(Washington, DC) — Sunday night’s Democratic presidential debate is being moved from Phoenix to Washington, DC. A statement from the DNC says the move was made out an abundance of caution related to the growing coronavirus crisis. The debate will take place at CNN’s studios in DC, with no live audience. It will air live on CNN and Univision, starting at eight o’clock, Eastern time. Meantime, Univision anchor Jorge Ramos has bowed out of the debate after recently being in proximity with someone who was in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
(Washington, DC) — President Trump is expected to formally declare a national emergency over the coronavirus this afternoon. He has scheduled a White House news conference at three o’clock, Eastern time. A declaration of a national emergency will set the stage for more direct federal relief to Americans and companies who are affected by the coronavirus. There are roughly 17-hundred confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and 40 deaths. Health officials warn that the number of confirmed cases could climb much higher as more coronavirus test kits become available.
Cherry Blossom Parade becomes latest event put on hold by COVID-19
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Washington, D.C. – (Friday, February 13, 2020) – The National Cherry Blossom Festival has announced it is canceling the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. The parade had been scheduled for Saturday, April 4th at 10am along Constitution Avenue, NW.
(Annapolis, MD) — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced a series of actions that aim to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The activation level of the State Operations Center has been increased to fully coordinate a full response to the coronavirus and the National Guard has also been activated. All Maryland public schools will close for two weeks starting on Monday in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus and gatherings of more than 250 people, including social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings, are prohibited. All senior citizen activities centers will close March 13th and the governor has ordered all non-essential government employees to telework. The cruise ship terminal at the Port of Baltimore has been closed and visits to prisons and state buildings are suspended. The restrictions were announced after Maryland health officials confirmed the state’s first known case of community transmission of the virus.
Prince George’s County officials say 12 firefighters may have been exposed to COVID-19. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made the announcement yesterday, saying the fire department is following the necessary policies and procedures for self-evaluation. Health officials say the county now has four confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The most recent case is a man in his 60s who is currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Meantime, Maryland public schools will be closed for the next two weeks. Prince George’s school officials say students will not be required to do on-line work because of concerns that some may not have access to computers or the internet.
Fairfax County public schools closed today over coronavirus concerns. School Superintendent Scott Braband says classes will resume next week but not before county schools are disinfected.
Maryland schools will be closed for the next two weeks starting Monday. Public schools in the District will also close as of Monday and will stay closed until the end of the month. DC Public Schools will implement distance learning for its students.
All Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and New York City, will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14. The Capitol will be closed to visitor tours until the end of the month. And there will be no public tours of the White House until further notice.
(Indianapolis, IN) — The NCAA is canceling its basketball tournaments because of the coronavirus pandemic, meaning there will be no March Madness. The governing body of collegiate sports said in addition to the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, it was canceling all remaining winter and spring championships. It said in a statement that they want to ensure the events do not contribute to the spread of the pandemic.
From stores to schools to sporting event and even places of worship… the spread of the coronavirus is impacting just about every aspect of our lives. How do we stay safe when even health officials say things get worse before they get better? COVID-19 seems to be engulfing our every anticipated move. During this special, detailed look at the crisis, we have two panels of experts to help ease the fear and help you plan for the better and prepare for the worse.
The Disney Dreamers Academy is a life changing experience for 100 High School students. We’re changing lives and empowering our youth to make their dreams come true.
Anne Ogunrinde – Marketing Strategy Manager, Walt Disney World, talks about what these dreamers will experience.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth. This comes as health officials report the total number of cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the state stands at 15. There were nine cases reported on Wednesday. An Alexandria resident has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. The Alexandria Health Department reports that the patient is isolated at home and in good condition. The first case in Virginia was reported on March 7. The state has since reported cases in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Spotsylvania and Virginia Beach.
“Having a television show to showcase your life and business is an opportunity not afforded to many people, so I didn’t even consider turning it down.”
Nat Geo WILD’s new series Critter Fixers: Country Vets follows two friends, Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard L. Hodges that run Critter Fixers, their animal clinic, in Bonaire, Georgia.
The pair met while they were undergraduate biology students at Fort Valley State University. After, they both attended the Tuskeegee School of Veterinary Medicine and opened up Critter Fixer in 1999, according to Den of Geek.
The duo is excited to use the series as a way to promote their business as well as the veterinary industry.
“Having a television show to showcase your life and business is an opportunity not afforded to many people, so I didn’t even consider turning it down,” said Dr. Ferguson.
The doctors acknowledge how important it is to have a representation of black veterinarians on television.
“African-Americans comprise less than 3% of the veterinary population. I often hear “I’ve never seen a black vet.” I feel a television show gives me a platform to show the diversity of our wonderful profession,” said Dr. Hodges in Today’s Veterninary Business.
The series premiered March 7, on Nat Geo Wild. Check out a clip of Critter Fixers here:
Since last night 9PM EST, Willow Smith has been staying inside a box for 24 hours with her boyfriend Tyler Cole at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles.
Since last night 9PM EST, Willow Smith has been staying inside a box for 24 hours with her boyfriend Tyler Cole at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles. According to Daily Mail, Smith and Cole’s goal for the exhibit is to spend three hours performing the different emotions of anxiety: paranoia, rage, sadness, numbness, euphoria, strong interest, compassion and acceptance. The box will only have one glass wall for viewers to see the duo in action, but also three other walls covered in canvas so the duo can express themselves through art. For fans that cannot attend, there is a live stream of the exhibit.
Smith posted information about the exhibit on her Instagram account:
Smith talked to the LA Times about her inspiration behind the exhibit, which was the sudden death of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. She hopes that her exhibit will bring awareness to mental health, specifically anxiety: “And so as long as it’s bringing awareness and a positive light to the darkness, it doesn’t matter if you don’t enjoy it.” The duo, also known as The Anxiety, will be releasing an album after the experience is completed. Smith’s struggle with anxiety and other mental health issues have been made known to the public through Red Table Talk, a Facebook Live talk show starring her alongside her mother and maternal grandmother. On one episode, she was asked by her mother, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith about her coping mechanisms for anxiety, and she shared that she does push-ups: “Recently I have been, like, I just get really frustrated and I just feel like there is so much energy. I get frustrated and then in my head I feel manic. So like, lately I’ve just been dropping down and just [doing push ups].”
