally.”
She continued, “I just remember going, ‘We’re never going home.’ Because there were so many moving pieces, but it was fun. The night was exciting. A lot of moving, a lot of running, a lot of action. It helps when you have a fun cast. It was a lively cast.”
In an interview, Pharrell recently shared a little-known fact about his song ‘Happy’: that it was meant to be a sarcastic track.
Pharrell said, “When I was about 40, that’s when ‘Get Lucky,’ ‘Blurred Lines,’ ‘Happy,’ all that was the same year. So I was like okay, whoa. And these were all songs that were more commissions instead of, I just woke up one day and decided I’m gonna write about xyz.”
He also revealed that he sent in multiple songs trying to bring that joyful tone of Despicable Me 2, and each of these songs was rejected. He continued, “[I] asked myself a rhetorical question and came back with a sarcastic answer, and that’s what ‘Happy’ was.”
He added, “[The question was,] ‘How do you make a song about a person that’s so happy that nothing can bring them down?’ And I sarcastically answered it and put music to it, and that sarcasm became the song. And that broke me that all of what I thought it was supposed to be didn’t do that, and I had to learn that the universe is a part of everything we do. It’s so crazy.”
A call to action for men this morning. It’s time to get connected and engaged with the Prince George’s County School System. A big event is coming up this month calling on men to help make a difference. My guest this morning is Dr. William Clay – School Counselor at Walden Woods Elementary School in Clinton
Waldon Woods Elementary School is hosting Men Make A Difference Day Friday, October 25th from 8:45am to 2:30pm
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Hillcrest Heights, Md. (Saturday, October 12, 2024) – On a warm sunny day with temps near 80, winter was on the mind of WHUR listeners. Dozens packed the Shops at Iverson to drop off winter gear for youth in need across the DMV. That included coats, hats, gloves and even a few socks. When all the items were counted, nearly 700 new coats, 322 hats, 246 sets of gloves, and 25 pairs of socks were received. The spirit of love and sharing was part of WHUR’s 22nd Annual Children’s Coat Drive.
The radio station took its ever popular Coka Lani Saturday Show on the road to the Shops at Iverson to broadcast the Coat Drive and issue the urgent plea for new coats to help provide warmth to needy children in the region. Even with the seasonally warm weather, listeners across the DMV know that winter can be brutal and now is the time to prepare for the cold weather.
WHUR is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of the Coat Drive thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. “We are deeply grateful to our listeners and the entire community for their unwavering support,” said Sean Plater, WHUR General Manager. “The success of this year’s coat drive underscores the incredible compassion and giving spirit of our community members, who once again rose to the occasion to ensure that children throughout the DMV have the warm clothing they need.”
This annual event is central to WHUR’s commitment to community support and outreach. Through the collaborative efforts of donors, volunteers, and organizers, the Children’s Coat Drive has once again made a meaningful impact in the lives of many.
The collected coats, hats, and gloves will be distributed to Voices for A Second Chance, Bright Beginnings, Mission of Love Charities, Fountain Community Enrichment, and the Department of Community Services Board of Prince William County. These are non-profit organizations who are boots on the grounds tackling social issues impacting impoverished families across the DMV.
“Thank you to all participants and supporters for making the WHUR 22nd Annual Children’s Coat Drive a resounding success. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated and will provide warmth and comfort to many children this winter season,” added Plater.
Special recognition to the DMV Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Iverson Mall, Tropical Smoothie, Forestville Rehabilitation Center, The Morris Family, and Pro Cakes.
It’s a Medical Monday and today we’re highlighting Alzheimer’s and dementia in Prince George’s County. Did you know the county ranks 4th in the nation with more than 3k people in the county living with the disease? There’s a big walk coming up this month to raise money and awareness. My guest is Walter Kirkland – Chair of 2024 Prince George’s County Walk to End Alzheimer
The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, October 26th at National Harbor/Capital Canopy in Oxon Hill
To hear this mornings segment listen here:
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs had a huge court date set on Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has set a May 5, 2025, trial start date for the fallen mogul’s sex trafficking case. Combs pleaded not guilty last month to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The charges stem from a federal investigation that accuses the Bad Boy founder of organizing coerced sexual acts, allegedly recorded during events referred to as “freak offs.”
