Reportedly, Scarface suffered a significant health scare, which landed him in the ICU over the weekend.
He posted a picture of himself in the hospital and said, “Ouch… [three prayer hands emojis] Grateful.” There isn’t much information reported on what caused Scarface’s health issues.
Still, many people are offering prayers for a speedy recovery including Chance The Rapper, Krayzie Bone, Ja Rule, Anthony Hamilton, Travis Scott, Mannie Fresh, Twista, as well as Cedric The Entertainer, Deon Cole, Joe Torry, Affion Crockett, Matt Barnes.
I have another opportunity for you to lace up your sneakers this weekend and get moving. The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity are hosting a 5K Race and Health Fair. My guest this morning is Philip DeBoe – Polemarch of the Fort Washington Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The Diggs Run: 5K Race & Health Fair is August 31st from 8am to 12pm at Fort Washington Park – Fort Washington, MD 20744. For more information go here: www.runsignup.com
Recently, Amber Rose shared her opinion of the DNC and proposed a new slogan for Kamala Harris’ campaign on instagram.
Rose said, “I was thinking Kamala should have a new slogan. It should be let’s manipulate Americans into thinking that everything is all good, everything is just funny and laughs and jokes, and cool a** music.”
She continued, “And you know while war veterans are broke, and there’s so many homeless people in America, people can’t afford groceries or rent or even go out with their friends anymore and have a good time. That should be her new slogan, I think she should put that on a hat!”
Oprah Winfrey says ‘there is no American dream’ without women’s rights.
The television icon made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention in her hometown of Chicago last night, where she urged Democrats and independent voters to “choose common sense over nonsense.”
She said, “Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy. Because that is the best of America.” Her comments came before Tim Walz’s speech to formally accept the party’s nomination for vice-president.
“The bottom line for me is that decency and respect are on the ballot. And that’s why I was willing to do it. And let me just tell you the big risk was when I don’t have anything to lose. Now, I don’t have a show … It’s not what, what is it gonna cost me other than knowing that I had to do whatever I could to speak,” she added.
The pair shared the news on Instagram today, revealing that Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, a baby boy, was born on July 18, 2024. Ashanti said on Instagram, “Funny how life’s plans aren’t always on time, LOL. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”
Singer, songwriter, and actress shows off her body adding, “This is what postpartum looks.” She continues, “I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby”
Ashanti first revealed her pregnancy news in April, but she and Nelly have kept their relationship and personal milestones, including their recent marriage, mostly private.
In sharing the great news, she mentions, “It was such an amazing, incredible feeling and experience…He came a little early, and dad had to fly in last minute — which was awesome.”
She continued, “And just having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time — I cried. It was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time, you know, kind of having a vision of this moment for a long time.”
She added, “But all of these emotions happening at one time, just knowing that this is your person, this is your purpose, this is what it’s supposed to be — the three of us together, when we were all able to hold each other, it was such an electrifying feeling, and it just validated all of that.”
Ashanti continued, “It changed me to the extent that I am no longer in charge. My son definitely dictates everything. Like, he is priority over all.”
Al Attles, who spent more than six decades serving as a player, coach, general manager and team ambassador for the Golden State Warriors, has died of undisclosed causes, his family has announced. He was 87 years old.
Attles was drafted by the Warriors back in 1960, when the team was still in Philadelphia. Nicknamed “The Destroyer,” he played for 11 seasons before the team retired his jersey and made him one of the first Black coaches in the NBA.
During his 13-year stint as head coach, he scored 557 victories – the most by a single coach in franchise history – and led the team to win the 1975 NBA championship. He stayed on with the team as its general manager for three years and then took roles as the Warriors’ vice president, consultant and team ambassador, the team reveals.
“Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian,” reads a statement issued by the Warriors. “We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”
It’s a Wellness Wednesday and I have great information on how you can help in the fight against childhood cancer.My guest is Jon Arons – Communications and Community Relations Manager for Giant
Join Giant in the fight against childhood cancer. Now thru October 10th, round up your change or purchase a coupon booklet for $5 at checkout featuring over a hundred dollars in savings. All donations will benefit John Hopkins Medicine and the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, marking the end of their decades-long romantic history as “Bennifer.”