Smith is a singer and actress who is most known for her platinum hit single “Whip My Hair”, which she released at the age of 10. She starred in I Am Legend alongside her father, actor Will Smith, as well as in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. However, she expects to channel more of her acting skills through this performance with Tyler Cole.
By now, you may have seen the video of this young sista by the name Ariyonna who labeled herself as “ugly” in a social media video while getting her hair done by a stylist. The stylist quickly stepped in and gave her powerful words of affirmation.
But now both, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Viola Davis have both stepped in!
4th Coronavirus Infection Confirmed In Prince George’s County and officials expect more cases.
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Landover, Maryland (March 12, 2020) – Prince George’s County officials are providing an update on the latest cases of the coronavirus infections. With 4 confirmed cases and still counting, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was joined by Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter today to spell out the county’s plans for moving forward.
The D.C. area is taking precautions amid the increasing rate of Coronavirus cases. The DMV has 34 confirmed cases so far.
D.C. Health has urged people to not convene in large groups of more than 1,000. “DC Health recommends that non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, be postponed or canceled,” they stated in an advisory.
Loudoun County Public Schools have decided to close and cancel all activities from March 12- 20. Saint Teresa Catholic School will close today, Thursday March 12 as well.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School and College Park Academy will be closed and all activities canceled from March 12-13 for sanitization and cleaning. School will reopen on March 16.
Colleges in the area have taken precautions as well and have moved to have students leave campus for an extended period. American University will have an extended spring brea until March 17 and then all classes will be online until April 3. Georgetown University will have indefinite online classes. George Washington University will have online classes from March 23-April 5. Galludet University will have online classes from March 23-May 4. Howard University will have online classes from March 23-April 6. University of Maryland has canceled class from March 23-29 and advises students not to return to campus until April 10, classes will be online during that time. University of Virginia will move all classes online March 19th and asked students to return home. Catholic University will have online classes until at least March 30.
Schools will not be the only thing canceled in the area. The annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has been indefinitely postponed and parts of the Cherry Blossom Festival have been canceled or postponed. All participants in the SSt. Pts Run Fest have been moved to the 2021 event.
All events that were scheduled at 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre U Street Music Hall and he Anthem have been postponed, however those who had tickets to attend will have options available regarding refunds or exchanges.
The Washington Cathedral and D.C. Episcopal churches are closed for two weeks. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington has lifted all obligations to those 60 years of age or older from attending Sunday Mass.
People are urged to stay at home if sick and utilize paid sick leave.
Hanks said he and Wilson had felt tired, with colds, aches and slight fevers. “To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus and were found to be positive,” he said, adding they’ll be “isolated for as long as public health and safety requires.”
SYDNEY (AP) — Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are isolated in stable condition in an Australian hospital Thursday after contracting the new coronavirus, the actor and Australian officials said.
The two-time Oscar winner is easily the most famous person yet to disclose they have COVID-19, which the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic.
Hanks said he and Wilson had felt tired, with colds, aches and slight fevers. “To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus and were found to be positive,” he said, adding they’ll be “isolated for as long as public health and safety requires.”
Australian officials said the couple were being treated at a Queensland hospital. “We wish them a very speedy recovery,” state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters.
Hanks had been in Australia shooting an untitled Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann. Hanks plays Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film, slated for release in October 2021, has suspended production, Warner Bros. said.
Hanks, after accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes this year, spoke backstage about taking on the Parker role. “I will then finally have an answer to all these stupid questions about why I never played a bad guy,” he said as the room burst into laughter.
Hanks and Wilson, both 63, were married in 1988. In 2013, Hanks disclosed he has Type 2 diabetes.
Chet Hanks later posted on social media that his parents were doing fine and thanked fans for their concern.
Wilson had performed at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday night and earlier last week in Brisbane.
Queensland health authorities would not give specifics on their health due to privacy issues. But the state’s update on its coronavirus infections describe a U.S. couple of their age both in stable condition.
Palaszczuk said people who had been in close contact with Hanks and Wilson will have to self-quarantine but she cautioned that people who had taken selfies with Hanks recently should not panic about contracting the virus.
She said she had spoken to Luhrmann and conveyed his reassurances that he would comply with the government’s health restrictions.
Australia has confirmed more than 120 cases of infection with the new coronavirus, with three deaths from COVID-19.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. People with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover, WHO says.
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AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in New York contributed to this report.
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
“It’s a very serious time right now,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I think the league moved appropriately and prudently and we’ll all just have to monitor the situation and see where it goes from here.”
MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came only hours after the majority of the league’s owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas.
Now there will be no games at all, at least for the time being. A person with knowledge of the situation said the Jazz player who tested positive was center Rudy Gobert. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the league nor the team confirmed the test.
“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement sent shortly after 9:30 p.m. EDT. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The test result, the NBA said, was reported shortly before the scheduled tip-off time for the Utah at Oklahoma City game on Wednesday night was called off. Players were on the floor for warmups and tip-off was moments away when they were told to return to their locker rooms. About 30 minutes later, fans were told the game was postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Those circumstances were the league’s worst-case scenario for now — a player testing positive. A second person who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity said the league expects the shutdown to last a minimum of two weeks, but cautioned that timeframe is very fluid.
“It’s a very serious time right now,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I think the league moved appropriately and prudently and we’ll all just have to monitor the situation and see where it goes from here.”
The Jazz released a statement saying a player — they did not identify Gobert — tested negative earlier Wednesday for flu, strep throat and an upper respiratory infection. That player’s symptoms diminished as the day went along, but the decision was made to test for COVID-19 anyway. That test came back with a preliminary positive result.
