WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump triggered outrage Tuesday by comparing the Democrat-led impeachment inquiry to a lynching, assigning the horrors of a deadly and racist chapter in U.S. history to a process laid out in the Constitution.
“That is one word no president ought to apply to himself,” said Democratic Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, the highest-ranking African American in Congress. “That is a word that we ought to be very, very careful about using.”
Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., who is also black, called on Trump to delete the tweet.
“Do you know how many people who look like me have been lynched, since the inception of this country, by people who look like you. Delete this tweet,” Rush wrote.
Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., tweeted to Trump: “No sir! No, @realDonaldTrump: this is NOT a lynching, and shame on you for invoking such a horrific act that was used as a weapon to terrorize and murder African Americans.”
Republican legislators largely tried to put the focus on what they said was the unfair way in which Democrats are conducting the inquiry.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Trump’s description was “pretty well accurate.” He called the impeachment effort a “sham” and a “joke” because the president does not know the identity of his accuser, and the process is playing out in private.
“This is a lynching in every sense,” said Graham, who is close to Trump.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the Senate’s only black Republican, agreed with Trump’s sentiment but not his word choice.
“There’s no question that the impeachment process is the closest thing (to) a political death row trial, so I get his absolute rejection of the process,” Scott said. He added, “I wouldn’t use the word lynching.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who is also close to Trump, also said “lynching” isn’t “the language that I would use.”
Defending Trump, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the president was trying to point out the way he has been “attacked” by the news media since before he took office. Trump’s tweet mentions Republicans and Democrats only, not the news media.
“The president’s not comparing what’s happened to him with one of our darkest moments in American history,” Gidley said.
Lynchings, typically hangings, were used mostly by whites against black men, mostly in the South, beginning in the late 19th century amid rising racial tensions. By comparing his possible impeachment to a lynching, Trump also likened Democrats to a mob intent on lynching someone.
Under pressure over impeachment, blowback over his Syria policy and other issues, the Republican president tweeted Tuesday: “So some day, if a Democrat becomes President and the Republicans win the House, even by a tiny margin, they can impeach the President, without due process or fairness or any legal rights.”
“All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here — a lynching. But we will WIN!”
Malinda Edwards, whose father was lynched by Ku Klux Klansmen in Alabama in 1957, said Trump’s tweet was “unbelievable.”
“Either he’s very ignorant or very insensitive or very racist and just doesn’t care, said Edwards, 66, of Dayton, Ohio. Her father, Willie Edwards Jr., was forced to jump of a river bridge by Klansmen who heard that he had smiled at a white woman. Edwards’ name is now among those on a memorial in Montgomery honoring more than 4,000 lynching victims. His daughter said Trump’s comment made light of the horror experienced by victims of racially motivated killings.
“These are people who went through the most gruesome and heinous things that could be done to them,” Edwards said.
The Congressional Black Caucus encouraged Trump to visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, also known as the “Lynching Museum,” to learn more about the history of lynching.
Trump often tries to portray himself as the victim, and the tweet came a day after he lashed out at critics of his decision — since rescinded — to schedule a major international economic summit for 2020 at one of his Florida golf properties. He also lamented people who invoke the “phony emoluments clause.”
The emoluments clause is in the Constitution and bans presidents from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments, without the consent of Congress. Impeachment and its process are also in the Constitution.
A whistleblower’s complaint that Trump was attempting to use his office for personal political gain during a July 25 phone conversation with Ukraine’s president led House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to open the impeachment inquiry.
Trump insists he did nothing wrong. He has characterized the conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as “perfect” and argues that sore-loser Democrats are still trying to overturn the 2016 election that put him in the White House and keep him from winning reelection next year.
Lynchings were fueled by anger toward blacks across the South, where many whites blamed their financial problems on newly freed slaves living around them, the NAACP notes.
Separately Tuesday, a U.S. appeals court in Atlanta was considering whether federal judges can order grand jury records unsealed in the mob lynching of two black couples . The young black sharecroppers were stopped along a rural road in 1946 by a white mob that dragged them out and shot them multiple times east of Atlanta. More than 100 people reportedly testified before a grand jury, but no one was ever indicted in the deaths of Roger and Dorothy Malcom and George and Mae Murray Dorsey.
More than 330 new coats were collected along with 372 hats and gloves.
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Washington, D.C. (Sunday, October 20, 2019) – When it comes to giving, 96.3 WHUR listeners respond in a big way. Saturday, October 19th marked the station’s 17th Annual Children’s Coat Drive at “The Shops at Iverson”and the response to the request for new coats, hats, and gloves for needy youth was overwhelming.
Dozens of individuals, families, businesses, and Greek letter organizations responded to the request to provide winter gear to homeless and low-income families in the DMV. On average, there are more than 50k youth in the region who are living at or below the poverty line. The 96.3 WHUR Coat Drive is an effort to help families struggling to make ends meet and kicks off the station’s “Season of Giving.”
More than 330 new coats were collected along with 372 hats and gloves. The winter items will be distributed to children serviced by Shepherd’s Cove Shelter, Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, and SE Tennis and Learning Center. WHUR will host a Winter Gear Pop Up Shop Thursday, October 24th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Howard University Burr Gymnasium where the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams will help the youngsters pick out their coats, hats, and gloves.
