Blog

Marlon Wayans Shuts Down The “Hate Mongers” After Posting A Photoshoot In Support Of The LGBTQ+ Community

In a recent post, comedian Marlon Wayans shared a photo wishing everyone a Happy Pride.

The Good Grief headliner posted, “Happy PRIDE to all my LGBTQ+ peoples. Did a photo shoot with the great photographer Parrish Lewis dope pic.”

He added, “P.S. I’m STRAIGHT… well, according to my child CIS-GENDER. I just love and support my peoples.”

Comedian and niece, Chante Wayans comments, “This is dope! Thank you for always supporting & letting me wear your clothes!🏳️‍🌈”

Singer Toddrick Hall added, “As someone who’s a part of the community and has worked with you closely I just want to say thank you for advocating for the community before and after you knew your child was a part of it!”

Hall continued, “We need more black fathers like you! Ppl say they love unconditionally but are willing to kick their own children/family to the curb when they don’t agree with their lifestyle mostly out of embarrassment of what their “friends” and church members will say. Proud of you for posting this with your chest. Love ya and happy pride 🏳️‍🌈”

Despite the encouraging comments, several hateful ones spewed in the White Chicks star’s comments motivating him to create another post.

Wayans says, “Yeah and just for the HATE MONGERS … I’m posting ANOTHER.”

He adds, “As a father of a child in the LGBTQ+ community I show my support. Zero fucks what people think. If i lost you… GOOD! Your hateful ass never loved me in the first place. How can you love anyone when you’re too busy judging. Some of y’all funny. I’m a troll. I’ll post all day.”

“HAPPY PRIDE to all my friends, fam, fans and loved ones. I am happy you’re happy… period”, he said.

50 Cent Faces Death Threats From Former Drug Kingpin Over ‘Power’ Lawsuit

50 Cent is being sued by Cory ‘Ghost’ Holland over the Power series, which he claims is based on his real-life story, and is suing 50 Cent for $1 billion.

Now, Holland has issued a statement threatening 50 over the lawsuit. He said, “If a m*therf*cker gets killed because your m*therf*cking client threaten me and my family, file a m*therf*cking motion for that.”

He continued, “I ain’t playing with your m*therf*cking client anymore; next time he or anyone he sends pulls up, f*ck the litigation.”

Rihanna Is Not ‘Retired,’ Despite What That Outfit Said: ‘Wait For The I Quit T-Shirt’

Rihanna debuted a new short hairstyle at the Rihanna x Fenty Hair launch party in L.A. and clarified that she is not retired from music, despite her recent clothing choices suggesting otherwise. 

Riri wore a T-shirt dress that read, “I’m retired; this is as dressed up as I get.”  Riri told ExtraTV, “That was just me looking into the future. I’m not retired. I just like that dress. I got it as a gift and I loved it.… They didn’t read the second line: I’m not retired, I’m just retired from dressing up — it’s a lot of effort.”

The singer then gave fans a heads-up on what to look for when she decides to put  a wrap on her career. She said, “Wait for the ‘I Quit’ T-shirt.”

Crime & Violence: What’s Happening in District Heights, Maryland?

The latest reports show that, statistically, crime is down in the DMV. The stats may say one thing, but residents may say another. Are we really feeling safer these days following more reports of shootings and carjackings? The issue of crime is especially brewing in District Heights. Tonight, in the latest Take Back Our Community Thursday, we are joined by two of those charged with leading that jurisdiction.

Guests:

Cynthia Miller – Mayor, District Heights, MD

Ronald Tarpley – Chief of Police, District Heights, MD

Alsobrooks Presents Prince George’s State Of The Economy

The Prince George’s County economic outlook the focus today as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks delivered her State of the Economy for the County. Alsobrooks focused on the Metro Blue Line, health care, small businesses and the coming of the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt as areas of success.  Alsobrooks is the Democratic nominee for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat.   Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan is her Republican challenger.