“The individual is currently in the care of health officials in Oklahoma City,” the Jazz said, adding that updates would come as appropriate.
For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, which declared a pandemic on Wednesday, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.
It has been a worldwide issue for several weeks. And now, it has hit the NBA.
“This is crazy,” Cleveland forward Tristan Thompson said on Twitter.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he was stunned when the news came down, adding that “this is much bigger than basketball.”
“This is a global pandemic where people’s lives are at stake,” Cuban said. “I’m a lot more worried about my kids, and my mom is 82 years old, and talking to her, and telling her to stay in the house, than I am about when we play our next game.”
Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego, speaking before his team’s game at Miami, said “these are scary times.”
Rapidly evolving times, as well. Around 7 p.m., a person with knowledge of the situation told AP that owners — who met by teleconference Wednesday — were largely in support of a plan to play games in empty arenas on a short-term basis.
About an hour later, the Thunder-Jazz game was halted before tip-off. And about 90 minutes after that, the season was called off, effective when the last whistle was to blow Wednesday night.
That came even earlier than planned: The last game of the night’s six-game slate, New Orleans at Sacramento, was called off as well because one of the referees assigned to work that Pelicans-Kings game, Courtney Kirkland, worked a Utah game on Monday.
“The game was canceled out of an abundance of caution,” the NBA said.
There are 259 games, roughly 21% of the schedule, left to play this season — and no one knows if, or when, things will resume.
“We believe in the leadership of the league,” Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand said.
The shutdown is the latest major development in a season filled with unspeakably hard challenges. The league lost as much as $400 million in revenue after a rift with China was started in October when Houston general manager Daryl Morey tweeted out support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Former NBA Commissioner David Stern died in January, the same month that soon-to-be Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash.
And now, a pandemic — which could also cost the league hundreds of millions in lost revenue, depending on how long it lasts. Cuban said he expected his team to remain in Dallas, rehabbing and working and being ready to return whenever the league re-opens.
“As we’ve said from the beginning, the health and safety of our fans, employees, players and partners is our top priority and thus we fully support the NBA’s decision to postpone games,” Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “We will continue to stay in contact with the league, and local, state and federal health experts as we closely monitor this public health crisis.”
If the regular season ends here, it would be the end of Atlanta guard Vince Carter’s 22-year playing career. And just in case this was it, the Hawks put Carter in with 19.5 seconds left in overtime in what was already clearly going to be a loss to New York.
Carter took an open 3-pointer and made it — the Knicks, aware of the moment, didn’t defend him either — and celebrated with Hawks teammates afterward after what may be the final shot of his career.
“A weird, but cool memory,” Carter said.
Also shut down: The G League, the NBA’s minor league where teams have somewhere between six and nine games left on their 50-game schedules.
The NBA’s movement toward empty arenas in the short term came on the same day that the NCAA announced that the men’s and women’s Division I tournaments would be played without fans — except for a few family members — permitted inside to watch.
“People are clearly taking the measures that they feel they need to take for safety,” said Heat guard Duncan Robinson, who played in both the Division I and Division III national championship games during his college days at Michigan and Williams.
Robinson added, “but at the same time the NBA has to protect its players in the league and the fans.”
Things were trending toward games in empty arenas for some time, and it was abundantly clear Wednesday morning when the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told a Congressional committee that he would recommend the NBA not allow fans at games in response to the coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci was responding to a question asked by Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Wisconsin Republican, “is the NBA underreacting or is the Ivy League overreacting?” Grothman was referencing how the Ivy League recently canceled its basketball tournaments, instead of having them without fans or keeping the status quo.
“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” Fauci said. “If that means not having any people in the audience when the NBA plays, so be it. But as a public health official, anything that has crowds is something that would give a risk to spread.”
That was when the concern was about crowds and containment.
By the close of business Wednesday in the NBA, the concern was so much more.
“This is surreal,” Borrego said. “This is reality for us now. It’s no longer just on TV somewhere. This is now home.”
The Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine is a life changing experience for 100 High School students from across the country. This year the DMV is represented by four very talented young ladies who will be part of this years Disney Dreamers Academy down in Orlando, Fl. Congratulations to Kailin Frye, Amari Mealy, Esha Venkat and Caitlyn Lynch! Disney Dreamers Class of 2020. Follow us and here their stories, dreams and goals.
Listen to their story and dreams – Esha Venkat and Kailin Frye:
Listen to their story and dreams – Amari Mealy and Caitlyn Lynch:
You don’t have to see a lot of news headlines to know that young people are frequently behind a lot of the violence we see in our community. We’ve seen the teens fighting on viral videos. Earlier this month three pre-teens were arrested and charged with burglary and sexual assault. There are the broad daylight gun battles and of course… homicides. What’s behind the violent acts of young people and what can be done to address it?
Carmeta Albarus, who has served as an adviser and mentor for Malvo since testifying at his 2003 trial, confirmed the wedding took place earlier this month.
Keeping you in the loop on what’s going on in DC and around the world.. it’s Allison’s Timeline!
Allison’s Timeline for today, Wednesday, March 11th was filled with the latest surrounding Bowie State University, DC sniper Lee Boyd Malvo and Harvey Weinstein. If you missed it, check out the Audio below to hear what Allison has to say!
Still want to know more? If you want all the details.. be sure to click on the links below to get the full story on each headline!
Bowie State University cancels Thursday, Friday classes to prepare for remote instruction, click for more details. Click for full story
DC sniper Lee Boyd Malvo marries while serving life in prison, click for full story
Be sure to check out Allison’s Timeline every weekday in the 3pm hour with Allison & Marc in the Afternoon right here on WHUR so you can stay up to date and in the loop with what’s going!
I “was amazed because two saints gave me sage for my new house. I didn’t know what to do with it. I was unsure of it. And all the more, why they’d feel comfortable giving it to a pastor.”
Keeping you in the loop on what’s going on in the world of Entertainment.. it’s the AMPM Entertainment Report!
