The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office hosts events to address domestic violence:
https://www.pgsao.org/event-details-registration/not-one-campaign-against-domestic-violence-2024
Blog
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
Houston died Monday morning in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston told The Associated Press. The acclaimed gospel singer was surrounded by her family.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We loss the matriarch of our family,” Pat Houston said in a statement. She said her mother-in-law’s contributions to popular music and culture are “unparalleled.”
“Mother Cissy has been a strong and towering figure in our lives. A woman of deep faith and conviction, who cared greatly about family, ministry, and community. Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts.”
Houston was in the well-known vocal group, the Sweet Inspirations, with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warrick. The group sang backup for a variety of soul singers including Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters and Dionne Warwick.
The Sweet Inspirations appeared on Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and sang background vocals for The Jimi Hendrix Experience on the song “Burning of the Midnight Lamp” in 1967. In the same year, Houston worked on Franklin’s classic “Ain’t No Way.”
Houston’s last performance with the Sweet Inspirations came after the group hit the stage with Presley in a Las Vegas show in 1969. Her final recording session with the group turned into their biggest R&B hit “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover” a composition by the production team of Gamble & Huff, who appeared on the group’s fifth album, “Sweet Sweet Soul.”
During that time, the group occasionally performed live concert dates with Franklin. After the group’s success and four albums together, Houston left The Sweet Inspirations to pursue a solo career where she flourished.
Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in multiple genres throughout her career. Her vocals can heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and her daughter.
In 1971, Houston’s signature vocals were featured on Burt Bacharach’s solo album, which includes “Mexican Divorce,” “All Kinds of People” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” She performed various standards including Barbra Streisand’s hit song, “Evergreen.”
Houston won Grammys for her albums “Face to Face” in 1997 and “He Leadeth Me” the following year in the best traditional soul gospel album category.
Houston authored three books: “He Leadeth Me,” “How Sweet The Sound: My Life with God and Gospel” and “Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night The Music Stopped.”
In 1938, Cissy Houston started her career when she joined her sister Anne and brothers Larry and Nicky to form the gospel group, The Drinkard Four, who recorded one album. She attended New Hope Baptist Church, where she later become Minister of Sacred Music.
Houston was the youngest of eight children.
“We are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief,” Houston said on behalf of the family. “We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.”
We are kicking off Fire Prevention Week with some tips you need to know to keep you, your family, and community safe. My guest this morning is all about prevention and safety. My guest is Mitchel Kannry – Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief for DC Fire and eMS Department
Fire Prevention Week is October 6th – October 12thFire Prevention Week 2024 theme is Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you! There will be a workshop on smoke alarms Saturday, October 12th at 10am at the DC Fire and EMS Engine 22 at 6823 Georgia Avenue, NW. For more information go here: www.tinyurl.com/FirePreventionWeekDC
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Upcoming vents to help you get control of both: Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair & Fun Run/Walk is Saturday, October 5th!
16th Annual Mental Health Event: “Take the Moment” October 9 th at McCoart Plaza
Listen here to podcast discussion:
PART 1
PART 2
District of Columbia
Registration deadlines
- By mail (received by)By 4:45 PM on Oct 15
- In person during early voting Oct 28 – Nov 3
- In-person at voting location on Election DayNov 5
- Online By 4:45 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Oct 28 – Nov 3
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person By 8 PM on Nov 5
- The District of Columbia starts sending ballots to all active registered voters Sep 30
Maryland
Mail-in ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) By 8 PM on Oct 29
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person By 8 PM on Nov 5
Registration deadlines
- By mail postmarked by 5 PM on Oct 15
- In person during early voting Oct 24 – 31
- In-person at voting location on Election Day Nov 5
- Online By 11:59 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Oct 24 – 31
- In-person Nov 5
Virginia
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by)By 5 PM on Oct 25
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by)Nov 5
- Return ballot in person by 7 PM on Nov 5
Registration deadlines
- By mail (postmarked by)Oct 15
- In person during early voting Sep 20 – Nov 2
- In-person at voting location on Election Day Nov 5
- Online by 11:59 PM on Oct 15
Voting deadlines
- Early voting Sep 20 – Nov 2
- In-person Nov 5
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month my guest is on a mission to help survivors and their families. She has an annual event coming up this weekend and she needs your help to make it a success. My guest is Miriam Wright-McKinney – Founder and Chair of Edith P Wright Breast Cancer Foundation
14th Annual EPW Awards and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Turn Bethesda Theater Pink Event is tomorrow, Saturday, October 5th @ 7pm. For more information go here: www.epwfoundation.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
I have another opportunity this morning for you to take advantage of a health event to . This time Black Nurses of Southern Maryland want you to lace up your shoes and get moving this weekend. My guest is Latonia Ford – First Vice President of Black Nurses of Southern Maryland
Lace up your sneakers for the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run October 5th at Tucker Road in Fort Washington. For more information go here: www.bnsmd.nursingnetwork.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
GenZs fresh out of college and into the workplace. A new report says many employers are having second thoughts about hiring GenZs and in some cases are already giving them the boot. Are GenZs getting a bad rap or are the employers old and out of touch? GenZs, HR Experts, and College Counselors are sounding off on the topic.