The couple, who first began dating in the early 2000s, had rekindled their relationship in 2021 and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 2022. The filing for divorce was submitted on the second anniversary of their wedding celebration, with representatives for the couple yet to comment on the news.
The on-again, off-again relationship between Lopez and Affleck has been a subject of pop-culture fascination, with their romance captivating fans and media alike. Despite the breakup, their relationship has left a lasting impact on fans and celebrity gossip enthusiasts.
Food influencer Keith Lee, known for his honest reviews of mom-and-pop eateries, has announced plans for him and his family to visit the D.C. area to showcase local restaurants. “If you or anybody you know has a mom-and-pop shop or a family-owned spot that has great food and great customer service but can use some marketing, absolutely free to them, let me know.”
His impact, known as the “Keith Lee effect,” has transformed struggling eateries into popular destinations. Lee asked his 16.5 million TikTok followers to recommend diverse restaurants in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for his upcoming visit.
Followers are eager for Lee to try specific dishes like mumbo sauce, half-smokes, and crabs in Baltimore. To recommend a spot, followers can contact Lee through his business email, Instagram, or TikTok.
Martin Raxton, Chair, Krimson Political Action CouncilDr. Everett Ward, Chair, The Alpha PAC, Immediate Past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
District of Columbia Councilman Trayon White, Sr., center, walks out of the federal courthouse after his initial appearance, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Washington. White was arrested on a federal bribery charge by the FBI on Sunday.
(Washington, DC) — A Washington, D.C. councilmember is facing federal bribery charges. The Justice Department announced Monday that Trayon White Sr. is under arrest. The criminal complaint alleges White accepted 156-thousand dollars in cash payments in exchange for pressuring government employees to extend several contracts with a company. This isn’t the first time White has made national headlines. In a since-deleted video in 2018, White claimed the Jewish business family the Rothschilds controlled the weather.
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago on Monday, August 19 and runs through Thursday, August 22.
Viewers can stream the DNC at 7 PM ET every day of the convention via DemConvention.com. Other platforms streaming the DNC include YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch and Prime Video.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to speak on Thursday night, where she will formally accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to speak on Wednesday night, where he will formally accept the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nomination.
Apparently The Beyhive and Swifties are speculating about the pop star’s possible appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week.
While Taylor Swift endorsed Biden and Harris in 2020, she has not publicly supported the Democratic candidate this time around. The internet is abuzz with speculation about Swift or Beyoncé performing at the DNC and introducing Harris on stage.
Other people confirmed to speak at the DNC include President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former first lady Michelle Obama.
(Washington, DC) — The MPD is helping the DC Department of Corrections sort out what prompted a dust-up that led to a stabbing at the Central Detention Facility on D Street Southeast. Four people were sent to the hospital Sunday and several more were treated by EMTs at the scene after the melee. Several guards quickly responded and were able to break up the brawl before it escalated any further.
Calling all my bikers. Grab your helmet and ride out in support of a memorable HBCU event. It’s the Bowie State University 2024 Bike Tour. I have one of the organizers with me to share all the details. My guest is Daniel White – Bike Tour Committee Liaison Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of Bowie State University
The Bowie State University Bike Tour 2024 is Saturday, August 24th from 7am – 4:30pm. Bikers will meet at Vista Gardens Market Place at 10201 MLK Highway in Bowie or virtually at www.bikereg.com/bsu
Washington, D.C. (Sunday, August 18, 2024) – Legal trouble for DC Councilmember Trayon White. Reports indicate the Ward 8 lawmaker was arrested Sunday afternoon by federal authorities. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has confirmed the reports. But indicated he did not know why FBI agents took White into custody. No information on where White was arrested.
The FBI has not made any statements nor has anyone from White’s office. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
(Saturday, August 17, 2024) – As youth across the Washington, D.C. region prepare for school, the rush is on to get the essentials needed for classroom success. WHUR and WHUT TV joined with partners Saturday to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to help give parents and guardians a helping hand.
It’s no secret that just about everything is costing more this year. That’s why WHUR and WHUT TV teamed up with FedEx, Giant, and Prince George’s County Public Schools to participate in the Annual Back School Drive and Dash held Saturday at Flowers High School, Potomac High School, and Oxon Hill School.