(Burke, VA) — Police say three people are dead and two officers are hurt following a barricade situation in Burke, Virginia. A man opened fire on Fairfax County police responding to a domestic dispute at a home in the 61-hundred block of Wicklow Drive Monday night. The officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but it’s not clear if they were hit by gunfire. The man barricaded himself inside the home and SWAT was called to the scene. SWAT officers entered the home and found two men and a woman dead inside. Police say the people inside were related in some way.
Meghan Markle opened up to ITV News at Ten anchor, Tom Bradby and was completely honest about her present journey in motherhood.
As a royal, she has faced major scrutiny from the public. Not all can relate to being a member of the royal family, but many women can relate to Markle’s sentiments on motherhood. In an exclusive Instagram clip from ITV News, Markle says, “Any woman especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know?”
Markle continues the interview telling Bradby, “Thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.” Many mothers struggle with postpartum depression. People are always checking up on the baby, but who’s checking up on the mothers?
British tabloids have not made the journey any easier. Earlier this month, Prince Harry released a statement saying, “My wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences.” As a new royal, wife and mom, Markle has been subjected to endless bullying by the press.
Harry and Meghan: An African Journeyairs this Wednesday on ABC, where they will continue to give exclusive statements of their journey.
Rising star Lizzo is currently begin accused of plagiarism her Billboard Top 100 songs “Juice” and “TruthHurts.”
Cece Peniston posted on Instagram accusing Lizzo of taking ad-libs from her song “Finally.” The artist posted a side by side video of the two songs, captioning it “this is a clear example of #copyrightinfringement Cece Peniston versus @lizzobeating y’all check this out and btw I love her music.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ulc-xhKyv/
However, Peniston isn’t the first person to accuse Lizzo of plagiarism. Producer, Justin Raisen accused the artist of using his lyrics without permission. He claims the line “I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100 percent that bitch.” was written with himself, Lizzo, Jesse Saint John and Yves Rothman for a song called “Healthy.” Lyrics and melody from that song allegedly appear in “Truth Hurts.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oRS_0liE_/
In February of 2018, Lizzo was also accused by Mia Lioness, a british singer who says she originally wrote the line in “Truth Hurts.” She class she tweeted the line years prior, however Lizzo states she never saw it.
Lizzo’s attorney released this statement to Billboard about the claims, “The Raisens are not writers of ‘Truth Hurts,'” said Cynthia Arato, of Shapiro Arato Bach. “They did not collaborate with Lizzo or anyone else to create this song, and they did not help write any of the material that they now seek to profit from, which is why they expressly renounced any claim to the work, in writing, months ago. Although it has become all too commonplace for successful artists to be subjected to these type of opportunistic claims, it is nevertheless disappointing that after all of her hard work, Lizzo has to respond to this specious claim.”
Lizzo has recently been on the rise, performing at the BET Awards and MTV VMA’s this year. She was also nominated for a BET Award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and an VMA Award for Best New Artist. Her song, “Truth Hurts” peaked at number one for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Death Row Records founder, Suge Knight, might be in jail for the rest of his life after he received a 28 year sentence in 2018 for voluntary manslaughter. However, Knight still needs a source of income so he sold his life rights to Ray J, TMZ reported.
The Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star will reportedly be in charge of all things Suge Knight. This means he can select which biopics can be made about Knight, give rights to use his likeness and his life story. These all could help build an income for the music mogul while behind bars.
Suge Knights Death Row Records officially closed its doors back in 2009. According to Billboard there is already a possible biopic being developed around Death row as well as a project around the life of 2Pac. There is also a hints around the possible revival of Death Row.
Ray J has always been known for his entrepreneurial spirit. He opened a multi-million dollar electronics firm a few years ago and notably premiered his glasses “Bunny Eyez” on The Breakfast Club. However, this venture is more personal as Knight and Ray J are said to have been lifelong friends.
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, the neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park will be subject to a variety of transportation and access modifications during the 2019 World Series. All modifications listed below are subject to change for security purposes. A map detailing parking restrictions, road closures, and emergency no parking areas can be found below.
Residents and visitors should expect significant impacts to on-street parking during the World Series. Emergency no parking restrictions will be in effect 24 hour a day beginning Friday, October 25, and will remain in place for the duration of the World Series home games, unless otherwise sigend. All vehicles that are parked in the area and in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed. Motorists whose vehicles are towed should call (202) 541-6083. The following streets are impacted:
Half Street SE: I Street SE to N Street SE
Potomac Avenue SW: South Capitol Street to First Street SW (north curb)
2nd Street SW: R Street SW to T Street SW (east curb)
3rd Street SE: M Street SE to I Street SE (west curb)
Cushing Place SE: M Street SE to L Street SE
I Street SE: Half Street SE to South Capitol Street (north curb)
K Street SE: New Jersey Avenue SE to South Capitol Street SE
L Street SE: New Jersey Avenue SE to South Capitol Street SE
M Street SE: South Capitol Street SE to 4th Street SE
M Street SW: South Capitol Street to First Street SW
South Capitol Street SE: L Street SE to N Street SE
First Street SE: M Street SE to Potomac Avenue SE*
First Street SE: I Street SE to Potomac Avenue SE*
N Place SE: First Street SE to dead-end at east end of block*
N Street SE: South Capitol Street to First Street SE*
N Street SE: First Street SE to New Jersey Avenue SE*
Potomac Avenue SE: First Street SE to Capitol Street SE*
Half Street SE: M Street SE to N Street SE*
Van Street SE: M Street SE to N Street SE*
N Street SE: South Capitol Street to First Street SE*
*in effect 24 hours a day beginning October 22 and will remain in place for the duration of the World Series.