U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Access To Abortion Pill

The Supreme Court is keeping widely used abortion pill mifepristone available to Americans.  The high court unanimously ruled that a group of anti-abortion doctors who challenged the FDA’s actions to make mifepristone more accessible did not have legal standing to sue and threw out the case.   

The high court’s ruling will allow the pill to be mailed to patients without an in-person doctor’s visit. Abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy in 14 states, and after about six weeks of pregnancy in three others, often before women realize they’re pregnant.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was part of the majority to overturn Roe, wrote for the court on Thursday that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions.”

While praising the decision, President Joe Biden signaled Democrats will continue to campaign heavily on abortion ahead of the November elections. “It does not change the fact that the right for a woman to get the treatment she needs is imperiled if not impossible in many states,” Biden said in a statement.

Wellness Wednesday…Insight on Mental Health and Grief

Grief can be a debilitating experience.  From the loss of loved one, to losing a job, a home or life savings. Moreover, grief is experienced in the African American community in particular ways. Tonight, as part of Wellness Wednesday, a conversation on dealing with grief.

Guests:

Dr. Jeff Menzise – Lead Consultant with Mind on the Matter & Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Jamarr Wilson – Operations Director, Roberta’s House

Isaac Loyal – Program Coordinator,  All Men’s Grief Group, Roberta’s House

Supreme Court Preserves Access to Mifepristone, Abortion Medication

Washington, D.C. (Thursday, June 13, 2024) – In a decision that comes right smack in the middle of the presidential race, the U.S. Supreme Court today preserved access to the widely used abortion medication mifepristone.

Justices ruled that anti-abortion opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug. The decision comes nearly two years after the high court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Mifepristone is used in nearly two thirds of all abortions in the U.S. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court saying that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions.”

President Biden praised today’s decision. But added “it does not change the fact that the fight for a woman to get the treatment she needs is imperiled if not impossible in many states.”

Our History and Culture

Celebrating the history and culture while remembering the past.  This morning I have details of the upcoming Fauquier County Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival. My guest is Karen White – Co-Founder of the Afro-American Historical Association

The Fauquier County’s 4th Annual Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival is Saturday, June 15th from 11am to 8pm on Main Street in Warrenton.  This year’s theme is Community, Unity, and Commitment. For more information go here:  www.fauquierjuneteenth.com 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

National Black Justice Coalition….Out in the Community

Tonight, a conversation with leaders of the National Black Justice Coalition. The organization is spearheading Equity Weekend, an effort to galvanize community action, bring awareness and promote public policy initiatives. We have two leading members of the organization to provide insight.

Guests:

Dr. David Johns – CEO & Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition

Dr. Marcus Hunter – Board Member, National Black Justice Coalition

Crowning The Next Ms. Senior DC

Saluting our Seniors this morning.  The DC Office on Aging and Community Living is gearing up for its Ms. Senior DC Pageant this Saturday June 15th. My guest is Tameka Young – Ms. Senior DC State Pageant Administrator

The Ms. Senior DC Pageant is held each year to select the District woman age 60 or older who will represent the District of Columbia as Ms. Senior DC. Contestants compete for the title in four categories and are judged on their elegance, poise, and style during their interview, philosophy of life and evening gown presentations. The winner will serve as Ms. Senior DC throughout the year and represent the District in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. For more information go here:  www.daci.dc.gov 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Montgomery County School Board Approves Budget

The Montgomery County School board approved a 3.3 billion dollar budget today.  The board contends the school system faces a $30-million dollar shortfall. It says tutoring and stem programs will be reduced and the academy for students to take class online will be eliminated.  School superintendent Monique Felder says hard decisions were necessary.  The Board says teacher layoffs are unlikely, but class sizes may be increased next year by one person per class.