Prior to court appearance it was reported that Sean “Diddy” Combs accused the Department of Homeland Security of leaking a video showing him beating his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, as part of a defense strategy against sex-crime allegations.
Defense lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos claim the leaked footage was used in a damaging and prejudicial way, violating grand jury secrecy.
Diddy, who is facing charges of sex-trafficking and other crimes, is seeking relief from the court to address the alleged misconduct and underhanded tactics of the DHS.
The defense argues that the leaked video was misused to taint the jury pool and deprive Diddy of a fair trial, while also acknowledging that the DHS did not have possession of the footage prior to its publication by CNN.
Ventura sued Combs in November and settled a day later. Combs is accused of using his record business as a “criminal enterprise” for over a decade to abuse women and bully witnesses to cover up crimes.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The official start of WHUR’s Season of Giving kicks-off this Saturday. It’s the 22nd Annual WHUR Children’s Coat Drive, a chance for you to help needy youth in the DMV to stay warm this winter. Joining me this morning with the details is Renee Nash – WHUR Director of News and Public Affairs
22nd Annual WHUR Children’s Coat Drive, powered by FedEx is Saturday, October 12th from 12pm to 4pm at the Shops @ Iverson. We are in need of new coats, gloves, and hats for children ages 2 to 17. All donations will go to non-profit agencies working with families and children in need. For more information go here: www.whur.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
This morning on Taking It to the Streets it’s all about free, free, free. My guest is hosting a day filled with free screenings and supplies for the DMV. It’s a health fair and more. My guest is Pastor John Odukoya – Fountain Community Enrichment, Inc.
12th Annual Fountain Community Health Fair is Saturday, October 12th from 12pm to 5pm at Prince George’s Community College. Come out for free health screenings, free food and household items. For more information go here: www.fountainenrichment.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office hosts events to address domestic violence:
https://www.pgsao.org/event-details-registration/not-one-campaign-against-domestic-violence-2024
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
Houston died Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston told The Associated Press. The acclaimed gospel singer was surrounded by her family.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are “unparalleled.”
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston was in the well-known vocal group, the Sweet Inspirations, with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warrick. The group sang backup for a variety of soul singers including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters and Dionne Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations appeared on Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and sang background vocals for The Jimi Hendrix Experience on the song “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” in 1967. In the same year, Houston worked on Franklin’s classic “Ain’t No Way.”
Houston’s last performance with the Sweet Inspirations came after the group hit the stage with Presley in a Las Vegas show in 1969. Her final recording session with the group turned into their biggest R&B hit “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover” a composition by the production team of Gamble & Huff, who appeared on the group’s fifth album, “Sweet Sweet Soul.”
During that time, the group occasionally performed live concert dates with Franklin. After the group’s success and four albums together, Houston left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career where she flourished.
Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in multiple genres throughout her career. Her vocals can heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and her daughter.
In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which includes “Mexican Divorce,” “All Kinds of People” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” She performed various standards including Barbra Streisand’s hit song, “Evergreen.”
Houston won Grammys for her albums “Face to Face” in 1997 and “He Leadeth Me” the following year in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
Houston authored three books: “He Leadeth Me,” “How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel” and “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.”
In 1938, Cissy Houston started her career when she joined her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky to form the gospel group, The Drinkard Four, who recorded one album. She attended New Hope Baptist Church, where she later become Minister of Sacred Music.
Houston was the youngest of eight children.
“We are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief,” Houston said on behalf of the family. “We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”
We are kicking off Fire Prevention Week with some tips you need to know to keep you, your family, and community safe. My guest this morning is all about prevention and safety. My guest is Mitchel Kannry – Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief for DC Fire and eMS Department
Fire Prevention Week is October 6th – October 12thFire Prevention Week 2024 theme is Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you! There will be a workshop on smoke alarms Saturday, October 12th at 10am at the DC Fire and EMS Engine 22 at 6823 Georgia Avenue, NW. For more information go here: www.tinyurl.com/FirePreventionWeekDC
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Upcoming vents to help you get control of both: Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair & Fun Run/Walk is Saturday, October 5th!