Road Access Restrictions
The following streets will be restricted to local and event traffic for all home games and stadium watch parties beginning at 2:00 p.m. until approximately midnight.
Van Street SE between M Street SE and N Street SE (access to residential parking garage will be permitted)
N Street SE between First Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE (access to parking lots will be permitted)
Potomac Avenue SE from First Street SE to South Capitol Street SE
First Street SE: M Street SE to Potomac Avenue SE
Road Closures
The following streets will be closed to all motorized vehicles for all home games and stadium watch parties beginning at 2:00 p.m. and re-open at approximately midnight.
Half Street SE between M Street SE and N Street SE
N Street SE between the Nationals Park GEICO parking garage (at Van Street SE) and First Street SE
N Place SE
All information listed is subject to change for security purposes
He reportedly suffered a slight fracture to his pelvis. Sources say Carter is in good spirits and plans to recover at home.
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We have learned this morning that former President Jimmy Carter has been admitted into the hospital.
The reason is not clear. Earlier this month Carter had a fall in his home in Plains, Georgia. He reportedly suffered a slight fracture to his pelvis. Sources say Carter is in good spirits and plans to recover at home.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
The victims and the alleged gunman has not been identified. Investigators believe they were related. Two officers were also injured. They however suffered non life threatening injuries.
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Police in Fairfax County responding to a 911 call from a woman that a relative was threatening to hurt her make a gruesome discovery.
Officers were called to a home in the 6100 block of Wicklow Drive in Burke, Virginia around 9 last night. When police arrive an armed suspect had barricaded himself in the home. SWAT was called in after the gunman opened fire on the police. When SWAT arrived there was an exchange in gunfire. Sometime after 2 this morning after being held at bay police were about to enter the home. That’s when they discovered the bodies of three adults. Two men and a woman.
The victims and the alleged gunman has not been identified. Investigators believe they were related. Two officers were also injured. They however suffered non life threatening injuries.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
Helping youth find their passion and purpose. That’s the goal of an upcoming conference. It’s the 5thAnnual Career Options Conference where experts will be on hand to provide guidance on everything from college to career choices. My guest is Dr. Mildred Charles – Founder and Executive Director – Explore Career Options for Prince George’s County
The 5thAnnual Career Options Conference is Saturday, November 2nd 1:30pm to 3:00pm at Prince George’s Community College @ The Center for Performing Arts Building. The event will be moderated by WHUR’s very own Harold Fisher – Host of the Daily Drum. 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.
Are African-Americans being treated differently as they seek licences for medical marijuana businesses in Maryland? That’s the question being asked by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus and black entrepreneurs in the state.
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A Maryland teen accused in a deadly altercation at an agricultural fair has been charged with manslaughter.
News outlets report the 15-year-old and his 16-year-old brother have also been charged with assault. On Monday, Circuit Judge Julie Stevenson Solt ordered the brothers to remain in juvenile detention.
Prosecutors say the brothers attacked 59-year-old John Weed at The Great Frederick Fair last month.
Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith says Weed said no when one of the teens asked him for a dollar . Smith says the 15-year-old punched Weed in the head causing him to fall to the ground. Weed later died.
A hearing Nov. 19 could determine whether their cases will be moved to adult court.
(Washington, DC) — A new poll shows Marylanders are in favor of DC statehood. The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found a narrow 51-percent of Maryland residents favor making DC a separate state. That’s compared to 40-percent who are opposed. The survey also shows that 57-percent of Marylanders are opposed to making DC a new county in Maryland.
The identities of the victims have not been released. One source believes the boy may have been as young as 4-years-old. There’s no word on a suspect.
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DC Police are actively looking for the person responsible for shooting a woman and a boy Sunday night in Southeast.
The incident happened Sunday at 7:45 p.m. at “W” Street and 16th Street in Southeast. The two arrived at the Firehouse on 14th Street in SE. From there they were rushed to the hospital. It is unclear how they got to the firehouse. At last check they were listed in serious condition.
The only other detail released by police indicate the shooting happened in the 1600 block of “W” Street which is just a few blocks from the fire station.
The identities of the victims have not been released. One source believes the boy may have been as young as 4-years-old. There’s no word on a suspect.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
Officials say one firefighter was injured on his head battling the fire. 24 businesses were severely damaged by smoke and reportedly 3 were damaged by fire. The roof of the Roy Rogers collapsed. Fire crews had to knock a hole in the roof of the Safe Grocery to get the blaze under control.
The cause is still under investigation. It is unclear how businesses will be affected today.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
Do you have a youth interested in a career in media/journalism? Archbishop Carroll High School in DC has a new program and is offering full scholarships for qualified students entering into its Jim Vance Media Program. An open house is set for this weekend and I have all the details. My guest is Dr. Cherie Ward – Program Director – Jim Vance Media Program @ Archbishop Carroll High School
Open House is set for Sunday, October 27thfrom 1pm to 3pm at Archbishop Carroll High School in DC. The school is offering four year full tuition scholarships for incoming freshman. 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.
On this episode of “The Journey,” President Wayne A. I. Frederick and his guest The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings explore a journey of justice, opportunity and self-confidence. Congressman Cummings is the U.S. Representative of the 7th Congressional District of Maryland and a Howard University alum who is committed to the quality of education, good healthcare and a strong economy for the next generation.
