It’s Wellness Wednesday and it’s all about moving to greater health and wellness. The 6th Annual Sisters4Fitness 5K Run/Walk is coming up this weekend. My guest is Kendall Bryant – Communications Director for Sisters4Fitness, Inc.
Sisters4Fitness, Inc 5k Run/Walk is Saturday, April 27th from 8am to 11am at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, Maryland. For more information go here: www.sisters4fitness.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Two people were sent to the hospital, and several crew members were injured on the set of an upcoming Eddie Murphy film.
While filming his upcoming film The Pickup, a car collided with a truck while filming in Georgia. It was a freak accident, said a spokesperson who spoke anonymously.
It wasn’t even a complicated or dangerous stunt. In a statement, a spokesperson said the scene that led to the accident had been rehearsed, and safety precautions were in place and rehearsed.
Injuries were bumps, bruises, and broken bones. The Pickup has been filming since February 20 and stars Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, and Marshawn Lynch. A release date hasn’t been revealed.
Advocates and public officials share their expertise in trying to raise financial literacy in the Black community.
Resources:
Rebuild Your Credit Program Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEX8PlDv6nfjI-VUHLevwCBMedvQ19lfF8ofyQNceZh2cnqQ/viewform
A timely event coming up this weekend to help youth deal with conflicts peacefully. It’s a stop the violence seminar and it gets underway Saturday in Prince George’s County. My guest is Captain Gedaliah Israel – Community and Youth Activist
Stop the Violence Youth Conflict Resolution Seminar is April 27th from 2pm to 3pm at Athletic Republic Capital Region in District Heights. For more information go here: www.israelunite.org
We discuss politics, race and where American goes from here with critically-acclaimed author Bakari Sellers. His latest book is titled “The Moment: Thoughts On The Race Reckoning That Wasn’t And How We Can All Move Forward”.
The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service proudly present the Tenth Annual Anacostia River Festival, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from
1pm – 5pm EST. Step into a FREE family-friendly event where history meets the future through an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and connection.
Learn more here>>> https://buildingbridgesdc.org/arf/
Plan Your Visit
bridgepark.org/getting-there/
It’s time to lace up your sneakers this morning and run for the community. Bright Beginnings is hosting its annual 5k Fun Run Walk and Stroller Brigade this weekend. My guest is Erin Fisher – CEO of Bright Beginnings
Bright Beginnings 5k Fun Run Walk Stroller Brigade is April 27th at Anacostia Park in SE. For more information go here: www.bbidc.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Tips to help you get your lawn and garden in tip top shape this season.
Guests:
Kat Raube, Gardening expert, Ace Hardware (photo unavailable)
Rick Montgomery, Filmmaker/Landscaping enthusiast (photo unavailable)
According to Montgomery County Police Department, an 18-year-old high school student has been charged in connection with plans to commit a school shooting.
It was reported that Andrea Ye (Alex Ye), of Rockville, was arrested on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, following an investigation by MCPD and the FBI Baltimore Field Office, once it was discovered that Ye created a 129-page “manifesto”.
The document revealed Ye’s plan to commit the school shooting and the idea to target an elementary school first. He admits to wanting to do this horrific act for the desire to be famous.
Chief Marcus Jones acknowledged in a press conference Friday that Montgomery County Schools received 140 threats, this year already. The district plans to increase security at schools, with a focus on Wootton High School.
The search warrant by MCPD discovered problematic drawings, internet searches, and documents related to threats of mass violence.
This is not the first time Ye has threatned the idea of a ‘school shooting’ his arrest warrant reveals he was hospitalized in 2022 and 2023 for “homicidal ideations.”
Currently, Ye is in custody at Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where his was charged with threats of mass violence and waiting for a bond hearing.
(New York, NY) — A man has set himself on fire outside the Donald Trump hush-money trial. Police rushed to the scene with blankets and fire extinguishers. It’s unclear if the person survived. It happened in the designated “protest area” and the person remains motionless. Former President Trump was inside the courtroom when it happened.