Guest:
Dr. Sonya Ford – Wellness Center Director at a major University.
Dr. Shawn Talley – HR Expert
Monique Small – A 26-year-old GenZ College Graduate active in the workforce.
Esther Alexandre – 2023 college grad working for a defense company.
CNN reports, that a strike that threatens to disrupt the supply chain has Americans hoarding toilet paper like it’s 2020.
Many people are posting photos of empty toilet paper shelves to social media after a dockworker strike shut down 14 ports across the eastern U.S. But experts say there’s no need to worry because most toilet paper is shipped on land, either from U.S. factories or from Canada or Mexico.
Ports from Maine to Texas will not experience any impact. Most of what the port strike will affect is perishable goods, like produce that contains a short shelf life. So the panic is deemed unnecessary.
In fresh lawsuits against Diddy, a Texas attorney represents over 100 accusers. Texas attorney Tony Buzbee said he represents 120 women with 20-year-old charges against the entertainment tycoon during Tuesday’s (October 1) news conference.
“We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates,” Buzbee said during the news conference.
Buzbee said the charges would include “violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, and sexual abuse of minors.” The lawyer stated more than 3,000 people have accused Combs and that he will file litigation in multiple states within 30 days and will announce the other defendants later.
Buzbee claimed 62 percent of this new batch of accusers are African American and come from more than 25 states, mostly New York, California, Georgia, and Florida. According to Buzbee, 25 of the accusers were children when the crimes occurred, some in 1991. The lawyer said one accuser was 9 years old when the incident occurred.
The use of condoms has dropped sharply among younger Americans, according to a new report from the Associated Press.
The study cites several reasons for the decline, including a lack of sex education in school and less fear about the danger of STIs, as well as medical advancements to prevent pregnancy. “Old condom ads were meant to scare you, and all of us were scared for the longest time,” said Dr. Joseph Cherabie, Medical Director of the St. Louis HIV Prevention Training Center. “Now we’re trying to move away from that and focus more on what works for you.”
Young people are also less likely to be sexually active than previous generations. The CDC says condoms are still a valuable tool for preventing disease, alongside other measures.
It’s all about revving up those engines this weekend. The Domestic Violence Auto Show is going down in Fort Washington and all car, bike, and truck enthusiasts are encouraged to come out to show off your wheels for a good cause. My guest is Rosalind Stokes – Domestic Violence Auto Show Coordinator
Domestic Violence Auto Show is Saturday, October 5th from 8am to 2pm at Winegardner Chevrolet in Fort Washington. Come show off your cars, trucks, cycles. All proceeds go to support domestic violence programs in Prince George’s County
Listen to this mornings segment here:
John Amos, the beloved actor known for his roles as James Evans Sr in Good Times, Toby in Roots, and Gordy on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, passed away at 84 in Los Angeles on August 21st.
His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced his father’s passing. In a statement he said, “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos’ career spanned over five decades, with standout performances in Good Times, Roots, and films like Coming to America. He was a vocal advocate for positive portrayals of African Americans in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and those who knew him. His representation, Buchwald, expressed pride in representing Amos and highlighted his remarkable talent and generous spirit.