Three Shot As Gunfire Erupts In Northwest DC

A beautiful day outside was marred by gunfire ringing out in Northwest DC Tuesday afternoon.  Three were people shot. Police say two groups of men were shooting at each other.  One bullet grazed the head of woman sitting in a car on Colorado Avenue.  Another victim was shot at 13th and Peabody Street. It is not clear if the two victims were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, but they are expected to survive.  Police say around the same time a man was shot in an alley near Kansas Avenue in Northwest.  He is serious condition.   Police are searching for suspects in both cases.

U.S. Department of Labor: The Latest Job Report

The latest jobs report from the Department of Labor shows employment increases and wages rising. But it also shows a slight uptick in the unemployment rate.  What does it all mean for the U.S. economy and the average citizen?  We’re talking about it tonight.

Guest:

Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su   

Great Summer Movies For The Entire Family

Grab the popcorn.  It’s movie time.  The Kennedy Center is announcing its line up of Summer Films at the Reach featuring movies for the entire family. My guest is Therese LaGamma – Program Director for Social Impact for the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center Summer Films at the Reach runs from May 31st thru August 30th featuring a diverse selection of beloved films.  The films run every Friday.  For more information go here: www.kennedy-center.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Jackée HarryJackee Harry Reveals Why She Won’t Be Doing A ‘227’

Reboot Fans of the old-school series ‘227’ aren’t going to see Sandra Clark back in action.

Jackée Harry, who portrayed the popular character on the series from 1985 to 1990, was recently asked about a reboot by US Weekly Magazine. “I ain’t going back that far. I just don’t do that anymore. That character is done.”

Although Harry may not be into the idea of a ‘227’ reboot, she does cherish her continued friendship with fellow cast member, Regina King. “Besides one Emmy for [227], one of my favorite things was meeting Regina King because she’s one of my greatest friends,” she shared with Us. “It’s something that I know to happen, to have a real relationship with a person you work with and having that whole experience of the ’80s: living well, many husbands and a great positive tone.”

The series also starred legends like Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Regina King, Kia Goodwin, Helen Martin, and Alaina Reed Hall.

Will Smith Surprised Movie Goers At ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’ Showing

During the opening weekend for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Will Smith snuck into a movie theater to watch his movie and surprised fans at the end. 

A fan shared the moment and said, “Surprise. When you walk out of Bad Boys movie and Will Smith walks out with you after having watched the movie with you!! Only at CINEMARK!” In the clip, Will greets fans and said, “Hey, I’m glad y’all enjoyed that. That was a good movie,” which excited fans even more after seeing the film.

Will shared the clip on his social media page and added, “We’re in Baldwin Hills, we’re about to go into the theater. It’s a ritual I have. I do it when I have a movie come out — on Friday, Saturday, there’s usually a matinee on Sunday — I go into theaters.”

What did you think of the new movie?

Man Killed Outside District Heights Store

Gunshots in District Heights this afternoon has left one man dead and two others injured.    Police say the shooting happened around 3:30 today outside the Fresh Market Store in the 54-hundred block of Marlboro Pike. Police are searching for suspects. The identity of the victims has not been released.

Summer Programs for DC’s Youth and Families

The last day of school for DC’s public school students is drawing near.  Now, Mayor Bowser and her administration preparing to keep those kids busy during the summer months.

Throughout the summer, all youth in DC will have access to free meals and snacks at more than 100 city Youth Meals sites across all eight wards. Those sites will open on Wednesday, June 26 and remain open until Sunday, August 25. All District youths 18 and younger can receive free meals at the sites with no application or ID required. On Friday evenings throughout the summer, DC police will host the popular Late Night Hype series.   And, don’t forget about DC’s 22 outdoor pools and 32 spray parks. Starting Monday, June 24, all full-service outdoor pools will operate on individual summer schedules, six days a week, and spray parks will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

Usher Shares What It’s Like Raising A Child With Type 1 Diabetes

Usher recently opened up about his family life and how one of his children has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes with Parents.