Parents and guardians, many with their children in the vehicle, lined up early to make sure they would not miss out on the free backpacks and school supplies. Plus dozens of lucky motorists nabbed a $100 Giant Food gift card.
The community giving did not stop at the three schools. WHUR and WHUT TV and their partners also handed out school supplies and $100 Giant gift cards at the Annual Chuck Brown Day at Fort Dupont Park in SE and at The Yards for the Alma’s Way Explore Your City event.
(Washington, DC) — A northwest DC park that was built over two cemeteries will soon have signs honoring some of the people who were buried there. The city will hold a ceremony on September 7th to unveil the new signs at Walter Pierce Park. The two cemeteries closed in the 1890s and city officials once believed that all the graves had been moved decades ago. An effort by DC residents and Howard University anthropologists found the grave sites in 2005. The new signs will pay tribute to more than eight-thousand Quakers and African Americans who were buried in the cemeteries before they were closed.
(Los Angeles, CA) — The founder of Famous Amos Cookies has died. Wally Amos was 88. Amos successfully launched a cookie empire after opening his bakery on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard in 1975 when bite-sized cookies were still a novelty.
The chocolate chip cookies were developed from a family recipe and helped make him a pop culture icon. He appeared as himself on “The Jeffersons” and “Taxi” and later had a cameo in the sitcom “The Office.” Amos sold the cookie brand in 1988 to a private equity group. The cookies are still being made.
In a statement released by his children, they said he died Tuesday in Hawaii from complications of dementia.
School bells will be ringing in a matter of weeks and that means the rush is on to get youngsters the materials needed for a successful school year.
WHUR and our partners want to give parents and guardians a helping hand. We are crisscrossing the DMV on August 17th to distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies just in time for back-to-school.
Check out the list below for distribution times and locations.
High Point High School (9am to 12pm or while supplies last) 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville
Charles H. Flowers High School (9am to 12pmor while supplies last) 10001 Ardwick Ardmore Road, Springdale
Oxon Hill High School (9am to 12pm or while supplies last) 6701 Leyte Drive, Oxon Hill
Chuck Brown Day @ Fort Dupont Park (1 pm to 7 pm or while supplies last) Minnesota Avenue, SE
Alma’s Way Explore Your City @ The Yards Park (10am to 2pm or while supplies last) 355 Water Street, SE
Recently, Olympic breakdancer Dr. Rachael Gunn known as RayGun went viral for her awful breakdancing performance at the Olympics and has reacted to all the hate.
RayGun said, “What I wanted to do was come out here and do something new and different and creative — that’s my strength, my creativity.” She continued, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?”
Her unique style caused her to lose all three rounds 18-0, 18-0, 18-0 against the USA, France and Lithuania.
Many people made fun of her performance online, and many from the hip-hop community felt embarrassed by this performance.
(Washington, DC) — Although the DMV saw some rain last week from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, local leaders are reminding residents that they still need to conserve water. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments activated a regional drought watch for nearly six-million residents in the DC region at the end of July, but the agency says water tables are still way low. Officials say limiting car washing and lawn watering and taking quicker showers will help keep full-on water restrictions from being needed.
This photo provided by Fayette County, KY, Detention Center shows Sophia Rosing. Rosing pleaded guilty to physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs.(Fayette County Detention Center via AP)
(Lexington, KY) — A former student of the University of Kentucky is pleading guilty to a lesser charge in a November 2022 assault. Sophia Rosing pleaded guilty to reduced charges after a video was released showing the student physically and verbally assaulting Kylah Spring, an African American student employee while intoxicated, including the N-word more than 200 times. Rosing was permanently banned from campus as a result. Sentencing is scheduled in October with a recommendation from prosecutors of a year in prison.
U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles will not have her appeal heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee said it would take away her bronze medal because of a scoring error. Monday, USA Gymnastics said in a statement that it was notified that CAS rules don’t allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered. The ruling comes despite USA Gymnastics saying there’s video proof of an inquiry into Chiles’ floor exercise score before the deadline.