My guest this morning is a New York Times #1 Best Selling author and he’s out with a new book. He’s bringing it this week to the campus of Howard University. The book is entitled The Message. Joining me with all the details is Ta-Nehisi Coates – New York Times #1 Best Selling Author
Ta-Nehisi Coates will return to DC and the campus of Howard University Thursday, October 3rd at Crampton Auditorium to present his most recent book The Message; a collection of three essays addressed to Howard students on writing and the power of mythology from his travels to South Carolina, Senegal, and Palestine.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Men Make A Difference: The Power of Presence (POPs) October 13th, 9a – 2p Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr, High School 12650 Brooke Lane Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.
The 7-foot-2 center was one of the most feared shot-blockers in NBA history, winning Defensive Player of the Year four times in his 18-year career, and ranking second-all time in career blocks behind Hakeem Olajuwon.
Mutombo’s influence went beyond the basketball court – he spent his post-playing career as an ambassador for the NBA and the sport of basketball in his home continent of Africa. He also focused on charity efforts through his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation and organizations like the CDC Foundation, UNICEF, and the Special Olympics.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life… with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”
Accrding to the Hollywood Reporter, Recently, one of Diddy’s accuser’s attorneys addressed the alleged sex videos taken from Diddy’s houses and revealed that there was a high-profile person featured in one of the tapes.
Ariel Mitchell-Kidd said, “There already have been tapes leaking around Hollywood being shopped around…but one particular person contacted me to shop a particular video they were in possession of and to contact the person who was in the video to see if they were interested in purchasing the video before it became public knowledge.”
She continued, “I can tell the video was pornographic in nature.… This was in his Atlanta home, and it does seem the person isn’t looking into the video. To me, it doesn’t seem like that person knows they’re being videotaped.”
She added about another client of hers who contacted her to represent her against Diddy, “She called me and told me about her assault and her escape. She was at a friend’s house who had industry ties, and Diddy decided to come to the house.”
On the Daily Drum, Fraudsters, con artists, drug dealers, corrupt. Derogatory words to herald at anyone yet alone an entire group of people. Our guest say they often hear those terms and they want to dispel the stereotypes and myths often said about Nigerians. A powerful documentary will drop next week that offers a perspective beyond the headlines on what it means to be a Nigerian living in America.
Our guest, Oluyinka (O-Lu-Yinka) Davids – Creator and Director of Perception: The Nigerian Narrative and Gbenga Ogunjimi (Ben-ga Oh-goon-jimmy) – Executive Director of the Nigerian Cente.
The strike by musicians at the Kennedy Center is over. The walkout was only hours long before National Symphony Orchestra members reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the Kennedy Center. Center officials say the new 18-month contract will bring the base salary for musicians to just over $165-thousand in the first year and almost $172-thousand in year two of the new deal. The Kennedy Center added that “The NSO musicians will retain their position as one of the highest compensated orchestras in the country.”
Momma’s Safe Haven
Momma’s Safe Haven 7th Annual You Go Girl Female Transformational Conference is October 26th at the Thurgood Marshall Center in NW. Bring your daughters out for a day of motivation, workshops, and host of other free activities. www.mommassafehaven.org
Estate Planning Workshop
Take control of your future and provide for your loved ones. The DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking is holding free estate planning workshop October 7th and 8th. www.eventbrite.com
Cocktails for A Cause
Help provide housing for the homeless. Join Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services for their Cocktails for a Cause October 21st at Lib’s Grill in Howard County. www.laureladvocacy.org
Alpha College Fair
Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual College Fair November 9th at the Southern Regional Tech and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington. It’s hosted by the Brothers of the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Domestic Violence Auto Show
Calling all bikers, truckers and cyclists. Come out October 5th to the Domestic Violence Benefit Auto Show at Winegarder Chevrolet in Fort Washington.
Nurses Health Walk
Lace up your sneakers for the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland Health Fair and 5k Walk/Run October 5th at Tucker Road in Fort Washington. www.bnsmd.nursingnetwork.com
To get your non-profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event.