He said, “Life would be different and it would change after that day. This wasn’t something that could easily be remedied—it was a lifestyle; it was a life change.”

He continued, “You would never think that a 6-year-old would have to all of a sudden be conscious of what they ate. Those are the last things that you’re thinking about when you’re that age, and then the idea that normalcy has changed in comparison to other children that my child would be around.”

He added, “If my child ever wanted to go on a trip or do the normal things that kids do to be social, I’m always thinking about it. It’s always lingering in the back of my mind.”

According to the  American Diabetes Association, these are symptoms of type 1 diabetes to know for all ages:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

Family Fun With WHUT-TV

With many schools just days away from summer break, the big question for many parents is how to keep their little ones engaged and entertained.  Our sister station WHUT-TV is bringing back its Summer of Adventure at the National Harbor that promises to be a win for both parents and their little ones. My guest is Keisha Nelson – Education and Outreach Manager at WHUT-TV

WHUT’s Summer of Adventure is back.  Join WHUT as they bring PBSKids to the National Harbor every other Tuesday starting June 11th at 11:30am. For more info go here:  www.whut.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Sean Combs’ Howard University Honorary Degree Returned And All Agreements Ended

Cassie Ventura responds to a 2016 assault video as model Crystal McKinney files a lawsuit alleging rapper sexually assaulted her in 2003.

Howard University revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree following a video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The university’s decision was based on behavior deemed incompatible with its values.

Rolling Stone article details allegations of abuse by Combs on campus in the late 1980s.

Kim Porter’s father breaks his silence now that the Sean Combs’ attack video is public, Kim Porter’s father is speaking out.   

Jake Porter told Rolling Stone, “You can say I was disgusted with the video, and I wouldn’t treat my enemy like that. It was despicable. I couldn’t believe it.

I was in Vietnam, and I wouldn’t do that to my enemy.” He also said that the video made him question whether Combs abused Kim.  He added, “I didn’t know he could stoop that low. I imagine it surprised a lot of people. I wouldn’t even do a dog like that. My heart goes out to Cassie.” 

A Conversation with Prison Fellowship

Hope is difficult to measure.  But for those who are incarcerated, often that is a precious thing to cling to.  Hope for a better future. In this edition of Take Back Our Community, we highlight an organization that is working to give those behind bars an opportunity to restore their faith in the possible.

Guest: Heather Rice-Minus – President/CEO, Prison Fellowship

Golf For A Worthy Cause

The Krimson Achievement Foundation (formerly known as the Ft. Washington Kappa Foundation of Prince George’s County) is hosting the 2024 Golf Klassic on Friday June 14th, 2024 at Oak Creek Golf Course. My guest is Greg Conley.

This is a 4-person scramble, 8:30am Shotgun start. $10,000 Hole in One Contest. Hole Contest Prizes could include a 7-night resort stay, Golf or Spa Day Packages, and more. For more information go here: https://birdease.com/kafgolfklassic

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Maryland Congressman Aims to Curb Retail Theft

Maryland congressman Glenn Ivey wants to do something about retail theft. Today, Ivey, along with Prince George’s County police chief Malik Aziz, toured Rivertown Common’s Shopping Center in Oxon Hill.

Representative Ivey plans to introduce legislation to address the uptick in retail robberies. Chief Aziz says many retail thefts are coordinated.

Congressman Ivey’s bill aims for funding to hire more security personnel in and around retail establishment.

Clean up begins in the aftermath of tornados

A tornado warning was issued in Frederick earlier today.  60-70 mile an hour winds hit that area.  But no major damage reported. Meantime, cleanup underway following last night’s tornados that touched down in parts of our area with reported wind gusts as strong as 105 miles per hour.  Crews at this hour removing downed trees and repairing damaged power lines in Gaithersburg and Poolesville, areas that were hit hardest.