(Bowie, MD) — More than a dozen Big Lots stores in the DMV are closing as part of a belt-tightening move. The retailer says it needs to trim its underperforming stores to shore up its balance sheet. In the DC area, Big Lots locations in Bowie, Laurel and Lexington Park are on the chopping block in Maryland and stores in Manassas, Woodbridge and Fredericksburg are facing closure in Virginia. The company is still working out the final details.
Team USA delivered an impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, continuing its tradition of excellence across multiple disciplines. The United States secured a top position in the medal standings, showcasing a strong presence in both individual and team events.
Friday, American teenage sprinter Quincy Wilson made history as the youngest American male to compete in track at the Olympics, finishing in seventh place in the 4×400 relay.
Wilson, who broke the under-18 400-meter world record at the U.S. Olympic trials, ran his opening leg in 47.27 seconds. Despite not feeling his best, Wilson’s veteran teammates helped the team secure a spot in the final. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, the 200-meter champion, was a last-minute replacement and played a crucial role in the relay.
Sha’Carri Richardson delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 100 meters, capturing the gold medal with a time of 10.65 seconds. Her explosive start and powerful finish left her competitors behind, solidifying her as the fastest woman in the world at the 2024 Olympics.
Once again, the track and field team proved dominant, with standout performances in sprinting, hurdles, and relays. Thursday, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered one of the most iconic moments of the Paris Olympics, sporting a glittering tiara after winning gold in the 400-meter hurdles. But what, exactly, was the crown about?
Turns out, it was a gift from her sister-in-law, telling NBC “She told me months ago that she was going to bring it. After the race, she would give it to me, so I’m sporting this for her.” It was a crown-worthy performance for sure – McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t just win gold, she broke her own world record with a time of 50.37 seconds.
Despite facing tough competition and the challenges of an international stage, Team USA athletes showed resilience and sportsmanship.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded, Team USA sets its sights on future international competitions, aiming to build on the successes and lessons learned. The spirit of teamwork and dedication displayed by these athletes serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Team USA’s performance in Paris solidified its standing as a powerhouse in international sports, leaving a legacy of memorable moments and historic achievements.
Recently, André 3000 opened up about how he feels about Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rap battle and shared that the struggle made him sad.
Andre said, “I got a little sad, at a certain point. In early rap battles, you had kids in the park rapping against each other. But it’s not just people rapping now.” He continued, “You got people with 100 employees. You have livelihoods, empires, companies, deals — all of it can be jeopardized.”
He added, “If you don’t have anything to lose, sure, go for it. But if I already made it, I’m not sure it’s even worth it any more.” Andre continued on Kendrick’s shoutout, “As a 49-year-old rapper, you’re just happy to get a shoutout. But as a rapper, I’ve noticed myself walking around with this stick. So it was a line for me, too, and I was trying to find a way to use it. But Kendrick used it, so I had to say ‘Yeah, he got it.'”
(Palm Beach, FL) — At least one debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is set. ABC News announced Trump and Harris agreed to a debate on September 10th. During a Thursday press event, Trump said he agreed to two more debates on NBC and Fox News, but those networks have yet to confirm. The two tickets have been engaged in a back-and-forth over a debate agreement.
Due to the threat of inclement weather, Prince George’s County Public Schools has canceled all student/youth programs and activities in school buildings for Friday, August 9. All special education non-public trips are canceled. School buildings will remain open for staff.
(Thursday, August 8, 2024) – Tropical Storm Debby is expected to continue to inch up the East Coast and the DMV will likely feel some remnants of her wrath. Heavy rain and high winds are likely for the Washington region. A flood watch goes into effect at 8 p.m. Thursday. There is also a potential for a tornado. Flooding is a possibility along with power outages. Several jurisdictions are handing out free sandbags. Below are the locations and times.
Alexandria Location (August 8).
A truck sprays flood water on Spruill Ave in North Charleston, S.C., as Tropical Storm Debby approaches, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
133 South Quaker Lane 3 p.m. -7 p.m.
Prince George’s County Locations (August 8 – August 10 8 a.m. – 3 p.m). MUST SHOW VALID ID
Brandywine Facility -12911 Cherry Tree Crossing Road
Ammendal Facility -11900 Montgomery Road
D’Arcy Rod Maintenance Facility – 8401 D’Arcy Road
Annapolis Location (August 8 9 a.m. – 1 p.m).