The jury found Justin Johnson guilty of murdering Young Dolph on Thursday (September 26) after a co-defendant testified that the assassination was part of a record label quarrel.
After just under four hours, jurors convicted Johnson of murder, conspiracy to murder, and weapons possession. Judge Jennifer Mitchell of the Shelby County Criminal Court sentenced Johnson to life in prison.
Cornelius Smith testified that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and bounties on all Paper Route Empire musicians. Smith claimed he and Johnson left “looking for somebody” on November 17, 2021, and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”
Smith testified, but prosecutors presented a mound of circumstantial evidence, including surveillance cameras and Johnson’s cell phone. After the murder, Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding Smith and his half-brother Justin Johnson, testifying in June 2023.
While fleeing investigators, Jermarcus Johnson helped the two contact each other via telephone. Hernandez Govan, Smith’s liaison with Big Jook, has denied planning the murder.
Following the news of Justin Johnson getting a life sentence for his involvement in the murder of Dolph, Justin made a statement online and bragged about not snitching.
He said, “These n***as taking criminal responsibility I’m taking street responsibility regardless I’m foreva the biggest they can throw away the keys before I ever eat da cheese.”
Dolph’s fiance said, “We are also grateful to the public for standing with us and advocating for accountability throughout this process. The past three years, marked by the loss of Adolph and the events leading to the trial, have been incredibly frustrating. My faith has been tested, but Adolph’s tragic execution has only strengthened my resolve to fight – not only for him but for all Black men. This is just the beginning of our journey toward achieving full justice for Adolph, and we will patiently support the unfolding of that process.”
Get ready for some neighborhood fun. The Downtown Largo Festival is coming up this weekend and it’s packed with amazing activities and great information about the environment. My guest is Ayana Crawford – President of the Largo Town Center Association Board
Downtown Largo Festival September 28th at the Carillon In Prince George’s County. Come out for a day of diverse vendors, creative artists, live performances, and important educational initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and stormwater management. For more information go here: www.largotowncenter.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
More issues for the Secret Service.
An agent in Vice President Kamala Harris’ security detail has been accused of groping a Harris female campaign staffer. The agent was part of an advance team and there are reports he appeared to be intoxicated when the alleged incident took place last week in Wisconsin. An investigation is now underway. The agent has been removed from the Vice President’s detail and placed on administrative leave with his gun and badge taken.
According to TODAY, Hoda Kotb announced on Thursday that she would be stepping away from her role at “Today.”
Kotb, who has been co-anchoring the program with Savannah Guthrie for five years, cited her recent birthday for the decision. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” Kotb said on the show.
“I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
“Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,” she added. “I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.” Kotb will stay with “Today” until early 2025 and will remain a part of NBC.
Prince George’s County is gearing up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are a host of events that will be taking place in the coming weeks to provide education, support, and resources for survivors and their loved ones. My guests are Sonja Welbourne and Daphne Benbo – Stakeholder Engagement and Affairs for Prince George’s County Government
Prince George’s County will be hosting a variety of events in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to provide education, support, and resources for survivors and their families. Check out the website for a listing of events. For more information go here: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov
Listen to this mornings segment here:
They are the heart and soul of education’s everyday warriors. You may call them the unsung heroes in the classroom. But we don’t always hear their stories of triumphs and challenges. Tonight, a conversation with Substitute teachers. Their resilience, creativity, and impact on students’ lives one classroom at a time.
Guest:
Myrtle Washington – President of Washington Substitute Teachers United (WSTU).
Lydia Curtis – Vice President of WSTU
Ellen Gaskill – WSTU Member
If, you are a substitute, please be vocal. Ask for what you need and more: dcps.substitutes.organize@gmail.com
Tonight on the Daily Drum…. A mother facing charges for shooting her own daughter. Countdown to the November election with candidates stumping for votes and trying to stay clear of controversy. What’s the deal with Janet Jackson questioning Kamala Harris’ race… and why are so many businesses boarded up in the DMV? We are going to tackle those stories and more tonight as we sit at the Reporter’s Roundtable.