Congratulations to Bebe Winans who performed beautifully at the Kennedy Center in Nat King Cole at 100 with Patti Austin, Eric Benet, Freddy Cole and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Congratulations to Dr. Bertram Melbourne, former Howard Divinity School Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Collaborate to Educate Our Sons volunteers on their 10th Anniversary of providing hope and inspiration for boys and young men. Marilyn Crouther, one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s 300 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America gave an inspiring speech. You can support CEOS mentorship and training programs at collaboratetoeducate.org.
WHUR announcer and now author Ulysses “Stretch” Garrett has penned a novel about love and radio. We discuss the novel, men, women, vulnerability, dating, love and the other issues behind the story.
A wake and funeral for Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings will be held next Friday. It will be held at the New Psalmist Baptist Church where Cummings worshiped for nearly 40 years. The wake and a public viewing will begin at 8:00 a.m. on October 25th. It will be followed by a funeral at 10:00 a.m. The Baltimore Democrat died early Thursday at age 68.
Sacramento Kings forward, Harrison Barnes, and his wife have stepped up and offered to pay for the funeral of Atatiana Jefferson.
The 28-year-old Fort Worth, Texas resident was playing video games with her nephew when a police officer doing a wellness check fired through a window and killed her.
The officer involved, Aaron Dean, quit the police force and was later arrested and charged with murder.
Barnes spoke to reporters about his decision, stating, “It’s about the family. It’s about everything they’re going through. Our prayers obviously are with them. It was a gesture my wife and I wanted to do for them.”
.@SacramentoKings star Harrison Barnes and his wife will pay for the funeral of Atatiana Jefferson, the woman who was shot and killed by a police officer while she was in her own home.
According to a lawyer for Jefferson’s family, The Barnes’ family are covering more than half of the funeral service expenses. The rest is being covered by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, Malik Jackson.
Barnes told ESPN he has not spoken to Jefferson’s family as they were “just giving them space respectfully.”
Atatiana Jefferson’s funeral is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Potter’s House of Dallas.
Missy Elliott is at it again. The MTV Video Vanguard Award recipient has dropped a new video for “DripDemeanor” a track off of her EP Iconology.
The music video, directed by Elliot and Derek Blanks, adds a futuristic element to the song. A house made of hair, Missy clones and eclectic outfits only Missy Elliott could pull off, are just a few of the things that make this video stand out.
Vocalist Sum1 who is featured on the track helps Missy add on to the vision by singing in her house made of hair and leading a group of dancers.
Elliot also has special guest appearances by members of Omega Psi Phi and Kappa Alpha Psi.
If you haven’t seen #DRIPDEMEANOR 💦ft @sum1sound video hit that LINK IN MY BIO & go check the vid out & STREAM CRAZY👽🛸🔥& DJ’s start banging it & Radio ERWHERE💦💦💦VA pic.twitter.com/mSeqP1WcuS
A recent study found that Black teens were attempting suicide more than ever before, while other ethnic groups have since decreased in suicide attempts.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens aged 12-18.
However, Since 1991, for all other ethnic groups, suicide rates among teens has been on a decline. Yet, for Black teens, the number has risen with an increase of 73% in suicide attempts between 1991-2017.
The new study analyzed data from 198,540 high school students collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey. They found that almost one in five high school students had thoughts about suicide. About one in 10 had a suicide plan. Researchers wanted to see if certain racial subgroups of adolescents are more likely to engage in suicidal behaviors over time.
Previous research has pointed to disparities in mental health treatment for black adolescents compared with white adolescents. Some are reluctant to seek help or acknowledge mental illness symptoms, while others are skeptical of mental health treatment. But research has shown that the social issues black adolescents face, such as racial discrimination and poverty, have been linked to suicidal behaviors.
Jaynay Johnson, a family therapist who works with black teens in the Philadelphia area, said she wasn’t surprised by the results of this study. Johnson said that black teens don’t have a lot of outlets to just “let their emotions be,” so living with mental illness can become very taxing.
“As we have pushed for more awareness around mental health and anxiety and depression, we have a lot more teens willing to share their experiences,” she said. “But as they do that, they realize how much they don’t have support.”
Especially for Black teens, Johnson explained that childhood can be a traumatizing time. Black children get more exposure to violence and racism that happens in their communities, which plays big role in their mental health. Trauma from shootings in their families, communities, and even of black people they don’t know can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
In order to help our Black youth, Johnson said “We need to continue to diminish [stigma] so that we can build programs tailored for youth. In other communities, they’ve accepted mental health. They’re the ones writing the books. For us, we are behind the ball with that.”
Conwell took to social media with a letter addressed to Day. “I never meant for this to happen to you. All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserved for this to happen to them.” he wrote.
27-year-old junior middleweight, Patrick Day, died Wednesday after suffering brain injuries during a match in Chicago.
Day received a brutal knockout and loss Monday night from heavyweight Charles Conwell. Connell who is undefeated and a 2016 U.S. Olympian knocked Day down in the fourth and eighth rounds. Conwell caught Day with a left hook that caused the back of his head to hit the canvas during the final round.
Day was rendered unconscious and referees stopped the match and requested medical assistance for the boxer. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he suffered a seizure and fell into a coma before emergency brain surgery. He never regained consciousness.
On Wednesday Day was disconnected from life support.
“He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins,” promoter Lou DiBella said on his website.
Conwell took to social media with a letter addressed to Day. “I never meant for this to happen to you. All I ever wanted to do was win. If I could take it all back I would no one deserved for this to happen to them.” he wrote.