16th Annual Mental Health Event: “Take the Moment” October 9 th at McCoart Plaza
Listen here to podcast discussion:
PART 1
PART 2
District of Columbia
Registration deadlines
- By mail (received by)By 4:45 PM on Oct 15
- In person during early voting Oct 28 – Nov 3
- In-person at voting location on Election DayNov 5
- Online By 4:45 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Oct 28 – Nov 3
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person By 8 PM on Nov 5
- The District of Columbia starts sending ballots to all active registered voters Sep 30
Maryland
Mail-in ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) By 8 PM on Oct 29
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person By 8 PM on Nov 5
Registration deadlines
- By mail postmarked by 5 PM on Oct 15
- In person during early voting Oct 24 – 31
- In-person at voting location on Election Day Nov 5
- Online By 11:59 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Oct 24 – 31
- In-person Nov 5
Virginia
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by)By 5 PM on Oct 25
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person by 7 PM on Nov 5
Registration deadlines
- By mail (postmarked by)Oct 15
- In person during early voting Sep 20 – Nov 2
- In-person at voting location on Election Day Nov 5
- Online by 11:59 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Sep 20 – Nov 2
- In-person Nov 5
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month my guest is on a mission to help survivors and their families. She has an annual event coming up this weekend and she needs your help to make it a success. My guest is Miriam Wright-McKinney – Founder and Chair of Edith P Wright Breast Cancer Foundation
14th Annual EPW Awards and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Turn Bethesda Theater Pink Event is tomorrow, Saturday, October 5th @ 7pm. For more information go here: www.epwfoundation.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
I have another opportunity this morning for you to take advantage of a health event to . This time Black Nurses of Southern Maryland want you to lace up your shoes and get moving this weekend. My guest is Latonia Ford – First Vice President of Black Nurses of Southern Maryland
Lace up your sneakers for the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run October 5th at Tucker Road in Fort Washington. For more information go here: www.bnsmd.nursingnetwork.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
GenZs fresh out of college and into the workplace. A new report says many employers are having second thoughts about hiring GenZs and in some cases are already giving them the boot. Are GenZs getting a bad rap or are the employers old and out of touch? GenZs, HR Experts, and College Counselors are sounding off on the topic.
Guest:
Dr. Sonya Ford – Wellness Center Director at a major University.
Dr. Shawn Talley – HR Expert
Monique Small – A 26-year-old GenZ College Graduate active in the workforce.
Esther Alexandre – 2023 college grad working for a defense company.
CNN reports, that a strike that threatens to disrupt the supply chain has Americans hoarding toilet paper like it’s 2020.
Many people are posting photos of empty toilet paper shelves to social media after a dockworker strike shut down 14 ports across the eastern U.S. But experts say there’s no need to worry because most toilet paper is shipped on land, either from U.S. factories or from Canada or Mexico.
Ports from Maine to Texas will not experience any impact. Most of what the port strike will affect is perishable goods, like produce that contains a short shelf life. So the panic is deemed unnecessary.
In fresh lawsuits against Diddy, a Texas attorney represents over 100 accusers. Texas attorney Tony Buzbee said he represents 120 women with 20-year-old charges against the entertainment tycoon during Tuesday’s (October 1) news conference.
“We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates,” Buzbee said during the news conference.
Buzbee said the charges would include “violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, and sexual abuse of minors.” The lawyer stated more than 3,000 people have accused Combs and that he will file litigation in multiple states within 30 days and will announce the other defendants later.
Buzbee claimed 62 percent of this new batch of accusers are African American and come from more than 25 states, mostly New York, California, Georgia, and Florida. According to Buzbee, 25 of the accusers were children when the crimes occurred, some in 1991. The lawyer said one accuser was 9 years old when the incident occurred.
The use of condoms has dropped sharply among younger Americans, according to a new report from the Associated Press.