AMPM Entertainment Report for today, Tuesday, March 10th was filled with the latest surrounding Gayle King, Jamal Bryant and Burning Sage. If you missed it, check out the Audio below to hear what Allison, Marc and Coka-Lani has to say!
Still want to know more? If you want all the details.. be sure to click on the links below to get the full story on each headline!
Gayle King opens up to Oprah about Kobe Bryant Interview backlash, click for full story.
Jamal Bryant Warns Christians Against Burning Sage, Calls It ‘Witchcraft’ and ‘Satanic Aromatherapy’, click for full story.
Burning sage kills 94% of airborne bacteria, research shows, click for full story
Be sure to check out AMPM Entertainment Report with Coka-Lani every weekday in the 5pm hour on Allison & Marc in the Afternoons right here on WHUR so you can stay up to date and in the loop with what’s going!
Michael Strahan is accusing his second ex-wife, Jean Muggli Strahan, for abusing their teenage daughters.
According to lovebscott.com “Michael claims Jean’s been engaging in a ‘pattern of abusive conduct towards the children for years’ he claims he’s got proof of the physical and emotional abuse and says he’s gonna detail it in sealed docs.”
Strahan and his ex-wife married in 1999 and had twin daughters Isabella and Sophia in 2004. They went their separate ways in 2006.
Strahan wants to obtain primary custody as he claims, “Jean’s not taking their kids to court-ordered therapy sessions and says she’s the reason Sophia and Isabella keep missing their volleyball matches and equestrian events” as stated on TMZ.
His ex-wife and daughters currently live in North Carolina, but Strahan would like for his daughters to move in with him in New York
To make matters even more strained, Strahan and his ex-wife are also going through a rough child support battle.
Naomi Campbell has recently been spotted in LAX wearing a full hazmat suit covered in a camel cape along with pink latex gloves and N95 mask as a result of the coronavirus.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has recently went viral again for taking extra precautionary measures against germs.
According to CNN, she was spotted in LAX wearing a full hazmat suit covered in a camel cape along with pink latex gloves and N95 mask. Campbell posted a photo on Instagram with her coronavirus-fighting outfit, captioned “Safety First NEXT LEVEL”:
Campbell’s germaphobic behavior was first shown in last year’s viral video of her cleaning “anything that you could possibly touch.”
She was shown wiping her seat, seat belt, tray table, TV screen, remote control and window followed by placing a mask on her face for the duration of the flight. Although Campbell’s behavior seemed bizarre at the time, coronavirus has forced fearful people to think of the most creative ways to protect themselves.
On Fox13 News, Memphis adults were seen taking extra measures against coronavirus at Treadwell Middle School, including one woman wearing plastic bags from head to toe as well as one man spraying a student with what appeared to be a disinfectant spray:
Although these methods probably seem reasonable due to the chaos of the coronavirus spreading, the Center of Disease Control simply suggests that people wash their hands often, wear a face mask if they are sick, avoid close contact to others, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of their elbow, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Hazmat suits, trash bag suits, and excessive amounts of Lysol are not necessary.
WHUR is proud to support four inspiring young high school students Kailin Frye, Caitlyn Lynch, Amari Mealy and Esha Venkat.
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Disney Dreamers Academy has been the crown jewel of community commitment since 2008. Every year Disney Dreamers Academy, along with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, gives 100 standout students from across the country the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience as they live out their dreams at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, WHUR is proud to support four inspiring young high school students Kailin Frye, Caitlyn Lynch, Amari Mealy and Esha Venkat. We had a chance to meet them along with their families before they head off to Orlando, Florida March 12 through the 15th. Learn more about them here and check back often for more exciting news as we follow their dreams.
I am an 18-year old senior at Potomac High School in Dumfries, Virginia. I have been awarded a scholarship to attend Workforce Training after graduating high school in June 2020. I’m extremely excited to start career training to be a Special Education Teacher. I will then go on to college to complete my bachelor’s degree in education and start my journey to becoming the future United States Secretary of Education. I am a High School/All Star Cheerleader, a Girl Scout, a Delta Academy member, Assistant Cheer Coach, and a volunteer teacher assistant to Special Education students. I’m a Dreamer and my dream will come true by impacting other human being lives by teaching, guiding and leading others to their dreams.
I am a home-schooled senior from Hyattsville, Maryland. Homeschooling is a good option for me because it allows me to work at my own pace while eliminating the distractions of the standard high-school environment. Once I graduate early 2020, I plan to land an internship opportunity in a technology field. I will attend Howard University and the Fall of 2020 and acquire my bachelor’s degree in computer science and my master’s degree in computer science and artificial intelligence. I hope to one day be a successful machine learning engineer as well as explore entrepreneurship in the hair-care industry as a leisure activity. I believe that my ability to conquer challenges is limitless and my potential to succeed is infinite. With determination and motive on my side, I know I will not fail.
I am a 14 year old freshman at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, VA where I serve as a member of our Food Pantry club, Blood Donors club, and on the finance committee in our Black Student Union. When I am not in school, I enjoy baking, dancing, writing, playing with my dog, and hanging out with friends. My main goal and philosophy in life is to help others and spread kindness throughout the world. I will forever work towards this goal as my dream is to be a fifth-grade teacher who teaches all of my students the joy of learning and change the stigma that is associated with careers in education because I believe that educating others is the most important profession.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington, D.C., health officials have recommended that nonessential mass gatherings including conferences and conventions be postponed or canceled through the end of March in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The move could imperil the popular Cherry Blossom Festival. The health officials define mass gatherings as events where 1,000 or more people congregate, including social, cultural or entertainment events. Washington officials declined to comment further, but Wednesday’s announcement signals a major escalation in the District of Columbia’s response to the spread of the virus. In its statement, the District of Columbia Health Department did not mention the Cherry Blossom Festival, which begins March 20.