Virginia Woman Wanted In Triple Murder

A search is underway for a Spotsylvania County woman accused of killing her three roommates.   Police say two adult men and one adult woman were found dead inside a home Tuesday night in 10500 block of White Street Court in Spotsylvania. Now police say Alyssa Venable is on the run and wanted for the murders. 

Financial Tools For Our Youth

My guest this morning teaches African American youth about the power of financial responsibility giving them tools needed to invest in the stock market.  He has a summer camp coming up he wants the community to know about. My guest is Kevon Chisolm – Executive Director and Founder of Junior Wallstreeters, Inc.

Junior Wallstreeters is hosting a financial literacy and investing summer camp for underserved youth in the DMV.  The online camps are for youth 12 and older.  Youth will learn financial literacy & investing, introduction to cryptocurrency and introduction to real estate investment. For more information go here:  www.theblackwallstreeter.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Two Children and One Adult Fatally Struck by Train In Springfield, VA

train tracks

(Wednesday, June 5, 2024) – A tragic story out of Springfield, Virginia. Police say two children and an adult are dead after being struck by a train.

Police say the victims were walking on the tracks at Accotink Park Road when they were hit Wednesday night. It is not clear why they were on the tracks. The names of the victims have not yet been released.

This is a developing story

Tornado Tears Through Parts of Montgomery County

tree hits house

(Wednesday, June 5, 2024) – A tornado struck parts of Montgomery County Wednesday evening leaving a path of downed trees, power lines dangling, and people trapped inside their homes. The severe weather also brought with it heavy rain that drenched parts of the DMV .

There are reports of several persons injured in the Gaithersburg area. Montgomery County Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer says much of the damage was reported in the Poolesville and Gaithersburg area.

Officials said on X they were responding to at least five reports of trees that had fallen into houses and in many of those instances they had to extricate people who were trapped. Assistant Chief David Pazos says the most serious happened the 400 block of Dogwood Drive in Gaithersburg. That’s where five people were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One other person was transported as a trauma patient.

Power is out to some 1,500 customers in the county. Officials are warning persons to stay clear of the damaged areas and to report any downed power lines immediately.

Virginia teen charged with murder

It’s a murder charge for a Virginia teenager accused of fatally shooting another teen in Prince William County Monday night. Police say the 17-year-old boy shot towards five people in the 3700 block of Masthead Trail in Triangle. One person was killed and three others injured.  Prince William County police said the shooting was spurred by a previous altercation and ongoing dispute and that the shooter and victims all knew one another.

June is Home Ownership Month: What you need to know?

The housing market is hot right now.  Demand is high.  Buyers are looking for the best deals, but they need to be aware and educated as some deals, especially first-time mortgage programs, require an attention to the details.  June is homeownership month and tonight we focus on just that….homeownership!

Guest: Muriel Garr –  Financial Advisor

Pastor’s Etiquette: A Conversation with Pastors….

The church and social media have collided of late with the way some pastors deal with their congregations going viral. From leaders of the church telling choir members not to lead a song unless they can really sing, to complaints from pastors that church members are to flamboyant in their praising. What is happening with etiquette from the pulpit?

Guest:

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert – Dean, Howard University School of Divinity

Rev. Dante King, D. King Ministries

Music Producer For Beyoncé & Rihanna, The-Dream Accused of Rape in New Lawsuit


The New York Times reported that Grammy-winning singer-songwriter The-Dream, born Terius Gesteelde-Diaman, was sued by singer Chanaaz Mangroe, who performed as Channii Monroe, for allegedly forcing her to have sex, strangling her, and recording a video of them having sex.

The suit also includes sex trafficking allegations. Mangroe stated that she needed to tell her story to heal and prevent future abuse.

The suit was filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, allowing victims of sexual assault to file cases past the statute of limitations.

The-Dream is the latest hip-hop figure to face sexual misconduct allegations, joining others like Kanye West,Megan Thee Stallion, and more.