This happened just minutes after the judge in the trial announced that all 12 jurors and a panel of six alternatives wrapped up. The panel will decide the fate of the first ex-president in American history to stand trial on criminal charges.
Recently, Giancarlo Esposito shared that before he got the role in Breaking Bad, he was very broke.
Giancarlo said, “My way out in my brain was: ‘Hey, do you get life insurance if someone commits suicide? Do they get the bread?’ My wife had no idea why I was asking this stuff. I started scheming.”
He continued, “If I got somebody to knock me off, death by misadventure, [my kids] would get the insurance. I had four kids. I wanted them to have a life. It was a hard moment in time. I literally thought of self-annihilation so they could survive. That’s how low I was.”
He added, “That was the first inkling that there was a way out, but I wouldn’t be here to be available to my kids. Then I started to think that’s not viable because the pain I would cause them would be lifelong, and there’d be lifelong trauma that would just extend the generational trauma I’m trying to move away from. The light at the end of the tunnel was Breaking Bad.”
Great news this morning for those who are looking for new job opportunities. The Hope Project is providing free training in IT and CDL. My guest is Raymond Bell – Founder and CEO of the HOPE Project
Hope Project is providing free training in CDL class A & B. Slots are filling up fast. Sign up today. For more information go here: www.hopeprojectacademy.com
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Recently, Young Jeezy claimed that he only asked for primary custody of his daughter with Jeanie Mae because she was preventing him from seeing his child.
Jeezy asserts that his separation from his wife is preventing him from having access to their daughter, who is two years old.
Currently, Jeezy is requesting a hearing in order to discuss a temporary parenting schedule that would ensure that the parents will have equal time to spend with their children.
Jeezy claims that he and Jeannie had a child custody agreement that was informal and was worked out the previous year, but it fell apart at the beginning of this year.
He believes that he has not spent much time in Monaco this entire year.
Recently, Taraji P. Henson was listed by TIME 100 as one of the most influential people, and Mary J. Blige definitely agrees.
Mary said, “What I love most about her is that she is unapologetically herself. Taraji is a real woman — she doesn’t bite her tongue, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She’s always true and authentic.”
She continued, “Watching her commit 1 million percent to whatever character she’s portraying is amazing. Her courage really sets her apart, in Hollywood and in real life.”
She added, “She was an actor I loved to watch, and I always felt like I could relate to her because she perfectly embodied who we are as women.”
It’s a Wellness Wednesday and this morning we are celebrating the strength and resilience of those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. A walk is coming up to raise awareness, educate, provide hope and solutions to those fighting the good fight to stay sober. My guest is Rhonda Johnson – DC Walk 4 Recovery
The DC Walk 4 Recovery is Saturday, April 27th from 9am to 5pm on the National Mall at 13th Street and Madison Avenue, NW. The day will include, music, vendors, spoken word, kite flying and the walk. For more information go here: www.dcwalk4recovery2024.online
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Ashanti has confirmed that she is pregnant, revealing that her and Nelly are expecting their first child together. The couple, who have been dating on and off for ten years, shared the news on social media.
In a video skit, it shows her prepping to get ready for a concert. She asked how long she would take, she replied, “Uh, I’m gonna need about nine months.”
She also shared in an Essence interview that she is engaged. She said, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancee, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
The couple’s relationship has been a topic of speculation for years, we are happy to report it’s truly a blessing and wish their family a healthy pregnancy.
Providing some down time for those who help us. This morning we are spotlighting an event that’s celebrating community health workers and leaders. My guest is Dr. Bettye Muwwakkil – Founder and CEO of Access to Wholistic and Productive Living, Inc.
Access to Wholistic and Productive Living, Inc. is hosting a Self-Care High Tea Celebration for Community Health Providers Sunday, April 21st from 4pm to 7pm at Bishop’s Chapel in Upper Marlboro. For more information go here: www.awpli.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
What can be done to improve the health of Black expectant mothers? This is Black Maternal Health Week. It’s a time to focus on improving the health of expectant mothers and reducing pregnancy-related deaths for Black women.