During his amateur career, Day won two national titles, was a U.S. Olympic team alternate and won the New York Golden Gloves Tournament. Day had a career record of 17-4-1 with six knockouts.
“The elephant in the room is that I’ve been having a very, very tough year. But slowly but surely, I’m climbing out of the pit,” she told the crowd. “And this is one of those monumental days, that, you say, ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, who’s going to believe in you?’”
On Thursday, TV star and spokesperson, Wendy Williams, accepted her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
During her acceptance speech, Williams thanked her son and show crew for all of the support and love they had given to to help her make it to this momentous moment.
“He’s always encouraged me to keep it going,” said Williams describing her son to PEOPLE at the ceremony. “And never asks me to pull back from anything that I say or that I wear or anything like that. He’s always been very encouraging.So now, it’s just the two of us against the world.”
Williams also spoke about all of the heartbreak she had to work through this year.
“The elephant in the room is that I’ve been having a very, very tough year. But slowly but surely, I’m climbing out of the pit,” she told the crowd. “And this is one of those monumental days, that, you say, ‘if you don’t believe in yourself, who’s going to believe in you?’”
She continued to say that, as a woman, it is even more difficult to move up in the entertainment industry. But as she stays motivated because she has always known that she has something special and unique to offer to her community.
Williams told PEOPLE, “Everybody kind of squinted. It was just difficult to see the lone black girl on TV,” she told the crowd. “Oprah had just left and that’s all we could think about was the next Oprah. And I’m like, ‘No, I’m no Oprah.’ My spirit can’t sit in and talk about the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) all day. I like to have fun. And 11 years later I still like to have fun. And when I don’t like to have fun, you’ll see those double doors open. I’m still having fun doing this.”
Her star was presented by “king of all radio” Elvis Duran.
After her speech Williams invited her fans to “please report to the dance floor of the star” to celebrate the recognition.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has until October 28th to announce plans for a primary and a general election to fill his seat. Stay tune to WHUR for more details.
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Howard County Officials are planning to honor the legacy and memory of the late Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings this afternoon.
Officials will have a wreath-laying ceremony and then a vigil this afternoon from 5:30 to 6 pm. It will be held at his District 7 office in Ellicott City. The public is invited to attend. We are expecting to learn as early as today about his funeral arrangements.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has until October 28th to announce plans for a primary and a general election to fill his seat. Stay tune to WHUR for more details.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools Dr. Monica Goldson says solving this issue is their top priority. So much so the county says they will hold a job fair every two weeks until they fill the 100 positions.
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If you are looking for a job, like driving and kids and you have a good driving record grab your resume. Prince George’s County School leaders are dealing with a major shortage of bus drivers. They need to fill 100 positions. Yesterday during a job fair they hired 40
The school bus driver shortage is so bad that some students are reportedly getting home after 6 pm after being let out of school after 3 pm. Parents are upset and they want some done now. District Chief Operating Officer Barry Stanton says “It is the toughest thing they have had to deal within the district.”.
CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools Dr. Monica Goldson says solving this issue is their top priority. So much so the county says they will hold a job fair every two weeks until they fill the 100 positions.
Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963
We’re kicking off our “Season of Giving” this Saturday with our 17thannual Children’s Coat Drive, at the Shops at Iverson from 12noon- 5pm. Stop by and drop off a new coat for a needy child.
Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club presents Stokley , tonight for his Single Release Concert Series. Doors open at 6pm. Show time is 8pm. On Sunday, enjoy “An Evening with Phil Perry”. Doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 7pm.
Smooth Jazz saxophonist Najee is at Blues Alley all this weekend, for two shows each night 8pm and 10pm.
Saturday, you can catch, The legendary Isley Brothers along with War perform at the Theater at MGM National Harbor. Show time is 8pm
August Wilsons Pulitzer Prize Winning Play “Fences” is playi
ng at the Ford’s Theatre and runs through October 27th. More information here:
The award winning production of “Jitney” is at Arena Stage and is running through October 27th. 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.
Family, friends, colleagues and even political rivals are mourning the death of Maryland Democrat Elijah Cummings. The congressman passed away early this morning at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was 68 and had been suffering from long standing health challenges. Cummings was the chairman of the House Oversight Committee and had served Maryland’s Seventh Congressional District since 1996. Before that Cummings served more than a decade in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he was the first African-American to be named Speaker Pro Tem. He is survived by his wife and three children. We discuss his life and legacy with guests who knew him.
Guests:
Dr. Ravi Perry, Chair, Howard University Department of Political Science
Meshelle, Comedian, Baltimore Native, Social Justice Advocate
Melanie Campbell, President/CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown, (D) Maryland 4th District
(Prince George’s County, MD) — A former state delegate is facing up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Tawanna Gaines pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud today. She’s accused of using campaign funds for her personal benefit for allegedly defrauding her campaign and its contributors of more than 22-thousand dollars. Gaines is a Democrat from Prince George’s County who served in the House of Delegates since 2001.
(Annapolis, MD) — Congressman Elijah Cumming’s seat will remain vacant until it is filled by a special election. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has ten days to announce the dates of the special election under state law. The primary election must be held on a Tuesday at least 65 days after the governor’s announcement. The general election must be on a Tuesday at least 65 days after that. The earliest a replacement can be elected for the 7th Congressional District would likely be March.
For starters, this was my first cruise ever and it was amazing!