The study cites several reasons for the decline, including a lack of sex education in school and less fear about the danger of STIs, as well as medical advancements to prevent pregnancy. “Old condom ads were meant to scare you, and all of us were scared for the longest time,” said Dr. Joseph Cherabie, Medical Director of the St. Louis HIV Prevention Training Center. “Now we’re trying to move away from that and focus more on what works for you.”
Young people are also less likely to be sexually active than previous generations. The CDC says condoms are still a valuable tool for preventing disease, alongside other measures.
It’s all about revving up those engines this weekend. The Domestic Violence Auto Show is going down in Fort Washington and all car, bike, and truck enthusiasts are encouraged to come out to show off your wheels for a good cause. My guest is Rosalind Stokes – Domestic Violence Auto Show Coordinator
Domestic Violence Auto Show is Saturday, October 5th from 8am to 2pm at Winegardner Chevrolet in Fort Washington. Come show off your cars, trucks, cycles. All proceeds go to support domestic violence programs in Prince George’s County
Listen to this mornings segment here:
John Amos, the beloved actor known for his roles as James Evans Sr in Good Times, Toby in Roots, and Gordy on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, passed away at 84 in Los Angeles on August 21st.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced his father’s passing. In a statement he said, “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos’ career spanned over five decades, with standout performances in Good Times, Roots, and films like Coming to America. He was a vocal advocate for positive portrayals of African Americans in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and those who knew him. His representation, Buchwald, expressed pride in representing Amos and highlighted his remarkable talent and generous spirit.
My guest this morning is a New York Times #1 Best Selling author and he’s out with a new book. He’s bringing it this week to the campus of Howard University. The book is entitled The Message. Joining me with all the details is Ta-Nehisi Coates – New York Times #1 Best Selling Author
Ta-Nehisi Coates will return to DC and the campus of Howard University Thursday, October 3rd at Crampton Auditorium to present his most recent book The Message; a collection of three essays addressed to Howard students on writing and the power of mythology from his travels to South Carolina, Senegal, and Palestine.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Men Make A Difference: The Power of Presence (POPs) October 13th, 9a – 2p Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr, High School 12650 Brooke Lane Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.
The 7-foot-2 center was one of the most feared shot-blockers in NBA history, winning Defensive Player of the Year four times in his 18-year career, and ranking second-all time in career blocks behind Hakeem Olajuwon.
Mutombo’s influence went beyond the basketball court – he spent his post-playing career as an ambassador for the NBA and the sport of basketball in his home continent of Africa. He also focused on charity efforts through his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation and organizations like the CDC Foundation, UNICEF, and the Special Olympics.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life… with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”
Accrding to the Hollywood Reporter, Recently, one of Diddy’s accuser’s attorneys addressed the alleged sex videos taken from Diddy’s houses and revealed that there was a high-profile person featured in one of the tapes.
Ariel Mitchell-Kidd said, “There already have been tapes leaking around Hollywood being shopped around…but one particular person contacted me to shop a particular video they were in possession of and to contact the person who was in the video to see if they were interested in purchasing the video before it became public knowledge.”
She continued, “I can tell the video was pornographic in nature.… This was in his Atlanta home, and it does seem the person isn’t looking into the video. To me, it doesn’t seem like that person knows they’re being videotaped.”
She added about another client of hers who contacted her to represent her against Diddy, “She called me and told me about her assault and her escape. She was at a friend’s house who had industry ties, and Diddy decided to come to the house.”
On the Daily Drum, Fraudsters, con artists, drug dealers, corrupt. Derogatory words to herald at anyone yet alone an entire group of people. Our guest say they often hear those terms and they want to dispel the stereotypes and myths often said about Nigerians. A powerful documentary will drop next week that offers a perspective beyond the headlines on what it means to be a Nigerian living in America.
Our guest, Oluyinka (O-Lu-Yinka) Davids – Creator and Director of Perception: The Nigerian Narrative and Gbenga Ogunjimi (Ben-ga Oh-goon-jimmy) – Executive Director of the Nigerian Cente.