(Washington, DC) — Mayor Muriel Bowser reportedly traveled to Augusta, Georgia over the weekend to promote sports and economic development in DC. The mayor’s public schedule shows the Saturday trip and her staff acknowledged yesterday that she attended the Masters golf tournament while there. The invitation to the Masters reportedly came from the chairs of a task force working to revitalize the Gallery Place and Chinatown area. A spokesperson tells DC News Now, the airline flights to and from Augusta were paid for using city funds, though the cost of the flights was not released. The spokesperson also reportedly said the mayor is willing to travel wherever necessary to advance her administrative interests.
(Baltimore, MD) — A new poll shows Congressman David Trone’s lead is widening in the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Ben Cardin. The Baltimore Sun/Fox 45/University of Baltimore survey taken last week puts Trone ahead of PG County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the Democratic primary by 19 points. Pundits believe Trone’s year-long TV ad campaign has helped his standing big time. However, the poll also found Trone losing to former Governor Larry Hogan in a potential November match-up by 13 points.
100 Black Men of Prince George’s County is gearing up for
a big scholarship and fundraiser event this weekend. It’s all about
celebrating our young leaders of tomorrow. My guest this morning is Walter Kirkland – Founding President – 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County
The 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County Presents
Guiding Stars Day-La, A Daytime Gala Celebrating Leaders of Tomorrow
Saturday, April 20 th at 10am at the Hotel at the University of Maryland
in College Park. For more information go here: www.100princegeorges.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
| Baltimore, Maryland (Tuesday, April 16, 2024) – Last week Governor Wes Moore signed the PORT Act into law, creating programs to assist businesses and workers in economic recovery following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Important details about these programs, including dates and eligibility are now available. See information on programs below, which are administered through three state agencies. Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program Administered through the Department of Commerce Provides grants up to $100,000 to eligible businesses which have had operations impacted or shipments disrupted at the Port of Baltimore. To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate economic and financial injury through a reduction in business revenue and activity, and/or increased costs to business operations. Applications Open April 22 See Program Criteria Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loans and Grants Administered through the Department of Housing and Community Development Loan and grants are available to businesses that have been impacted by a loss of revenue or increased costs. The Small Business Grants Program will offer grants up to $50,000 to small/main street level businesses within a five mile radius of the Key Bridge and the Business Loan Program will offer loans up to $500,000 to businesses impacted by the Key Bridge collapse or reduction in Port activity statewide. Applications Open April 22 See Program Criteria Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program Administered through the Department of Labor Entities eligible for up to $200,000 in grant funding include businesses which employ up to 500 workers, unions, trade associations, and organizations that have seen operations hindered by or completely halted due to the Port slowdown. Up to $7,500 can be spent per worker on wages or other support. Applications Open Now See Details and Apply For more information on the Worker Retention Program, attend the webinar today, April 16, at 3PM. Webinar Details For more resources, visit maryland.gov/bridge. |
Washington, D.C. (Monday, April 15, 2024) – It’s no secret that keeping kids engaged and active is a key ingredient to keeping them safe and out of trouble. D.C. officials have come up with a slew of activities for youngsters this week designed to be fun, empowering, and free. Check out a few we are highlighting here. You can also visit the DC Parks and Recreation Department www.dpr.dc.gov.
We are hosting an all ages Kickball Tournament from 12-4 PM this Monday, April 15th. Kick off Earth Week with some friendly competition with friends and family. It’s a great opportunity to bond with neighbors and enjoy some outdoor fun. Teams of 10-12 are welcome along with solo players looking to pair with others. All are welcome!
Tuesday, April 16th – Community & River Clean Up (link):
Join us at Diamond Teague Park on Tuesday, April 16th from 10 – 12 PM for a day of giving back to refresh and beautify our riverfront at 100 Potomac Ave SE. This volunteer event is an all ages event that is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to engage in team-building and for teens to contribute to their community service hours during DCPS spring break.