I’m a world traveler. I’ve been to Senegal Africa, Brazil, London, Amsterdam and course several spots in the Caribbean all on land so this Disney Dream Bahamas trip was something totally new for me.
As soon as you board the Disney Dream they have a team of greeters waiting and they actually announce you by name on to the ship as if you were part of the starting line up of a NBA basketball team.
Remember this is my first time on a cruise. I get to my stateroom and the room and it’s gorgeous. I even have my very own little beautiful balcony view.
I hear a knock at the door. It’s Whur Promotions Director Darlene Jackson and she’s smiling. She says “do you know how to cut on the electricity in your room?”
Me: huh??
“You gotta use your magic key ez”! Darlene has done several Disney cruises before and was very helpful in teaching me the ins and outs of the ship.
The Disney Dream has several amazing nightclubs, a movie theater, a stage play theater where I met the cast of Beauty and the Beast.
I spent a lot of time in the health and wellness spa called Senses where you could pedicures, facials, haircuts and more.
I had several great workouts in their gym. I had to because the restaurants aboard the DISNEY DREAM where ridiculous!
I honestly had to govern myself accordingly. Fine cuisine is a understatement and the customer service was probably the BEST I’ve seen ever.
Every employee spoke to you will a smile and were very helpful if you needed anything.
Probably my favorite part of the trip was the trip to the private island called Castaway Cay!
I’ve been to a lot of nice beaches but this beach here was something special. Very clean and well kept.
And the water was so clear and beautiful. It was like a postcard! Gorgeous.
Whoever created the Disney Dream thought of everything. It was like a floating city.
Everything you wanted was right there!
Congratulations to Rachelle Goldson! She entered her family in our contest to win a Disney Family Cruise Vacation and she was selected as our GRAND PRIZE WINNER! She too will be able to experience THE DISNEY EXPERIENCE with her family.
The same Gallup poll showed from Oct. 1 – 13th that President’s approval rate is remaining at 39%. That’s down from 40% in late September.
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A new Gallup poll shows approval is not only up for members of Congress but also for impeaching and removing President Trump.
The survey found an increase from 18% last month of Congress to 25% this month. It also showed 52% of Americans now agree with the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump. The increase according to the study is due to an increase among Independents and Democrats. The outcomes were collected before Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced the impeachment inquiry.
The same Gallup poll showed from Oct. 1 – 13th that President’s approval rate is remaining at 39%. That’s down from 40% in late September. 87% of Republicans approve of him, 34% of independents approve and only 5% of Democrats support what he is doing in office.
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“I was devastated,” Cummings told The Associated Press in 1996, shortly before he won his seat in Congress. “My whole life changed. I became very determined.”
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings died early Thursday at Johns Hopkins Hospital due to complications from longstanding health challenges, his congressional office said. He was 68.
A sharecropper’s son, Cummings became the powerful chairman of a U.S. House committee that investigated President Donald Trump, and was a formidable orator who passionately advocated for the poor in his black-majority district, which encompasses a large portion of Baltimore as well as more well-to-do suburbs.
As chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings led multiple investigations of the president’s governmental dealings, including probes in 2019 relating to the president’s family members serving in the White House.
Trump responded by criticizing the Democrat’s district as a “rodent-infested mess” where “no human being would want to live.” The comments came weeks after Trump drew bipartisan condemnation following his calls for Democratic congresswomen of color to get out of the U.S. “right now,” and go back to their “broken and crime-infested countries.”
Cummings replied that government officials must stop making “hateful, incendiary comments” that only serve to divide and distract the nation from its real problems, including mass shootings and white supremacy.
“Those in the highest levels of the government must stop invoking fear, using racist language and encouraging reprehensible behavior,” Cummings said in a speech at the National Press Club.
Cummings’ long career spanned decades in Maryland politics. He rose through the ranks of the Maryland House of Delegates before winning his congressional seat in a special election in 1996 to replace former Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who left the seat to lead the NAACP.
Cummings was an early supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential bid in 2008. And by 2016, Cummings was the senior Democrat on the House Benghazi Committee, which he said was “nothing more than a taxpayer-funded effort to bring harm to Hillary Clinton’s campaign” for president.
Throughout his career, Cummings used his fiery voice to highlight the struggles and needs of inner-city residents. He was a firm believer in some much-debated approaches to help the poor and addicted, such as needle exchange programs as a way to reduce the spread of AIDS.
A key figure in the Trump impeachment inquiry, Cummings had been hoping to return to Congress after a medical procedure he said would only keep him away for a week. His statement then didn’t detail the procedure. He had previously been treated for heart and knee issues.
His constituents began mourning shortly after his death at 2:45 a.m. on Thursday. The Baltimore archdiocese tweeted that Cummings “generously shared his God-given gifts and talents w/the people of his beloved city, state and nation for so many years. We give thanks for his dedicated service and pray for the repose of his soul.”
Cummings was born on Jan. 18, 1951. In grade school, a counselor told Cummings he was too slow to learn and spoke poorly, and he would never fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer.
“I was devastated,” Cummings told The Associated Press in 1996, shortly before he won his seat in Congress. “My whole life changed. I became very determined.”
It steeled Cummings to prove that counselor wrong. He became not only a lawyer, but one of the most powerful orators in the statehouse, where he entered office in 1983. He rose to become the first black House speaker pro tem. He would begin his comments slowly, developing his theme and raising the emotional heat until it became like a sermon from the pulpit.