(New York, NY) — Harvey Weinstein is being sentenced to 23 years in prison after being found guilty on two felony sex assault charges. Six of his accusers were in the courtroom, with two of them giving strong and emotional impact statements. Weinstein did speak on his own behalf saying, “We may have different truths” and “I have great remorse for all you.” His defense team said they are going to file an appeal, adding they felt Weinstein did not get a fair trail. Weinstein now heads to Rikers Island and then to the Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, New York, where he’ll be assigned to a prison.
The World Health Organization is declaring the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus a pandemic. That essentially means the virus is a threat to the entire planet. It has killed nearly 44-hundred people and infected more than 121-thousand in more than 100 nations. More than one thousand people in the U.S. have the virus and it has claimed nearly 30 lives here.
Film producer Harvey Weinstein has reportedly been sentenced to 23 years in prison by the Manhattan Supreme Court for rape and sexual assault. According to CNBC, he was found guilty of committing a first-degree criminal sexual act as well as third-degree rape. He was acquitted of two counts of predatory sexual assault and one count of first-degree rape. This will most likely serve as an effective life sentence because Weinstein’s health has already been deteriorating. If he can survive throughout the sentence, he will be given five years of probation after his release. His sentence will be served in an upstate New York prison.
Throughout the trial and sentencing hearing, several of his accusers spoke, including Mimi Haleyi and Jessica Mann, whose respective encounters with Weinstein landed him two convictions.
A group of Weinstein’s accusers named the Silence Breakers released a statement following his sentencing hearing: “Harvey Weinstein’s legacy will always be that he’s a convicted rapist. He is going to jail – but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused.” According to The Wrap, the group, which includes prominent women in the entertainment such as Ashley Judd, Rose McGowan, Rosanna Arquette, Alyssa Milano, Mira Sorvino, and more, believe that justice has not been properly served.
Allegations about Weinstein’s sexual predatory behavior emerged in late 2017 with the #MeToo movement on social media. The hashtag was created years prior by activist Tarana Burke and was initially dedicated to low-income women and girls of color harmed by sexual assault. However, the hashtag became a phenomenon when numerous women tweeted the hashtag after actress Alyssa Milano. In 2017, Milano tweeted “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet”:
Following this exchange between thousands of women about the terrors of sexual harassment and assault, a focus on Weinstein was created. Numerous women began to come forth in solidarity to enlighten the public about Weinstein’s secret reputation.
According to The Guardian, actress Gwyneth Paltrow was one of the first famous names to accuse Weinstein of harassment. Her story and other numerous stories from his accusers have been hidden for years due to his prominent reputation and position in Hollywood, as well as the fear that he can destroy careers. The Me Too movement stripped women of that fear, and justice has finally been able to be served after more then 20 years.
Several television programs are taking precautionary measures against coronavirus by continuing to tape episodes without live studio audiences. This includes talk shows, game shows, and sitcoms.
According to USA Today, Walt Disney Co. has confirmed that all of its news and talk shows will not have a studio audience, including “The View”, “Tamron Hall”, and “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Additional shows that will not have a studio audience are “The Wendy Williams Show”, “Dr. Phil”, “Jeopardy!”, and “Wheel of Fortune.”
Yesterday, the production team of “The Wendy Williams Show” informed fans of this recent decision on Instagram:
Warner Bros. has taken a different approach and kept the studio audience for its programs, but the screening process for potential guests will be taken more seriously.
According to USA Today, “Guests must confirm that neither they, nor members of their household, have traveled in the last three weeks to a place given a Level 3 Travel Health Notice by the Centers for Disease Control.” Restricted travel destinations include China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Shows affected by this new screening process include “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “The Bachelor”, “The Voice”, “Mom” and “The Real.”
Other programs and events have been affected by coronavirus as well, including the upcoming Democratic debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders and and former Vice President Joe Biden. The Democratic National Committee has requested for no live audience. Many musicians have cancelled or postponed upcoming concerts including Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Ciara, Queen, Khalid, Mariah Carey, Pearl Jam, Green Day and more.
NBC News spoke with one college student named Ashley Henkel who has booked three flights to Vancouver, New York City and Portland: “I feel like if the coronavirus would get even more serious and like wipe out a large amount of people, I might as well be somewhere having fun.”
The coronavirus outbreak has led to unbeatable one-way and round-trip flight deals for both domestic and international travel. Flights that would usually be skyrocketed in price due to location and/or date are almost dirt cheap. Millennials are taking advantage of these cost-efficient travel options because, according to CNBC, the Center of Disease Control “is recommending people with underlying conditions or who are over 60 to stock up on medications, household items and groceries to stay at home.” This has been loosely interpreted as millennials being at lower risk and able to travel to see family, see new sights, or just have fun.
NBC News spoke with one college student named Ashley Henkel who has booked three flights to Vancouver, New York City and Portland: “I feel like if the coronavirus would get even more serious and like wipe out a large amount of people, I might as well be somewhere having fun.” Her care-free attitude is shared by many millennials on social media who have been making jokes about traveling during the outbreak:
Coronavirus got Boomers stocking their doomsday bunkers… meanwhile millennials are online shopping for bathing suits for the five island trip they just booked on Spirit for $130.
The Chicago Tribune spoke with several key figures in the travel industry, including Hayley Berg, an economist at Hopper, who confirmed that flight deals are definitely unbeatable: “We’re seeing fantastic deals (from Chicago) to Miami, San Diego, Orlando, New Orleans, Phoenix — 40 to 70% off what we’d typically see.” Although millennials are taking advantage of these deals, the majority is not, and the travel industry is suffering. Many of these discounted flights still have numerous empty seats, as seen in this video by ABC News:
Mount Vernon Healthcare Center, has officially closed its doors for visitation due to the spread of the Coronavirus.
This DMV area healthcare center has placed a bright orange COVID-19 sign on its doors, notifying the public that visitation rights are temporarily revoked for family and friends.
According to NBCWashington.com, “This facility serves more than 100 long term care patients, those rehabbing from surgery, and there is hospice care.” The reporter continues saying, “It is one of seven facilities in the DMV operated by CommuniCare health services.”