The strike by musicians at the Kennedy Center is over. The walkout was only hours long before National Symphony Orchestra members reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Kennedy Center. Center officials say the new 18-month contract will bring the base salary for musicians to just over $165-thousand in the first year and almost $172-thousand in year two of the new deal. The Kennedy Center added that “The NSO musicians will retain their position as one of the highest compensated orchestras in the country.”
Momma’s Safe Haven
Momma’s Safe Haven 7th Annual You Go Girl Female Transformational Conference is October 26th at the Thurgood Marshall Center in NW. Bring your daughters out for a day of motivation, workshops, and host of other free activities. www.mommassafehaven.org
Estate Planning Workshop
Take control of your future and provide for your loved ones. The DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking is holding free estate planning workshop October 7th and 8th. www.eventbrite.com
Cocktails for A Cause
Help provide housing for the homeless. Join Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services for their Cocktails for a Cause October 21st at Lib’s Grill in Howard County. www.laureladvocacy.org
Alpha College Fair
Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual College Fair November 9th at the Southern Regional Tech and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington. It’s hosted by the Brothers of the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Domestic Violence Auto Show
Calling all bikers, truckers and cyclists. Come out October 5th to the Domestic Violence Benefit Auto Show at Winegarder Chevrolet in Fort Washington.
Nurses Health Walk
Lace up your sneakers for the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run October 5th at Tucker Road in Fort Washington. www.bnsmd.nursingnetwork.com
To get your non-profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event.
The jury found Justin Johnson guilty of murdering Young Dolph on Thursday (September 26) after a co-defendant testified that the assassination was part of a record label quarrel.
After just under four hours, jurors convicted Johnson of murder, conspiracy to murder, and weapons possession. Judge Jennifer Mitchell of the Shelby County Criminal Court sentenced Johnson to life in prison.
Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and bounties on all Paper Route Empire musicians. Smith claimed he and Johnson left “looking for somebody” on November 17, 2021, and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”
Smith testified, but prosecutors presented a mound of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance cameras and Johnson’s cell phone. After the murder, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding Smith and his half-brother Justin Johnson, testifying in June 2023.
While fleeing investigators, Jermarcus Johnson helped the two contact each other via telephone. Hernandez Govan, Smith’s liaison with Big Jook, has denied planning the murder.
Following the news of Justin Johnson getting a life sentence for his involvement in the murder of Dolph, Justin made a statement online and bragged about not snitching.
He said, “These n***as taking criminal responsibility I’m taking street responsibility regardless I’m foreva the biggest they can throw away the keys before I ever eat da cheese.”
Dolph’s fiance said, “We are also grateful to the public for standing with us and advocating for accountability throughout this process. The past three years, marked by the loss of Adolph and the events leading to the trial, have been incredibly frustrating. My faith has been tested, but Adolph’s tragic execution has only strengthened my resolve to fight – not only for him but for all Black men. This is just the beginning of our journey toward achieving full justice for Adolph, and we will patiently support the unfolding of that process.”
Get ready for some neighborhood fun. The Downtown Largo Festival is coming up this weekend and it’s packed with amazing activities and great information about the environment. My guest is Ayana Crawford – President of the Largo Town Center Association Board
Downtown Largo Festival September 28th at the Carillon In Prince George’s County. Come out for a day of diverse vendors, creative artists, live performances, and important educational initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and stormwater management. For more information go here: www.largotowncenter.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
More issues for the Secret Service.
An agent in Vice President Kamala Harris’ security detail has been accused of groping a Harris female campaign staffer. The agent was part of an advance team and there are reports he appeared to be intoxicated when the alleged incident took place last week in Wisconsin. An investigation is now underway. The agent has been removed from the Vice President’s detail and placed on administrative leave with his gun and badge taken.
According to TODAY, Hoda Kotb announced on Thursday that she would be stepping away from her role at “Today.”
Kotb, who has been co-anchoring the program with Savannah Guthrie for five years, cited her recent birthday for the decision. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb said on the show.
“I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
“Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she added. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.” Kotb will stay with “Today” until early 2025 and will remain a part of NBC.