Kanye West is facing legal trouble after being accused of sexual harassment by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta.

Pisciotta alleges that West sent her explicit sexual messages and videos, and TMZ reported on the lawsuit on June 3.

Despite being promoted within a year, Pisciotta claims she faced sexual harassment, including instances of West pleasuring himself during phone calls and discussing sexual fantasies.

She also alleges that West offered her money to delete her OnlyFans account and has not paid her severance after terminating her in October 2022. This is not the first time West has faced accusations of inappropriate behavior, with previous reports claiming he praised Adolf Hitler during work meetings.

West’s team has not responded to the recent allegations.

Vote! Make a Difference

It’s primary day in DC and I have all the details about what you need to know to make sure you can exercise your right to vote. My guest is Sarah Graham  – Spokesperson for the DC Board of Elections

  June 4th is Primary Day in DC.  Polls are open in the District from 7am to 8pm.  For more information, visit  www.dcboe.org or call 202-727-2525.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Sneaker Ball, WHUT Summer Fun, Kennedy Center Movies, and More Inside Community’s Choice

sneaker ball flyer

Sneaker Ball

Join the celebration of youth in Prince George’s County June 22nd for the Youth Sneaker Ball in Seat Pleasant.  It’s hosted by Together We Can.  240-764-1079

WHUT Summer Fun

Keep the little ones engaged and entertained.  Come out every Tuesday beginning June 11th for WHUT’s Summer of Adventure at the National Harbor.  www.whut.org

Kennedy Center Movies

It’s movie time every Friday at the Kennedy Center.  Enjoy family friendly films at the Reach now thru August. www.kennedy-center.org

Fauquier County Juneteenth

Celebrate the history freedom.  Come out Saturday June 15th to the Fauquier County Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival on Main Street in Warrenton.  www.fauquierjuneteenth.com

Men’s Health Forum

Men it’s time to take charge of your health. Join the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for their Men’s Health Forum June 22nd at Maple Springs Baptist Church in Capitol Heights. www.pul1906.org

Fairfax Library Foundation

Keep kids reading this summer.  The Fairfax Library Foundation is hosting a free reading festival June 15th at Woodrow Wilson Library.  www.fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org

WHUR Community’s Choice

To get your non profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event. 

It Takes Two Applications

It Takes Two Inc is accepting applications for its 12th Annual Tools for Success Scholarship.  The deadline is July 1stwww.ittakestwoinc.org

Go-Go On the Rooftop

The DC Public Library Go-Go on the Rooftop returns this month.  Head over to the MLK Library every Sunday for free concerts featuring go-go musicians.  www.dclibrary.libnet.info

Go-Go At the Library

It’s all about fun times at the library.  If you are looking for some cool things to do featuring music, good vibes, and great people; I have just the events for you and they take place every Sunday at the MLK Library in NW, DC.  It’s called Go-Go on the Rooftop. My guest is Tanzi West-Barbour – Director of Marketing for DC Public Library

  DC Public Library Go-Go on the Rooftop returns this month.  Every Sunday from 1pm to 5pm head over to the MLK Library for a free Sunday concert featuring a lineup of established and upcoming go-go musicians. For more information go here:   www.dclibrary.libnet.info

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Guilty. New York Jury Convicts Trump On All 34 Counts

(Tuesday, May 30, 2024) – Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty of all 34 counts against him accusing the former president of falsifying business records. After two days of deliberations, 7 men and 5 women delivered Trump’s fate. Immediately after the verdict, a defiant Trump exited the New York courthouse blasting the judge and the case. “This was a disgrace. This was a rigged verdict and case from the very beginning. This is far from over,” said Trump.

The historic verdict comes after 6 weeks of testimony and more than 20 witnesses. Trump is the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors say Trump falsified business records to conceal unlawfully interfering in the 2016 presidential election through the $130,000 hush money payment.