The company has implemented plans like Facetime to continue communication amongst family members and friends. However, family members in hospice care will still be allowed to see family in their final days.
The visitation precautions are being taken seriously because the elderly are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. Anyone with a compromised immune system is at risk, which can be fatal.
According to the CDC Newsroom, “This seems to be a disease that affects adults. And most seriously older adults. Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age.”
At this moment, the company does not know how long the no visitation policy will be in effect, but will continue every precaution to protect its residents.
Wendy Williams is known for speaking her mind and not holding back. On her most recent show, Williams addresses Nicki Minajfor marrying an alleged molester.
Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, was forced to register as a sex offender in California. According to NY Daily News, “Petty was convicted of first-degree attempted rape in 1995 but failed to register as a sex offender after moving to Los Angeles from New York.”
In a video clip, Williams says, “You should’ve never married him, because now you’ve ruined everything about what your brand could be, again. You’re never gonna stand a chance when you’re with a man who pulls a knife at rape point … a molester … a registered sex offender.”
This isn’t the first time Minaj and Williams have shared their opinions on each other. Last November, Minaj said, “It’s not about doing your job. There are people who report the news and there are people who do it with an evil intent in their heart, viciousness. And I pray for you because I know you’re hurting and I know you must be sick and humiliated” as reported by oxygen.com.
Minaj has not made a statement, but she rarely ever keeps quiet. You can catch ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ every Monday through Thursday on BET.
Several colleges and universities are canceling classes after Spring Break, telling students to prepare for online classes. In the DMV, local leaders are prepping to do the same just in case.
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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, March 11, 2020) – It is literally the talk of every jurisdiction locally and nationally. How do you stop the spread of the coronavirus and yet keep much of your operations functioning? Most of the thought centers around teleworking and on-line teaching.
Several colleges and universities right here in the Washington, D.C. area are already telling college students to prepare not to return to classes after spring break. Howard University just announced it is moving to online and remote instruction following Spring Break from March 23rd to April 6th. The following universities are also moving to on-line classes; the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, American, George Washington, Georgetown, and Bowie State.
DC and Fairfax County Public Schools are canceling classes Monday to determine if on-line teaching will be necessary in the near future.
Meantime, local elected leaders and federal officials say they are monitoring the threat of further outbreaks to determine whether to tell workers to stay home and telecommute. To date, there have been 21 confirmed cases in the DMV with 4 in DC, 9 in Maryland, and 9 in Virginia.
The Black Love Experience is back and I have the details about this celebration of music, business, and Black culture. My guest is Anika Hobbs – Founder of the Black Love Experience
The Black Love Experience is March 21st @ 7pm at THEARC in SE. This year Black Love Experience will partner with Washington Performing Arts and WHUR to Celebrate Black Excellence. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
We’ve seen things change over the past several years as it relates to black hair styles and on the job discrimination. California, New Jersey, New York, even Montgomery County, Maryland have passed versions of The Crown Act, the law that protects African-Americans from workplace discrimination base on hair style. But not everyone is protected by the laws that are passed. What about young people who are far from the job market and experiencing discrimination in schools and with extra curricular activities? How would it work for them?
Westchester County, has had 108 cases of coronavirus, Cuomo said. New Rochelle makes up a majority of the state’s 173 coronavirus cases and has double the number of cases as New York City.
Keeping you in the loop on what’s going on in DC and around the world.. it’s Allison’s Timeline!
Allison’s Timeline for today, Tuesday, March 10th was filled with the latest surrounding Coronavirus update, New York creates ‘containment zone’ and LeBron James. If you missed it, check out the Audio below to hear what Allison has to say!
Still want to know more? If you want all the details.. be sure to click on the links below to get the full story on each headline!
Coronavirus update: Prince George’s County Public Schools sent this bulletin, click for more details
2 new coronavirus cases identified in Prince George’s County, click for full story
New York creates ‘containment zone’ around cluster of coronavirus cases in New Rochelle, click for full story
LeBron James Says He Wouldn’t Play If COVID-19 Led the NBA to Hold Games Without Fans, click for more details
For your latest Coronavirus updates be sure to check out WHUR Full Coverage.
Be sure to check out Allison’s Timeline every weekday in the 3pm hour with Allison & Marc in the Afternoon right here on WHUR so you can stay up to date and in the loop with what’s going!
(Leesburg, VA) — Loudoun County is reporting a presumptive positive coronavirus test. County officials say someone in his 40s may have gotten the virus while attending Christ Church in Georgetown. The patient is self-quarantined and going okay. The CDC will have to confirm test results. Loudoun County believes the risk of to the community is low.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that all Maryland colleges and universities is asking that student remain off campus for two weeks after spring break because of coronavirus concerns. All state universities and colleges are preparing to hold classes online. The campuses will remain open during that time.
American University will also temporarily hold classes online after spring break as coronavirus cases spread in the DC metro. Spring break will be extended through March 17. Online class change are scheduled to go into effect March 18th through April 3rd. The campus will remain open for students who cannot got home.
Towson University in Baltimore County has cancelled classes this week and is planning online classes for after spring break.
XFL DC Defenders Rocket Ross stopped by for a in depth interview with EZ Street on his XFL & NFL career with several teams including the Redskins twice. His interview by the end of the week here on WHUR.com
It’s music and messages that you need to hear to get cranked up. Morning Inspirations with Tracy Morgan, right before Steve Harvey and only on 96.3 WHUR! Sounds like Washington!
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DMV, remember who wakes you up every morning! No–we’re not talkin’ Steve this time–we’re givin’ it up for the almighty! 96.3 WHUR presents Morning Inspirations, from 5am to 6 every weekday, with DC’s own Tracy Morgan. It’s music and messages that you need to hear to get cranked up. Morning Inspirations with Tracy Morgan, right before Steve Harvey and only on 96.3 WHUR! Sounds like Washington!