Wednesday, April 17th – Gel Blaster Battle (link):
Get ready for an action-packed afternoon filled with strategy and nonstop fun for our Gel Blaster Battle on Wednesday, April 17th at King Greenleaf Recreation Center 201 N Street SW! This event is perfect for kids aged 6-12, this event is not just about the competition; it’s a celebration of teamwork, precision, and the. joy of play
Thursday, April 18th – Garden Cleanup (link):
Join DOEE and DPR’s EnviroGo Division on Thursday April 18th from 1 – 4 PM for the Earth Week Garden Party, a vibrant day of community action, music, and fun. This all-ages, community-driven garden restoration event is designed to breathe new life into the green spaces around Buzzard Point. This day is brought to you in collaboration with GOODProjects, Dreaming Out Loud, and Nyame Kua Farm Collective uniting hands and hearts to prepare our gardens for the spring season.
Friday, April 19th – Volunteer at DC Central Kitchen (link):
Step into the heart of community change with a day of volunteering at DC Central Kitchen. Join us at DC Central Kitchen, 2121 First Street SW Washington, DC 20024 from 2-4 PM on Friday, April 19th for an impactful session of meal preparation, where your efforts will directly contribute to the fight against hunger in our community. This is a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with DC Central Kitchen’s dedicated staff and the inspiring students of their Culinary Job Training program.
Saturday, April 20th – Southwest Garden Fest (link):
Join us at King Greenleaf Field on Saturday, April 20th at noon for the Southwest Garden Fest, a vibrant celebration of community, sustainability, and family fun. Presented in collaboration with GOODProjects, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser, this event is a city-wide call to families eager to enjoy a day filled with entertainment, education, and environmental stewardship.
This is April the 15th, tax deadline day. As always, there are those of you who have waited until the last day, the last minute to file your taxes. We’ll tell you what you need to know as you finish up the process or decide to file an extension.
Washington, D.C. (Monday, April 15, 2024) – D.C. police say a 15-year-old girl was fatally shot overnight in the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. Initial reports indicate the girl was not the intended target. Police are looking for a silver SUV with a black top last seen on Stanton Road fleeing the area.
Police say Niomi Russell was shot Sunday night while standing with a group of friends outside an apartment building. She is the 4th juvenile killed in DC this year. Her mother, Precious Fernandez, told the Washington Post, she moved her family from SE last Thursday to NW to escape the violence in the SE community. Niomi was back in the area to visit with her friends from the old neighborhood when she was killed.
Residents in the area tell WHUR they are fed up with the violence and they want police and the Skyline apartment management to do more to safeguard their community.
(Washington, DC) — Tax day is here and the IRS says anyone having last-minute issues filing their return can get in-person tax help. Taxpayer Assistance Centers are available across the country with extended office hours through April 16th. The IRS is asking taxpayers to call ahead to schedule an appointment. You’ll have to bring photo I-D, tax documents and a taxpayer identification number, which can be a Social Security number.
Former President Trump is in a New York City courtroom for jury selection in his hush money criminal trial. When he arrived, Trump said the trial is a persecution and an assault on America. Trump is accused of falsifying business records in order to cover payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.
Serena Williams has her eyes on the WNBA.
The retired tennis star told CNN she would be “super interested” in owning a WNBA franchise.
Serena says the investment would be “no risk”, pointing out that ” more people watched the college women’s basketball than the men.”
In her experience she states women’s sport is “an overly safe bet to me when it comes to investing.”
Williams embracing entrepreneurship has already invested in her 6-year-old’s name. Husband Alexis Ohanian posted to Twitter (X) “Olympia is now the youngest two-team owner in professional sports, and that their then-unborn daughter Adira was also a part owner of LAGC.”
Serena Williams pointed out how she was raised, saying, “My dad made us open our own bank accounts and I’m talking like we were super young. Obviously, he and my mom had to co-sign, but we had $100,” she recalled. “We were literally five or less, and we understood the importance of ownership.”