Trump said the real verdict will be November 5th and delivered by the people and he blamed the Biden administration for targeting him. Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. The conviction carries up to four years behind bars. Trump will be sentenced July 11th. Prosecutors have not said if they intend to seek a prison term.

Bringing The Community Together

A Community Day providing something for everyone.  HOPE is gearing up for a big event this weekend that will provide health screenings,  credit and financial counseling along with free shredding. My guest is Ainsley Levy – HOPE – HUD Certified Housing Counselor 

HOPE is hosting a Community Day June 1st at the Hillcrest Heights Community Center.  There will be vision and hearing screenings, credit and financial counseling, and free paper shredding. For more information go here:  www.hopefinancial.org 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

National Zoo In D.C. Getting Two Giant Pandas

A pair of giant pandas are heading to the nation’s capital.

According to their announcement on TODAY, The Smithsonian Institute says Bao Li and Qing Bao will arrive at the National Zoo later this year.

“We’re so excited that we’re able to have a cub that is coming from the Mei Xiang and Tian Tian family line,” National Zoo panda keeper Mariel Lally said on TODAY.

“We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, D.C.,” Brandie Smith, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s John and Adrienne Mars director, said in a press release.

Pandas have become increasingly rare in U.S. zoos as many are returned to China. 

Currently, only three remain, at the Atlanta Zoo – and are set to return to China in the fall. China has shared pandas with the U.S. since the 1970s as a show of friendship dubbed ‘panda diplomacy’.

History Made: 12-Year-Old Black Girl From Florida Makes History, Graduates High School

WCTV reported that E’leese Shelton, a 12-year-old prodigy from Tallahassee, Florida, has graduated from high school, showcasing her exceptional academic skills from a young age. 

“I got her a LeapFrog tablet, and we didn’t know that she was self-taught until it was telling her to do the letters, uppercase, lowercase letters, and we didn’t realize that she knew all of it,” her mother Danrell Shelton said. “I did not teach her any of it. She just had the LeapFrog and she knew it.”

Learning to read at 3 and solving math problems at 4, E’leese credits her support system for her success.  Her older brother, who graduated high school at 16, inspired her to excel. 

“She told him that she was going to outdo him,” their father Fred Shelton said. “So she stuck to her word.

For her pediatrician dream, E’leese will attend Tallahassee Community College before moving to Florida State University. Interestingly, she wants to join medical school at 16 or 17.

First Time Home Buyers

A pathway to Homeownership.  The Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP is hosting a series of seminars to help first time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership. My guest is Dr. Carolyn Coleman – 2nd Vice President of the Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP

Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP is hosting a First Time Home Buyer Seminar June 8th from 10am to 2pm at the Gaithersburg Maryland Presbyterian Church.  RSVP at www.eventbrite.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Beyoncé Wasn’t Always The Queen Bey…Bullied As Kid, Mom Says

Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange, shared a heartwarming story with Vogue about Beyoncé standing up to bullies to defend a friend during childhood. 

Sharing a portion of the interview on Instagram Ms.Knowles emphasized celebrating her three girls, “Each child is different! But all so special. I believe kids are born with their personalities. My three girls All handled things very differently. Learn their personalities and respect the individuality. Never compare the negatives, always praise the positive differences, and pay attention to the things that you can brag on about them. They love it and it encourages positive behavior.”

Getting emotional, she confirms that Beyoncé was shy, but the day she stood for a friend, became the day the artist would stand up for herself.

In a 2003 interview with Oprah, Beyoncé said other kids mocked her about how huge her ears were. She chuckled, so it seemed she’d accepted it.

Ms.Knowles also praised Solange for her activism at a young age, getting petitions signed to make changes at her school. She also praised Kelly Rowland for her peacemaking qualities. 