Jazmine Sullivan is known for killing stages and creating amazing R&B at the drop of the dime. She’s probably one of the most under-rated performers of our time. If you’ve seen her live show, you already know what I’m talking.
Jazmine has ventured into acting some and now FASHION! This amazing photo popped up on her instagram and fans are losing their minds!
The victims are a woman in her 50s and a couple. All three victims are said to be in good condition and are self-quarantined at home.
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Largo, Maryland (Tuesday, March 10, 2020) – Prince George’s County has joined many other jurisdictions across the DMV trying to balance information while controlling panic and fear of the ever spreading coronavirus. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks this morning updated residents on COVID-19, announcing three confirmed cases.
The victims are a woman in her 50s and a couple. All three victims are said to be in good condition and are self-quarantined at home as are their family members. The woman in her 50s apparently contracted the virus while on a trip to Boston between February 25th – 27th. Not much is known about the couple, except they are returning from an international cruise. Alsbrooks also announced she had just learned about their positive testing moments before the press conference. Officials are now trying to retrace the steps of all the victims to see who they may come in contact with in recent weeks.
Meantime, Alsbrobrooks has raised the county’s level of emergency operations center from enhanced to a partiial activation. Residents with questions about the coronavirus can call 301-883-6627.
As a precaution, the County Executive has canceled two upcoming events, the Women’s History Month Luncheon and the Census Block Party were slated for later this month. Alsbrook says she will rescheduled both once the county gets beyond the coronavirus crisis.
The County Executive was joined by Dr. Ernest Carter – County Health Officer, Ronnie Director – Director of Office of Emergency Management and Barry Stanton – Chief Operating Officer for Public Schools.
Coachella is reportedly being postponed until October due to the coronavirus outbreak. The popular annual music festival was initially scheduled for the weekends of April 10 and April 19, but it has been moved to the weekends of October 9 and October 16. This was possibly in result of a Change.org petition titled “Cancellation of Coachella 2020 music festival due to COVID-19 Outbreak”, which collected more than 15,000 signatures as of Monday. The petition organizer, Stella Young, wrote: “COVID-19 outbreak hit California. Large personnel gathering event can be extremely dangerous especially when participants travel all around the world attending the event.”
Coachella began in October 1999 in Indio, California as a smaller festival, attracting around 25,000 attendees. Over the years, the festival has grew both in size and popularity, attracting an average of more than 250,000 attendees in recent years. The festival spans over two consecutive weekends with star-studded lineups, including past headliners such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Prince, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Drake, Calvin Harris, Childish Gambino, Outkast, and more. The festival also consists of a ferris wheel, camping trucks, company-sponsored interactive activities, a variety of food and drink vendors, and more. The tickets range from $429 to $999 for an entire weekend. More information can be found on Coachella’s official website.
AJC reports more than 130 cases have been confirmed in California with two deaths. In Riverside County near the Coachella site of Indio, there are three confirmed cases in total. Riverside County officials have released a statement to Los Angeles Magazine: “The City of Indio is actively monitoring input from local, state, and national health officials to assess the health risks of COVID-19 and update those risks to stakeholders.” However, a state of emergency has not been declared in the county.
According to TMZ, the postponement has been confirmed by several sources including agents of the musical acts, the musical acts, and journalists with close sources to Coachella. Scheduled musical act Pearl Jam went on social media to confirm. Coachella has not released an official statement as of yet. Coachella’s promoter Goldenvoice has to inform the reps of all scheduled acts.
Other festivals have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including SXSW, which has recently been cancelled, and Stagecoach, which is also postponed to October.
New York reportedly has the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the entire country with a total of 143. The confirmed cases are located in Westchester County, which has the majority, followed by New York City and Nassau County. Suffolk County has just confirmed its first case. A state of emergency was declared by Governor Cuomo this past Saturday.
Cuomo is taking as many safety precautions to keep the virus from spreading to more victims. Schools are closing to protect students and teachers; if any individual tests positive at a school, the school must be closed for at least 24 hours to decide on longer closure periods and to assess safety. Cuomo introduced the “New York State Clean Hand Sanitizer”, a free hand sanitizer that will be provided to schools, government agencies, and MTA prisons. According to CBS 2, 100,000 gallons was “made by prisoners through the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision” to combat the overpricing and shortage of hand sanitizer in stores across the state.
In New York City, Mayor Bill DeBlasio is taking his own additional precautionary methods against the virus. DeBlasio is suggesting to avoid large crowds, especially the MTA subway system. If there are other available methods of transportation for an individual, he/she should take advantage of it to protect his/herself from contamination. Every 72 hours, each individual train is disinfected to kill any potential virus. According to the New York Times, Columbia University, Fordham University, St. John’s University, Yeshiva University and New York University campuses have been closed and students have been informed that classes will be postponed or offered online. Other educational institutions are considering long-term online learning, although many students do not have Wi-Fi access outside of their schools.
The New York government has been slowly conducting testing while the number of cases increase due to lack of testing resources. Many people with potential coronavirus systems cannot afford to be tested efficiently due to lack of healthcare. DeBlasio is pleading for the U.S. government to provide New York City with automatic testing. However, DeBlasio assures New Yorkers that coronavirus is not as scary as it appears. On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, DeBlasio stated: “If we had universal health care, a hell of a lot more people would have been tested, a hell of a lot more people could have been saved.”
To see an updated map of the total number of cases in each of the affected states, see here.
Lebron James on potential games without fans “I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about.”
Lebron James said to reporters after a win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday that he would not play a game in a stadium without fans.
“What, we play games without the fans?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “Nah, it’s impossible. I ain’t playing.”
The issue has circulated in the NBA community recently do to the continued spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States. With ongoing cancellations and closures, as well as the threat of quarantine in cities around the nation, the NBA has warned players to prepare for the possibility of playing games with no fans present. For Lebron, it seems, this is simply not an option.
“I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. If I show up to an arena and there are no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”
To date, there are over 111,750 cases of coronavirus worldwide, and nearly 4,000 deaths. In the United States there are almost 600 cases and 21 reported deaths.