Guests:
Micha Green – Managing Editor for Washington Informer
Keith Alexander – DC Crime and Courts Reporter for Washington Post
James Wright – Reporter for Washington Informer
In Rockville today, a resentencing hearing for convicted sniper Lee Boyd Malvo was indefinitely postponed after Virginia rejected Malvo’s request to be temporarily let out of prison to attend a court session in Maryland. Malvo and his lawyers are requesting the courts adjust his original life sentence to include the possibility of parole. The then 17-year-old and John Allen Muhammad, shot and killed 10 people and wounded three others in the DC region over a three-week span in October of 2002. Malvo has been serving his life sentence without parole in Virginia.
The woman who shot her 13-year-old daughter inside their Seat Pleasant home will remain in jail. A judge ordered Talecka Brown held without bond during a court hearing today. Police say Monday evening Brown shot her daughter in the neck following an argument that turned physical. Then, Brown allegedly told the girl to tell police that she was shot by someone who broke into the home. The injured teen is in stable condition. In court today, prosecutors said that Talecka Brown allegedly left a voicemail this morning with her daughter’s father, saying that if the teen didn’t testify “the whole thing would go away.” Brown is charged with first degree attempted murder.
UPDATE: October 2 2:50 PM
According to HIPHOPDX, Amazon decided to remove the alleged memoir written by Kim Porter from its platform.
The statement said, “We were made aware of a dispute regarding this title and have notified the publisher. The book is not currently available for sale in our store.”
Kim Porter’s children addressed the claims made in this book and denied that their mother wrote them.
ORIGINAL: September 25 10:50 AM
An alleged Kim Porter memoir is number one on Amazon, but the author can’t say whether the stories in the memoir are real.
“Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice, From the Other Side” is a 59-page book by Chris Todd, aka Jamal T. Millwood. It is filled with mistakes and outrageous claims, but that does not stop readers from picking it up.
“If someone put my feet to the fire and they said, ‘Life or death, is that book real?’ I have to say, I don’t know. But it’s real enough to me.” said Todd.
“Sometimes you just have to put it out there. Maybe not 100% of the book is true, but maybe 80% is.” Todd claims to have solved many pop culture crimes, but none of his claims have been proven true.
Recently, Porter’s oldest son Quincy made a statement, “We have seen so many hurtful and false rumors circulating about our parents, Kim Porter and Sean Combs’ relationship. As well as about our mom’s tragic passing, that we feel we need to speak out.
The family slammed the book and said she hadn’t written a book before her death. “Claims that our mom wrote a book are simply untrue,” he said.
He continued, “she did not and anyone claiming to have a manuscript is misrepresenting themselves.”
The statement added, “We are deeply saddened that the world has made a spectacle of what has been the most tragic event of our lives. Our mother should be remembered for the beautiful, strong, kind, and loving woman she was. Her memory should not be tainted by horrific conspiracy theories.”
It’s clear in all of the jokes and theories these children have suffered the most. May they all find peace through this devastating events.
September is Self-Care Awareness Month and this morning my guest is urging everyone to take heed. There’s a health event coming up this weekend to help you get started. My guest is Dr. Erica McFarland – Senior Health Advisor for the African America Health Program
The African American Health Program is hosting a Resource Fair Saturday, September 28th from 9am to 1pm at Wheaton Local Park in Silver Spring, MD. The day will be filled with fun for the entire family with health screenings, Tai Chi classes, music, and giveaways. For more information go here: www.aahpmontgomerycounty.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Tonight on the Daily Drum… a little Monday Morning Quarterbacking on a Tuesday evening. The Washington Commanders got to show off their skills in Prime-Time last night for the NFL’s Monday Night football. The team added another win in their column with QB Jayden Daniels having a stellar game. Fans are elated and feeling a sense of hope we haven’t felt in a minute…. The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand are licking their wounds for another week. It’s an NFL Sports Roundtable discussion this evening on the Drum. Joining me to chop it up are:
Guest:
Wisdom Martin – WUSA TV9 Anchor Wisdommartin7@gmail.com 240-273-2840
Stanford Becton – College Football Reporter for TNT Sports
Facts:
The Commanders are now 2 and 1.
The score last night was 38-33.
Commanders take on the Cardinals Sunday in Arizona.