City Dock Parking Lot
Nelma Taylor cleans up flood waters around her house in the historic district of French Quarter Creek as flood waters recede from Tropical Storm Debby, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Huger, S.C. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
Keke Palmer and her mother recently addressed their time on set with Dan Schneider and shared how they felt following Drake Bell’s sexual assault revelation.
Keke told her mom on her podcast, “I honestly do remember you having a lot to say about the Dan Schneider sets. I remember you feeling a way about Nickelodeon.”
Palmer’s mother said, “My honest opinion is I thought the whole atmosphere of the Dan Schneider set was very weird, very cultish. The parents were very secretive, and I honestly thought they all took themselves way too seriously.”
She added, “I always looked at you being at Nickelodeon as being a stopping station. You didn’t get your start on Nickelodeon or Disney. You were blessed and fortunate enough to work in adult situations and kid situations. My mentality about the entertainment business wasn’t that Disney Channel or Nickelodeon was the end all to be all, but a lot of the parents did.” She continued on Drake Bell: “When I saw the Drake story, it just broke my heart because I could see how his parents got trapped.”
WHUR 96.3 set up a vibrant and welcoming booth, attracting a steady stream of attendees eager to engage with our team.
Throughout the evening, our team conducted live broadcasts, sharing the energy and excitement of National Night Out with our listeners. Harold T. Fisher interviewed key figures, including local officials and community leaders, who shared their insights on the importance of community-police partnerships.
In collaboration with local law enforcement, we helped distribute safety information and resources to attendees. It was important to emphasize community vigilance and mutual support in maintaining a safe neighborhood.
National Night Out at Fairmount Heights North Park was a testament to the power of community collaboration and the positive impact of coming together for a common cause. WHUR 96.3 is proud to have been a part of this inspiring event, and we look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that promote safety, unity, and community well-being.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening a remarkable success.
(Tuesday, August 6, 2024) – After weeks of speculation, Vice President Kamala Harris has named Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her guy. Walz, viewed as a progressive democrat, will immediately hit the ground running with campaign stops in key battleground states beginning with Pennsylvania. A rally is set for 5pm today in Philadelphia.
Harris’ pick for her running mate came just hours after she officially became her party’s nominee for president after a five-day round of online balloting by Democratic National Convention delegates ended Monday night. The party said in a statement that 99% of delegates casting ballots had done so for Harris.
Harris, a graduate of Howard University, is the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket.
It’s National Night Out…. A time for communities and police to come together to help address crime and violence. Tonight, WHUR is joining forces with the community of Fairmount Heights for an evening of food… fun… and safety tips. My guest is Chief Stanford Moore – Fairmount Heights Police Chief
National Night Out Tuesday, August 6th from 5pm to 8pm at Fairmount Heights North Park – 5395 Sheriff Road -Fairmount Heights, Maryland
Simone Biles has officially reclaimed her throne, winning the women’s all-around gold medal on Thursday.
Martha Stewart, Seth Rogen, Kendall Jenner, Stephen Curry, Tony Hawk, Tony Parker, and Kevin Durant joined the roster of Hollywood and sports personalities who attended the artistic gymnastics championships in Bercy Arena.
Biles took the gold again after a battle with Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, becoming the first woman to win two Olympic all-around titles since Czechoslovakia’s Vera Caslavska in 1964 and 1968. Andrade took silver and Suni Lee took bronze.
Other stars that saw Biles and Lee make history: Quinta Brunson wrote on Instagram stories that “the [“Abbott Elementary”] writers room stops for Simone Biles.”
Samuel L. Jackson said about Biles, “Greatest I’ve ever seen!”
Beyoncé narrated an intro for Biles, who wore a necklace with a bejeweled goat pendant and her new gold medal to commemorate her legacy as the greatest gymnast.
Biles finished with a score of 59.131, ahead of Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade and her USA teammate and 2020 all-around winner Suni Lee. It completes a redemption story for Biles, who missed last year’s all-around competition after battling ‘the twisties’.
The 27-year-old Biles is the oldest woman in 72 years to win the all-around title.
National Black Business Month, celebrated every August, is a time to recognize and support black-owned businesses across the United States. This month highlights the contributions of black entrepreneurs to the economy and encourages consumers to support these businesses.
Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including limited access to capital, resources, and mentorship. National Black Business Month aims to raise awareness of these obstacles and promote policies and practices that support the growth and sustainability of black-owned businesses.
Founder, Jairus Morris, of SUPLMNT where hydration meets culture. Morris recognized hydration habits start in our youth. He created a giveback program where SUPLMNT gives bottles directly to our communities that can benefit from lifelong habits of hydration.
Nigel and Desirae, Co-Founders of Soundtrack The Game had no idea that 2 years Into their teaching careers they would become entrepreneurs. Soundtrack was created June 3rd after a conversation at the dinner table and instantly, they knew it would be a hit. The two Baltimore City educators have spent the past year chasing their dreams and encouraging their students to do the same. Their only question is, “What song y’all got?”
Jessica L. Brown is a nationally recognized financial aid expert. As Founder of College Gurl, President of The College Gurl Foundation, Author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke and the children’s book College Girl’s First College Tour, Jessica educates students and families on how to make the best-informed decisions around financing a college education. Named the Financial Aid Fairy Godmother, her mission is to ensure students have access to an affordable and quality education. Additionally, she mentors and exposes Washington Metropolitan area high school students to college through her nonprofit, The College Gurl Foundation. Jessica speaks all over the U.S. at a host of schools, universities, organizations, and news networks. Additionally, AT&T, Dark & Lovely, DC Government, Truist, The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation and many more have sponsored her efforts. She has recently been featured on Good Morning America, MSNBC, The Tamron Hall Show, BET News, FOX Business Network, Essence Magazine, and several other news outlets. Also, she is a graduate of Howard University, Strayer University, and is currently seeking her PhD in Higher Education Administration. Moreover, Jessica is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, 2024 U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Woman of Power, AT&T CAP member, and 2023 Regional Finalist for the White House Fellowship. Her philanthropic efforts have awarded her the 2024 WKYS 93.9 Woman of Excellence award, 2022 Loudmouth award from Al Sharpton, 2020 Mayor Bowser DC HOPE Award, 2020 HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30, 2020 WHUR 96.3 McDonalds DMV Black Excellence Award, 2019 Outstanding Community Service Award of Excellence from Odyssey International, 2018 Dreamer Award from Dream4It Foundation, and 2018 Power of She Award from Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, entrepreneurship and community is a part of Ramunda Lark Young’s DNA. Inspired by her family’s work ethic and the historic Black Wall Street in her hometown, Ramunda is a dedicated entrepreneur, passionate speaker, and committed community leader.
Ramunda is owner of MahoganyBooks, a nationally recognized and award-winning, independent bookstore co-founded with her husband Derrick. MahoganyBooks is the premier destination for books written for, by and about people of African descent with physical locations in the historic Anacostia community of D.C., and National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and most recently, a footprint at National Airport.
At the helm of strategic partnerships, Ramunda is instrumental in building the MahoganyBooks brand and building relationships with local and national authors, celebrity writers, and community leaders. Over the years, MahoganyBooks has featured President Barack Obama, U.S. Representative John Lewis, April Ryan, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Jason Reynolds, Misty Copeland, Gabrielle Union, and local author events, among others. Annually she organizes an annual “Books for the Block” summer reading campaign on behalf of MahoganyBooks. To date, more than 1000 books have been donated to youth.
Ramunda is a sought after speaker and panelist who focuses on the crucial importance of Black books and literacy in the community. Through the Ramunda Young Group, LLC, she teaches women to build successful business relationships that increase sales and self-confidence. Her popular masterclasses equip women to sit comfortably at any table.
Active in her community, Ramunda served as Vice Chair of the Prince William County Human Rights Commission and a gubernatorial appointee to the Council on Women in Virginia. Currently, she is a proud board member of the DC Public Library Foundation and serves as the organizer and Co-creator of the Black Book Coalition comprised of Black-owned bookstores across the nation.
Ramunda was named to The Root 100, a list of the most influential African Americans in the nation, awarded Commissioner of the Year by the Virginia Association of Human Rights, a Washington Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Honoree, and the Forbes Next 1000 list.
Ramunda is an alum of Langston University, Leadership Prince William and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