March is Women’s History Month and the US Rwandan Community Abroad of DC, Maryland, and Virginia is gearing up for its annual International Women’s Day event. My guest is Deborah Woolen – Event Coordinator
The US Rwandan Community Abroad of DC, Maryland, and Virginia International Women’s Day Celebration is Saturday, March 14th at 5pm at White Oak Community Center. More information here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connect
Keeping you in the loop on what’s going on in the world of Entertainment.. it’s the AMPM Entertainment Report!
AMPM Entertainment Report for today, Monday, March 9th we had a special guest to drop by the neighborhood. Somaya Reece of Love & Hip Hop NY. If you missed it, check out the Audio below to hear what Allison, Marc and Coka-Lani has to say!
Be sure to check out AMPM Entertainment Report with Coka-Lani every weekday in the 5pm hour on Allison & Marc in the Afternoons right here on WHUR so you can stay up to date and in the loop with what’s going!
Sending a Big “Thank You” to Somaya Reece for stopping by Allison & Marc’s Neighborhood. To find out more about Somaya Reece and everything they talked about in The Neighborhood during the interview.. click here www.missreece.com/.
Be sure to follow Somaya Reece on all social media!
Keeping you in the loop on what’s going on in DC and around the world.. it’s Allison’s Timeline!
Allison’s Timeline for today, Monday, March 9th was filled with the latest surrounding Washington Mystics, School Without Walls High School and DR. Drew. If you missed it, check out the Audio below to hear what Allison has to say!
Still want to know more? If you want all the details.. be sure to click on the links below to get the full story on each headline!
Washington Mystics To Host Parade On May 12 To Celebrate 2019 WNBA Championship, click for more details
School Without Walls High School closed Monday following conronavirus concerns, says DC Mayor Bowser, Click for more details
Be sure to check out Allison’s Timeline every weekday in the 3pm hour with Allison & Marc in the Afternoon right here on WHUR so you can stay up to date and in the loop with what’s going!
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan provided an update today on the state’s response to COVID-19. The governor confirming that there are five documented cases of coronavirus in the state, all, he said, tied to international travel. The governor said as testing for COVID-19 increases, it is likely that that the cases in Maryland will rise as well. Over concern of the coronavirus spreading, the governor said no state employees will be allowed to travel outside of Maryland for state business.
Mr. Hogan also revealing that twelve Maryland residents are on the cruise ship that is docked in Oakland, California with passengers who have tested positive for coronavirus.
The governor said none of the Maryland passengers show symptoms of COVID-19.
“You have your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, friends in your life, protect them,” she said. “Make sure that they are feeling valued and safe. And let’s all just rally together to make International Women’s Day something that is not just on Sunday, but frankly feels like every day of the year.”
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry’s wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has visited a school to offer an International Women’s Day message with an appeal to men to honor the women in their lives.
The surprise visit Friday took place at the Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham in east London. The community was the site of famous strikes by female sewing machinists at a Ford plant, an equal pay fight depicted in the 2010 film “Made in Dagenham.”
In one of her final duties as a senior British royal, Meghan urged the boys in the school assembly of 700 students to “continue to value and appreciate the women in your lives and also set the example for some men who are not seeing it that same way.”
“You have your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, friends in your life, protect them,” she said. “Make sure that they are feeling valued and safe. And let’s all just rally together to make International Women’s Day something that is not just on Sunday, but frankly feels like every day of the year.”
The Duchess of Sussex asked for a male volunteer to offer their thoughts on the importance of International Women’s Day. Aker Okoye, 16, raced to the stage, greeting her with what appeared to be an air kiss to her cheek.
“She really is beautiful, innit?” he said as he took the podium. “I had to speak the truth there.”
Meghan gave him a hug and later praised his “incredible confidence”.
I am an 18-year old senior at Potomac High School in Dumfries, Virginia. I have been awarded a scholarship to attend Workforce Training after graduating high school in June 2020. I’m extremely excited to start career training to be a Special Education Teacher. I will then go on to college to complete my bachelor’s degree in education and start my journey to becoming the future United States Secretary of Education. I am a High School/All Star Cheerleader, a Girl Scout, a Delta Academy member, Assistant Cheer Coach, and a volunteer teacher assistant to Special Education students. I’m a Dreamer and my dream will come true by impacting other human being lives by teaching, guiding and leading others to their dreams.
I am a home-schooled senior from Hyattsville, Maryland. Homeschooling is a good option for me because it allows me to work at my own pace while eliminating the distractions of the standard high-school environment. Once I graduate early 2020, I plan to land an internship opportunity in a technology field. I will attend Howard University and the Fall of 2020 and acquire my bachelor’s degree in computer science and my master’s degree in computer science and artificial intelligence. I hope to one day be a successful machine learning engineer as well as explore entrepreneurship in the hair-care industry as a leisure activity. I believe that my ability to conquer challenges is limitless and my potential to succeed is infinite. With determination and motive on my side, I know I will not fail.
I am a 14 year old freshman at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, VA where I serve as a member of our Food Pantry club, Blood Donors club, and on the finance committee in our Black Student Union. When I am not in school, I enjoy baking, dancing, writing, playing with my dog, and hanging out with friends. My main goal and philosophy in life is to help others and spread kindness throughout the world. I will forever work towards this goal as my dream is to be a fifth-grade teacher who teaches all of my students the joy of learning and change the stigma that is associated with careers in education because I believe that educating others is the most important profession.
I’m Esha V, a 14-year-old from Ashburn, Virginia. I’m the co-founder of NEST4US, a 501©3 nonprofit, with a mission to provide volunteer solutions to make the world better through kindness. In addition to being an honor roll student, I find time to play piano, earn my 2nd-degree black belt, dance hip-hop, and serve as the captain of my travel soccer team. I have over 4 years of volunteer service under my belt and have spent over 600 hours giving back to my community. My goal is to become a neurosurgeon and continue touching lives through my non-profit, NEST4US.