A 13-year-old girl was shot inside her Seat Pleasant home on Monday. Her mother told investigators someone had shot the teen in the home in the 500 block of 69th place. After further investigation, police say the girl’s mother was the actual shooter. Telecka Brown now faces a charge of attempted murder. Authorities say the teen, who was shot in the neck, is hospitalized in stable condition.
Pay up! That’s what state leaders in Maryland want from owners of the ship that struck and caused Baltimore’s Key Bridge to collapse. Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the state has filed a lawsuit against the Singapore company that owns the Dali container ship. In March, the ship lost power then slammed into the Key Bridge causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers who were on the structure. Attorney General Brown says the incident was preventable. The U.S. Justice Department, as well as families of the six construction workers killed, have also filed lawsuits against the ship owners. A spokesperson for owners and manager of the container ship says they “look forward to our day in court to set the record straight.”
It’s a Medical Monday and tonight on the Daily Drum….
It’s an illness that impacts 1 in 6 Black men yearly and sadly the disease will claim the lives of thousands of those men. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and it’s time to talk, learn, and take action to turn those numbers around.
Guest:
Dr. Pamela Coleman – Professor of Surgery – Urology Howard University College of Medicine.
Kweisi Nesbitt – Creator of #BlackProstateCheckChallenge
It’s another Medical Monday and this morning we shine the spotlight on National Suicide Prevention Month. My guest is a suicide survivor and Founder of Black People Die by Suicide Too. There’s an important event coming up to raise awareness and support vital mental health initiatives. My guest is T-Kea Blackman – Founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too
Black People Die By Suicide Too is hosting a Kickback Brunch Fundraiser: Taking Steps to Prevent Suicide in the Black Community September 28th from 11am to 3pm at the Empanada Lady in Baltimore. For more information go here: www.blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
The Queens in Real Estate Mixer is bringing together incredible female real estate agents in the DMV area to uplift, inspire and motivate. The event will feature speakers, food, games and more starting from 3pm to 7pm Saturday September 28. My guest this morning will be Tasha Lyons – The Lyons Den Group of EXIT Community Realty
Listen to this mornings segment here:
UPDATE September 25 10:48 am
In a statement made by the Innocence Project Tuesday evening, “Tonight, Missouri executed an innocent man.”
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Office relentlessly pursued Mr. Williams’ execution and opposed clemency. The Attorney General and Missouri Governor Mike Parson – who ultimately denied the request for clemency – ignored the wishes of the victim’s husband who has consistently made clear that he opposed the death penalty for Mr. Williams.”
UPDATE: September 23 12:46 pm
The Missouri Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments on Monday Spetember 23rd in the case of Marcellus Williams, who is facing execution on Tuesday September 24th for the 1998 stabbing death of Lisha Gayle. Williams, who has maintained his innocence, had a previous execution halted in 2017 due to DNA evidence concerns.
The NAACP and Gayle’s family are urging Governor Mike Parson to commute Williams’ sentence to life without parole. Issues of racial bias in Williams’ conviction have also been raised, with the NAACP opposing the death penalty in this case.
ORIGINAL: September 19 3:34 pm
According to CNN, The NAACP is urgently appealing to Missouri Governor Mike Parson to halt the execution of Marcellus Williams, a Black man scheduled to be executed on Sept. 24 for a murder he maintains he did not commit.
The organization warns that proceeding with the execution would perpetuate racial disparities in the justice system. Williams’ legal team argues that his rights were violated during the judicial process, and Governor Parson disbanded a special board investigating his case.
With only days left before the execution, advocates are calling for clemency and a reevaluation of the evidence to ensure justice is served fairly. The case underscores broader issues of racial injustice in the American legal system and the need for reform in the death penalty system.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Missouri State Conference President Nimrod Chapel Jr. addressed in an a open letter to Gov. Parson,“Taking the life of Marcellus Williams would be an unequivocal statement that when a white woman is killed, a Black man must die. And any Black man will do.”
Just days after the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the many reactions to the once sealed indictment, fans take to social media to share their love for Wendy Williams.
Due to medical issues, the television host has been off the air for three years, but fans believe if she were healthy at this time, the Hot Topic gossip session of her show would be fascinating.