Rick Ross has accused Drake of undergoing plastic surgery on his nose and challenged him to respond in a diss track.
The former friends turned foes have exchanged personal insults and diss tracks in their ongoing feud. Ross posted photos on Instagram claiming Drake’s nose had shrunk and dared him to reply.
Drake jokingly responded to the accusations by sharing a text conversation with his mom where he claims Ross is on weight loss drugs, while Ross continued to taunt him for allegedly getting plastic surgery. The hip-hop feud is heating up with Rick Ross entering the battle.
This all comes after back and forth of Kendrick Lamarr responding to Drake and J.Cole. Then Cole disses Lamarr, and apologizes.
Recently, Jadakiss weighed in on J. Cole’s apology to Kendrick Lamar and wants to ask him what happened to make him want to issue an apology.
Jadakiss said, “When I woke up, and seen Cole’s response at Dreamville, I was kinda distraught. I was confused because he’s one of the nicest right now. He always stands on that. He always says what he’ll do, everybody wanted it.”
He continued, “I don’t know what happened with his spirits or what happened. But, I think Drake is going to come back and say something.”
He added, “We need this [rap beefs].”
Spring is well-sprung and the weather has changed. That means it’s time to transition your closet from cold weather to warm weather wear. Where do you start? What’s in for Spring as you adjust your closet?
While many are reacting to the news of O.J. Simpson’s death, Caitlyn Jenner used two words in a social media post: “Good riddance.”
This isn’t the first time Jenner has chimed in on Simpson. Jenner — who was married to Kris Jenner, the ex-wife of Simpson’s attorney Robert Kardashian — previously told contestants of Australia’s “Big Brother VIP” that Simpson had “obviously” murdered Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.
“Obviously, he did it and he got away with it, and at one point he even told Nicole, ‘I’ll kill you and get away with it because I’m O.J. Simpson,'” Jenner said to the contestants on the show.
“It was an extraordinarily difficult time. Nicole was Kris’ best friend, had been for a long time. I was at Nicole’s house two days before the murder.”
After Caitlyn Jenner celebrated the news of OJ Simpson’s death, she was met with a lot of backlash for her post, which triggered her to respond in defense.
Jenner said after people online brought up her deadly car accident, “I know you all think it’s cute to compare a fatal car accident (with multiple vehicles involved) to a BRUTAL MURDER.”
Many people online continued their verbal attacks on Jenner, with one person adding, “YOU still were the CAUSE of the accident and YOU were the CAUSE of someone’s DEATH AND paid your way out of it. No THAT isn’t cute at all. Hypocrite. Never did like you as Caitlyn.”
Simpson’s death was announced on Thursday, citing a battle with cancer.
There were more than a half dozen, high-profile attornies for the O.J. Simpson double murder trial in 1995. Only one of them was a Black woman. In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Shawn Holley to discuss O.J. Simpson and the legacy of “The Trial of the Century”.
Japan is gifting 250 new cherry trees to Washington, D.C. The cherry blossom tree symbolizes the beginning of Spring.
The trees will replace hundreds of other cherry trees currently being removed due to construction on the seawall around the capital’s Tidal Basin. The cherry tree gift was announced by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a White House visit on Wednesday (April 10).
President Joe Biden noted the trees also serve as an early gift marking the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
(Thursday, April 11, 2024) – The family of O.J. Simpson announced on X (formerly Twitter) this morning the controversial NFL great died Wednesday in Las Vegas at the age of 76 after a bout with cancer.
“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” the family statement read. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
Simpson earned fame and fortune on and off the football field. He was a decorated football superstar and Hollywood actor. But his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 slayings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles.
His arrest was captured on live television after a slow police chase. He was later charged and acquitted of those killings. The 1995 trial, often called the “trial of the century,” captivated the nation and sparked debates on race, gender, domestic abuse, and police misconduct. Simpson’s legal troubles did not end with that acquittal. A separate civil trial found Simpson liable for the deaths in 1997 and he was ordered to pay the family of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman $33.5 million.