Cummings was quick to note the differences between Congress and the Maryland General Assembly, which has long been controlled by Democrats.
“After coming from the state where, basically, you had a lot of people working together, it’s clear that the lines are drawn here,” Cummings said about a month after entering office in Washington in 1996.
Cummings chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 2003 to 2004, employing a hard-charging, explore-every-option style to put the group in the national spotlight.
He cruised to big victories in the overwhelmingly Democratic district, which had given Maryland its first black congressman in 1970 when Parren Mitchell was elected.
It’s October and we’re kicking off our “Season of Giving”. Getting our youth in need winter ready. That’s the goal of the upcoming WHUR Children’s Coat Drive. I have all the details on how you can help. My guest is Renee Nash – WHUR News and Public Affairs Director
17thAnnual WHUR Children’s Coat Drive is Saturday, October 19thfrom 12pm to 5pm at Iverson Mall. We are in need of new coats for youth ages from newborn to 17-years-old. Drop off a new coat and help make a youth feel warm all over. 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.
Today is National Boss Day. If you’re working in corporate America, just starting out or have a few years under your belt… eventually you want to be the boss or close to it. But how does that happen? For African-Americans climbing the corporate ladder can be easier said than done… but it’s not impossible.
“I was really surprised to learn that it’s been 30 years since I made that $12 million donation to Morehouse, so today, I’d like to add $13 million to that.”
Billionaire Oprah Winfrey announced her plan to donate $13 million to a scholarship endowment in her name at Morehouse College. In 1989, she donated $12 million and decided to add on to that.
“Oprah Winfrey’s history of giving in support of Morehouse students began in 1989 with a $1 million contribution made during commencement exercises that established the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholarships Fund,” according to the college’s website.
In a surprise announcement at the college, she said “I was really surprised to learn that it’s been 30 years since I made that $12 million donation to Morehouse, so today, I’d like to add $13 million to that.”
Here is video from today’s surprise announcement. Oprah Winfrey donated $13 million to continue the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship Program, pushing her total investment to $25 million, which is the largest endowment in the College’s history. pic.twitter.com/5tcs6Pfu5m
When she made the announcement, she was meeting with 47 students that currently benefit from her endowment. Almost 600 students have benefited from the endowment since its beginning.
Recently, Winfrey announced at a United Negro College Fund Luncheon that she will donate $1 million dollars to the organization.
At commencement in May, billionaire Robert Smith announced that he will pay off of student loan debts for 2019 graduates as well as the debts of their families.
Last weekend, she was at the opening of her friend Tyler Perry‘s new studio where she christened a soundstage named after her.
(Dallas, TX) — A public memorial service is this weekend for the Fort Worth woman shot to death by a now former police officer. Atatiana Jefferson will be mourned Saturday at 2 p.m. inside The Potter’s House on West Kiest near Spur 408 in Dallas. The 28-year-old was inside her own home last weekend when she was killed by Aaron Dean. Dean was outside the home after Fort Worth police were called to do a welfare check. He resigned from the force on Monday and is charged with murder
(Washington, DC) — The Washington DC City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday to consider fully decriminalizing the sex trade in the District. The Community Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2019 was introduced by independent DC council member David Grosso on June 4th. According to reports, the act would remove all criminal penalties for commercial sexual exchanges, such as prostitution, for those 18 years and older. If passed, it would make DC the first city in the U.S. where prostitution and sex work is decriminalized.
“It is important right now that he take some time off to focus on his health so that he can be a better father, friend and entertainer,” DMX’s manager Pat Gallo said in a statement at the time.
Rapper DMX reported Saturday that he would be cancelling all of his upcoming concerts to return to rehab.
DMX was scheduled to perform Sunday at New York’s Rolling Loud festival, but when the festival unveiled the schedule, DMX was not listed on the itinerary. DMX also did not attend his scheduled appearance Thursday at Def Jam’s 35th anniversary party in Brooklyn.
DMX shared that he has been struggling with substance abuse for years. In 2017, he also cancelled a series of shows in order to go to rehab.
In an Instagram post to fans made this weekend, DMX announced, “In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility. He apologizes for his cancelled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support.”
“It is important right now that he take some time off to focus on his health so that he can be a better father, friend and entertainer,” DMX’s manager Pat Gallo said in a statement at the time. “We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of concern and support that has poured in. We ask that you please keep X in your prayers as he embraces your support.”
“They’ve lost a loved one and I took that person from them,” she said. “Of course I would tell them that I apologize, If they’s ever want an opportunity to speak with me, I’d be more than happy to.”
Cyntoia Brown-Long did an interview with Craig Melvin of the Today Show to promote her new book and talk about her life after her release from prison. Melvin read a statement from the family of the man she murdered where they said that they felt the justice system failed because of her release. Brown said if they had a chance to speak with them, she would apologize for her actions.
“They’ve lost a loved one and I took that person from them,” she said. “Of course I would tell them that I apologize, If they’s ever want an opportunity to speak with me, I’d be more than happy to.”
Brown was serving a life sentence the received at 16 until the public caught wind of her story. She was released for prison in August of this year after serving 15 years for murdering a man who solicited sex from her. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna were champions for her release from prison. She became a symbol for unfair sentencing for sex trafficking victims.
Originally, she was sentenced to life, but Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam granted her clemency.
In prison, Brown earned both her high school and college degree and also mentored other inmates. Since her release, Brown married recording artist J. Long and is currently promoting her new book, “Free Cyntoia,” where she is sharing her story.