Keeping Our Youth Safe For The Summer

My guest this morning uses the art of roller skating to help keep youth in DC and Prince George’s County engaged and safe.  Her program is called Opportunities for Deserving Children, Inc. and they are gearing up for their Rolling Away from Violence summer initiative. My guests are Tiara Bratton – Founder and Bianca Hodge – Program Director of Opportunities for Deserving Children

  Rolling Away from Violence provides weekly activities for youth along with free meals and resources to keep kids in DC and Prince George’s County engaged and safe during the summer season.  The program runs from June 6th thru August 15th. For more information go here: www.deservingchildren.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Nicki Minaj Put Under Arrest On LIVE In Amsterdam

Nicki Minaj took to her Instagram Live on Saturday (May 25) to detail Amsterdam police arresting her for carrying marijuana. 

Nicki says pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes were found in bags that she says were illegally taken. Nicki says the security admitted the pre-rolls were someone else’s, but they wanted her to get into a van to go to the police precinct to “give a statement without a lawyer present.” 

After going back and forth with the Amsterdam police, Nicki is seen reluctantly getting into the police van and it’s presumed she was transported to the station.  In the video, the police state that they will help Nicki get to her next show, signaling that she will be booked and released quickly.

Fans poor out with their support on social. One fan posted, “When your celebrity status can’t trump your color.”

Another fan in shock, “The craziest news to wake up to. Amsterdam, get it together & fast! This arrest was so uncalled for. #FreeNicki

Apparently, Barbz took to the street in Amsterdam to scream their outpour at the Stadium at Nicki Minaj’s sold-out tour chanting FREE NICKI.

It’s been reported that the Pink Friday rapper has been released but was fined.

Russell Simmons Calls Out Blog CEO To Address Rumors About Living In Bali

The Def Jam Founder was remaining in Bali to “amid legal woes”

Russell Simmons is clearing things up about his living situation. It was recently reported that Simmons plans to stay in Bali indefinitely as he fights a lawsuit from a woman accusing him of sexual assault. 

“I am not physically present in New York and I do not have an intention to live in New York in the future,” Simmons initially explained. “I own no property in the United States. I have been living in #Bali since 2018, which is where I intend to remain.”

Jumping on Instagram to address the CEO of a blog and the headlines indicating that The Def Jam Founder was remaining in Bali to “amid legal woes”, he stated, “Knock it off w/ the headlines. I’m in America all the time. For the last 7 years, I have hosted parties for openings, including the office for Hip Hop 50. I have an office on Wilshire Blvd (which I hosted a party for its launch). I stay at the 4 Seasons Hotel on Doheny. No one is or has ever been hiding.”

Calling out the CEO of the blog, he added, “Chuck you have seen me tons of times in America ni**a.”

He later spoke with Chuck Creekmur, admitting “People saying that I somehow can’t come home when I’m there all the time wears on you.”

The mogul added, “It wears on me after a while to keep hearing the same narrative, which is false. I’m always in L.A., I’m always in New York, and Miami. And I’ve never had any reason to feel unsafe in America.”

Kelly Rowland Alleges Racial Profiling In Cannes Film Festival

Recently, Kelly Rowland confronted security at the Cannes Film Festival and explained what happened. The incident occurred on the red carpet at the premiere of the film “Marcello Mio.”

Kelly Rowland said, “The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. I have a boundary and I stand by those boundaries and that is it.”

Rowland explains she was singled out by the guard and stood her ground, pointing out that other attendees who didn’t look like her were not treated the same way. She continued, “And there were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me and they didn’t get scolded or pushed off or told to get off.”

The singer’s actions were in response to what she perceived as aggressive behavior from the security staff, and she emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for herself. She added, “And I stood my ground and she felt like she had to stand hers, but I stood my ground. And that was it.”

Expert lip-readers have confirmed the conversation between Rowland and the security guard as it was clear to the internet that she said “Don’t talk to me like that” after security stepped on her dress. Rowland forgave but the guard said something that triggered the actress and she further explained at the top of the steps before entering, “You still don’t talk to me like that.”