A decade later Simpson found himself in more legal drama. At the age of 61, he was convicted and served nine years in prison for armed robbery and other felonies. He was released on parole in 2017.
The cast of A Different World is on an HBCU tour. Howard University was their second stop, the tour is raising funds for potential students to attend a Historically Black College & University.
They came on campus to share memories and the impact on HBCUs. WHUR’s digital reporter Candice Adkins Wilson spoke with the cast at the start of the popular TV series and captured the reaction from the students of Howard University.
Is it possible to reduce the likelihood of sex abuse, sex assault and sex harassment in our communities? What are the steps beyond awareness that can achieve those goals? This is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Those are just a few of the questions we’ll explore tonight.
Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, April 9, 2024) – Details are still very sketchy. But D.C. Fire and EMS says an adult male was fatally struck by a Metro train around 11:45 p.m. at the Stadium-Armory station in SE.
It is not clear how or why the man got onto the tracks. The incident forced delays overnight on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. Buses were brought in to shuttle impacted passengers. The area was back to normal by 1 a.m.
The man’s identity has not yet been released. The fatality is under investigation.
This morning a chance for you to enjoy a fun free day at the National Building Museum. There is a big day-long festival coming up and it’s a chance for you and the kids to discover the world of design and building thru drawing. My guest is Sheridan Small – Senior Manager of Youth and Community Programs for the National Building Museum
National Building Museum is hosting it’s Big Draw Festival Saturday, April 20th from 10am to 4pm. For more information go here: www.nbm.ticketapp.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Be a life-saver. The next HBCU Blood Drive is April 15th at the Howard University Blackburn Center. 1-800-RED-Cross.
Get into a healthy state of mind. The Black Health Matters Summit and Expo is April 14th at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University www.bhmspring2024summitandexpo.vfairs.com
DC residents 55 and older may qualify for free, nutritious groceries each month. Check your eligibility with the Capital Area Food Bank. www.CapitalAreaFoodBank.org
Time to lace up your shoes. The 6th Annual Sisters4Fitness 5k Run Walk is April 27th at Allen Pond Park. www.eventbrite.com
Commemorate the rich Black history of DC. Porchfest DC is hosting Chocolate CON April 21st, a day of entertainment, education, engagement, and reflection. www.porchfestdc.com
Enjoy a day especially for community health providers. Join Access for a High Tea Celebration and self-care event April 21st at Bishop Chapel in Upper Marlboro. www.awpli.org
Fauquier Juneteenth is now accepting vendors and sponsors for the upcoming festival in Warrenton. www.fauquierjuneeteenth.com
Celebrate Earth Day by planting trees. Join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority April 21st at Jacobsville Park in Pasadena. www.akaomicrongammaomega.org
What are the critical health issues facing communities of color in 2024? How have they evolved over a generation? This is National Public Health Week. On this Medical Monday, we have a plethora of issues to discuss.
We wrapped up another Disney Dreamers Academy program for the class of 2024. One hundred students from across the country had the unique opportunity to be mentored by entrepreneurs, film and TV celebrities and leaders of industry. This is an experience that they will remember for a lifetime. We look forward to watching these dreamer grow and change the world. It’s all about “Changing Lives and Making Dreams Come True”. Congratulations to the Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2024.
Orlando, Florida (Monday, April 8, 2024) – How do you improve on a week filled with magical moments, eye popping thrills, and wisdom inspired by some of the most brilliant minds in the world? 100 high school youth from around the country say they are ready to build on their 4-day experience at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy and take their new found knowledge and experiences back to their respective communities.
The 100 students, including six from the DC area, took part in the 17th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida from April 3rd – April 7th. They were selected from thousands who wrote in about their personal stories and dreams for the future. While the trip was filled with all the fun and excitement Disney has to offer, it was also packed with serious moments of reflections, character building, and hopes of crafting a brighter tomorrow.
The students, ages 13 to 19, heard from celebrities like “Shark Tank” Investor and Businessman Daymond John who shared his story of being dyslectic and the challenges he faced trying to start a business from the ground up. Rising television star Dara Renee revealed her struggles with “imposter syndrome,” often feeling inadequate and not enough while in front and behind the camera. The candid testimonies from John and Renee were part of the fuel to help inspire the youth who came with open minds to absorb the myriad of information stuffed in 4 days of workshops, seminars, roundtable discussions, parades, and one-on-one sessions.
WHUR’s very own Bobby Gailes, host of “Taking It to the Streets” and producer of the “Steve Harvey Morning Show” spotlighted many of the Dreamers as they experienced countless impactful moments, especially those from the DMV asking how they plan to pay their experiences of a lifetime forward.
Renee, best known for playing Kourtney in the Disney+ original series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” is the Disney Dreamer’s Academy “DREAMbassador. In that role, she serves as mentor and advocate for the students.
The students have aspirations of becoming doctors, lawyers, scientists, social justice activists, business owners, President of the United States, educators, and so much more. Other notable speakers at the Dreamers Academy included Dr. Johnette Cole, an anthropologist, educator, author, museum director and the first Black female president of Spelman College. Dr. Cole told the students she was inspired by their stories and visions. The 87-year-old also encouraged them to “dream bigger than your dreams.”
This year marks the 17th year the Disney Dreamers Academy has been mentoring students and preparing them for life after High School. One Hundred students had the opportunity to get face time with professionals in their field of choice and create relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Some of the stars who came to give their time and support were Sanya Richards-Ross (Former Olympian and Reality TV Star) and Daymond John (Shark Tank) to name a few.
Walt Disney World (Saturday, April 6, 2024) – Businessman, investor, and television personality Daymond John shared his philosophy of how to turn a chance encounter into an opportunity of success. The Founder and CEO of FUBU was one of more than a dozen speakers this week at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy where 100 high school students from across the country, including the DMV, were energized by mentors who blazed their own trails to success.
It’s no secret that many of those who have climbed the ladder of success did so because someone took a chance on them. They may have made 1,000 phone calls and gotten thousands of “not at this time.” But what happens when you have that once in a lifetime chance. How do you maximize it beyond that moment in time? John says it’s always about being intentional in your approach and making sure you are offering value even to a billionaire.
The Shark Tank Reality TV Star describes one of the best pitches he ever got and how that person was able to seal a deal with him.
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered about 50 miles from New York City is being reported. The tremor was felt throughout the Northeast, including New York City. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake happened near Lebanon, New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. local time.
A ground stop is an effect at New York City area airports following this morning’s earthquake. The FAA has issued the ground stop for John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International airports until 12:30 p.m. local time. Ground crews are inspecting runways for any damage. Travelers at the airports are seeing delays of about a half hour. A ground stop was also issued for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
We are down in Orlando Florida for the Disney Dreamers Academy for the Class of 2024, changing lives and making dreams come true. It’s the 17th year we’ve been mentoring and forstering the dreams of hundreds of High School students from across the country. My guest this morning is a former Disney Dreamer from the class of 2011 Princeton Parker. He talks about the impact the academy had on his life and it’s because of this program, he is where he is today.
Also, WHUR is giving you a chance to win a Walt Disney Dream vacation to experience the world where dreams come true, just like the Disney Dreamers do. Enter to win today at www.whur.com
Listen and watch to this mornings segment here:
Educational. Inspirational. Motivational. Sensational.
That’s just part of the magic of Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort. Now in its 17th year, this program was designed to foster the dreams of Black high school-age youth and teens from across the country.
And with WHUR 96.3, you could win a Walt Disney World vacation and immerse yourself in this world where dreams come true…just like the Disney Dreamers do.
It’s a world where the power of magic ignites the wonder that lets everyone be a kid. And a world where you can explore four amazing Theme Parks, incredible Water Parks, imaginative Resort hotels and beyond.
Enter for your chance to win a Disney vacation today.
And visit disneydreamersacademy.com to learn more.
Click HERE to meet the DMV Disney Dreamers Class Of 2024
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Our legal experts analyze some of the top news stories of the week.
Part 1
Part 2
It’s a Wellness Wednesday and this morning it’s all about skincare. I have details about a clinic in SE where you can get free medical advice from dermatologists along with free products including lotions, soaps, moisturizers and more for the entire family. It’s part of a partnership between GW and the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. My guest is Dr. Adam Friedman – Chair of Department of Dermatology of the George Washington University School of Medicine
Free Psoriasis Clinic Monday, April 15th from 2pm to 6pm at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church – 3000 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Free skincare screenings, medical advice, free products, and referrals. 202-741-3547. Or email cleowhit@gwmail.gwu.edu
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Educational. Motivational. Sensational.
That’s just part of the magic of Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort. For 17 years, this program has fostered the dreams of Black high school-age youth and teens from across the country.
Alyssa
I am 15 years old, currently residing in Afton, Virginia. I am a freshman at Western Albemarle High School. Going to school at Western helps me gain a passion for how the adolescent brain works. After finishing high school, I plan on attending a college that has psychology and childhood studies. I am passionate about writing, music, and jewelry making. My after college goal is to become a counselor and help kids in need. In my free time I love spending time with my foster family. For extra curriculars I play basketball, doing so helps me connect with peers.
Anah
I am 16yr old, currently living in Rockville, MD where I’m a junior at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD. I became an award winning filmmaker at the age of 12yrs old and the youngest to receive the inaugural Rising Star award at the Cannes Film Festival by the way of Diversity in Cannes. I’m truly passionate about filmmaking and my goal/dream is to be a filmmaker who creates projects that are relatable to the younger generation such as social and global problems. When I’m not creating films, I enjoy mentoring, volunteering, and theatre.
Athena
I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Flint Hill Upper School in Oakton, VA. At my school, I participate in a range of extracurriculars which include: Model UN, robotics, and musical theater. By participating in these clubs I learn how to express myself through public speaking and learning how to work with others and solve problems. My biggest dream is to be a robotics engineer because I wish to bring a positive impact to my community by helping those in need and building a sustainable future. To achieve my dream I am in the robotics class at my school that teaches students CAD and 3D printing. I hope to take the certification exam so I can apply to engineering internships that can show me the world of innovation. When I’m not at school or in the robotics lab, I can be found crocheting stuffed animals, reading, playing piano and writing short stories.
Ella
I am a sixteen-year-old junior at Prince Edward County High School in Farmville, Virginia. I love to spend my time reading and writing because it gives me the opportunity to see the world in so many different ways. My dream is to work in politics so that my voice will be heard, and so that I can make our country a better, safer place where everyone feels represented in the government. I hope to study political science at Barnard College.
Jameson Booth
My name is Jameson Booth, 18, and I live in Chesapeake, Virginia where I am a senior at Grassfield High School. I’ve been involved in Art Club and as an anchor with the school broadcast news show “G News”, and National Honor Society. Outside of school I am a dedicated volunteer at The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore. My passions include drawing and writing but they extend to animation, video games, and reading. I love all types of art. In the fall of 2024 I plan on attending college to major in African American Studies with a minor in Visual Arts (Painting and Drawing). Being selected for this experience is truly an honor.
Julia Andrews
I am currently a sophomore at St. John’s College High School in Washington DC. My favorite subjects are art, chemistry and math. I also really enjoy drawing and building my sketching skills. Outside of school, I volunteer at the nursery at my church, hang out with my family and friends, and enjoy traveling to new places. When I graduate from high school, I plan to go to college and become an architect. My dream is to build sustainable permanent and transitional housing for low income families using environmentally friendly materials. All families deserve a home that is beautiful and eco friendly.