We hear and see the horror stories almost daily. But have we become immune to the violence and do we now accept it as a part of our daily lives? There’s a town hall meeting coming up this weekend to address the issue. It’s called “Violence Is Not Normal” and it’s hosted by the “Positive Change Foundation” along with “Black Women for Positive Change.” My guest is Dawn Williams, Esq. – Chair of the Violence Is Not Normal Town Hall Meeting
The Positive Change Foundation along with the Black Women for Positive Change is hosting a “Violence is Not Normal” Town Hall Meeting October 19thfrom 3:00 – 6:00pm on the campus of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in SE.The town hall will be moderated by WHUR’s very own Harold Fisher – host of the nightly News feature “The Daily Drum.” 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.
The former Fort Worth, Texas police officer who shot a black woman to death in her own home is facing a murder charge. Aaron Dean who is white… is out on bond after his arrest last night. Dean responded to 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson’s home early Saturday morning after a neighbor called police because Jefferson’s front door was open. Jefferson family attorney Lee Merritt says there is a long way to go before justice for Atatiana Jefferson is reached. We talk about how this could happen again… one year after Botham Jean… a black man… was shot and killed by a white off-duty officer in his own apartment.
Risikat Okedeyi, Cultural Architect and Black Culture Expert
Pharrel says, “I realized that there are men who use that same language when taking advantage of a woman, and it doesn’t matter that that’s not my behavior. Or the way I think about things. It just matters how it affects women. And I was like, Got it. I get it. Cool. My mind opened up to what was actually being said in the song and how it could make someone feel.”
In 2013 Pharrell co-wrote and was featured on the song “Blurred Lines” alongside T.I and Robin Thicke. Now, he says it’s a song he doesn’t believe in anymore.
The “Happy” singer told GQ “Some of my old songs, I would never write or sing today. I get embarrassed by some of that stuff. It just took a lot of time and growth to get to that place.”
The hit song spent 33 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 but it wasn’t without controversy. It was criticized by listeners for being sexually predatory. The Daily Beast even called it out for being “kind of rapey.”
Pharrell looking back now says he didn’t understand that at first, especially because women seemed to like the song. He defended the song back in 2013 to Pitchfork stating “When you pull back and look at the entire song, the point is: She’s a good girl, and even good girls want to do things, and that’s where you have the blurred lines.
Now, he says, “I realized that there are men who use that same language when taking advantage of a woman, and it doesn’t matter that that’s not my behavior. Or the way I think about things. It just matters how it affects women. And I was like, Got it. I get it. Cool. My mind opened up to what was actually being said in the song and how it could make someone feel.”
The producer and artist is on a new path since discovering the power behind his music. He says he finally understands that we live in a chauvinistic society and that he doesn’t want to play into that anymore.
The Rape Foundation focuses on providing support and treatment “for victims of rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse.” Bassett speaks on how she’s raising her children to understand that no means no.
Angela Bassett hosted the Rape Foundation’s annual brunch, where she opened up about her own personal experiences.
According to The Source, Bassett began her speech saying she “thanks God for sanctuaries like the Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House.” Bassett admits, when she was a young teen her mother’s boyfriend used to come into her room at night. She says, “Fortunately, it wasn’t a complete assault, it was fondling, but it was devastating enough for a child who’s 12 or 13.”
The Rape Foundation focuses on providing support and treatment “for victims of rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual abuse.” Bassett speaks on how she’s raising her children to understand that no means no. She goes on to say, “You just want them to be aware, they’ll be in situations one day, and when a girl says no, both to him and to her, she means no.”
The 9-1-1 actress wishes that we didn’t live in a world with sexual assault, but thankful to have sanctuaries like the Rape Foundation that are here to support.
“Having a compound that is a beautiful place – right here that is somewhere in this 330 acres – where they’re trained in the business, and they become self-sufficient, they live in nice apartments, there’s daycare, theres all of these wonderful things that allow them to reenter society.”
Tyler Perry’s new studio will have a housing complex for displaced LGBTQ teens and homeless women.
Being the first black person in the United States to own a major film studio outright is a legacy in itself, but he wants his legacy to be more than the studio. In an interview with Gayle King for CBS this morning, Perry said he want his legacy to be the people that said shelter will help.
“Having a compound that is a beautiful place – right here that is somewhere in this 330 acres – where they’re trained in the business, and they become self-sufficient, they live in nice apartments, there’s daycare, there’s all of these wonderful things that allow them to reenter society,” he told King.
The shelter will be for homeless women, trafficking survivors and LGBTQ youth that have been kicked out of their homes.
Perry, who had to sleep in his car when he first moved to Atlanta, experienced homelessness.
“When I moved to Atlanta, I moved off of Syvlan [road] with my cousin and got put out, had no money, that kind of thing.”
In the same interview, the entertainment mogul discussed how it was important to him that black people are employed and celebrated in all parts of production. He said that as recently as 2019, he’s been the only black face on a set and his studio
“So when I come to work here, and every black person that comes to work here, they go “oh my God! It’s heaven! Here we are. We’re represented. Where everyone is represented,” he said.
(Washington, DC) — A new poll shows Marylanders are in favor of DC statehood. The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found a narrow 51-percent of Maryland residents favor making DC a separate state. That’s compared to 40-percent who are opposed. The survey also shows that 57-percent of Marylanders are opposed to making DC a new county in Maryland.
ng at the Ford’s Theatre and runs through October 27th. More information 