One fan said, “Media NEEDS Wendy Williams right now.” They added, “The public is calling her name because nobody gave us the hot topics like her.”
Another compared comedian Katt Williams’s method of exposing the industry practices to Wendy Williams and how she was once blackballed for her reports. “Yes, Katt Williams exposed certain people in the industry. However, Wendy Williams also exposed specific industry figures, including Diddy,” they said.
Some fans feel Wendy is owed an apology for how she was treated about the high level of gossip she revealed throughout her career. Claiming that the gossip was untrue when she spoke about Diddy and others’ personal life.
Some celebrities have chimed in, like rapper Boosie who sparked controversy on social media after expressing his disagreement with Diddy’s federal charges, suggesting that the mogul is being targeted unfairly.
Boosie argued that Diddy’s alleged actions are common among celebrities and should not result in jail time. Social media users criticized Boosie’s stance, with many highlighting the seriousness of the charges against Diddy.
Diddy, who pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, is reportedly offering his Miami mansion and mother’s home as collateral for bail. His bail request was denied by Judge Andrew Carter, with the agent drawing parallels between Diddy and Epstein in terms of their alleged exploitation of young women.
The case continues to generate discussion and debate online.
Get your business plans and business suits ready. The Synergy BWI Business and Networking event is coming up. It’s a chance to meet reps from the SBA, learn how to secure contracting and more. My guest is Ricky Smith – Executive Director and CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
Synergy BWI Business and Networking event is Monday, September 23rd from 8am to 4pm at Live Casino and Hotel Maryland. This year’s theme is Navigating New Horizons, Advancing Diversity and Excelling In Business. For more information go here: www.synergyBWIairport.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Recently, Pharrell Williams shared his opinion of celebrity political endorsements and said he isn’t a fan of them.
He said, “I don’t do politics. In fact, I get annoyed sometimes when I see celebrities trying to tell you [who to vote for]. There are celebrities that I respect that have an opinion, but not all of them.”
He continued, “I’m one of them people [who says], ‘What the heck? Shut up. Nobody asked you.’ When people get out there and get self-righteous and they roll up their sleeves and s**t, and they are out there walking around with a placard: ‘Shut up!'”
He added, “So, no, I would rather stay out of the way, and obviously, I’m going to vote how I’m going to vote. I care about my people and I care about the country, but I feel there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m really about the action.”
A new online system will make it far easier – and faster – to renew your passport through an eight-step process, beginning with confirming that you meet the requirements.
The State Department says its online passport renewal system is fully operational.
What this means for future users:
You can now skip cumbersome paper applications sent by mail, which can take two months or more to complete.
Once it is confirmed that all requirements are met, you create an account. Users will have 30 days to complete your application after you start it.
Renewal is restricted for those traveling in less than 8 weeks, you cannot renew online.
You can upload a digital photo, but it cannot scan a printed picture or take a photo of an already printed photo.
More info can be found at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
Get your taste buds ready and rest-up. Dine All Night – DC’s 11-day dining experience that highlights the city’s eclectic food scene kicks off tomorrow. (September 19th). Plus Art All Night is just around the corner. Joining me this morning to spotlight these two signature events is Rosemary Suggs-Evans – Agency Director Department of Small and Local Business Development
Dine All Night returns for a 2nd year September 19th and runs thru September 29th. Close to 60 DC restaurants will be participating. Returning for the 13th year is Art All Night and includes more than 100 local artists and 20 different Main Street and Business Improvement Districts on September 28th and 29th. For more information go here: www.dcartallnight.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
It’s National Voter Registration Day and my guest this morning wants to make sure the effort goes beyond just today. Several Howard University student organizations are joining forces to host a voter registration drive tomorrow. My guest is Veronica Smalls – President of the Howard University Student National Pharmaceutical Association Chapter
Howard University Voter Registration Drive Wednesday, September 18th 11am – 2pm at Louis Stokes Library Law. Hosted by the Students National Pharmaceutical Association, Healthy Democracy Campaign, HUCOP, Medicine, Law, and Dental Programs. For more information go here: www.dcboe.org
Listen to this mornings segment here: