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Tips To Fight Financial Stress

Have you seen the price of… everything lately? The cost of groceries is sky-high. The USDA says in 2023 the average bill increased by nearly six percent. This year, it’s up another nearly three percent and it’s only March. The cost of energy, your utility bill, increased about two percent last year according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Rents are on the increase. Mortgage rates are still about 7 ½ percent. Have you seen your cable bill lately? All of this, continuing to create financial anxiety for consumers. What can you do about it?

LaShawne Holland, Author/Wealth Coach

Medical Monday: How To Eat Nutritiously

When it comes to your diet, is it healthy? Is it nutritious? How do you know? This is National Nutrition Month. For this Medical Monday, we’re taking a closer look at what you’re eating and nutrition.

Dr. Katherine Manuel, Interim Chair, Department Of Nutritional Sciences, Howard University College Of Nursing And Allied Health Sciences
Professor Keilia Phillips, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department Of Nutritional Sciences, Howard University College Of Nursing And Allied Health Sciences

Howard University Headed to NCAA Tournament

Howard University Men's Basketball team

Washington, D. C. (Monday, March 18, 2024) – Howard University’s Men’s Basketball team has secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Bison will play before a national audience Tuesday as they take on Wagner College. Both teams are 16-seeds.

Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney says his team has battled adversity this year. But even with some setbacks they are playing their best basketball. “It’s about the work and it’s about the journey and that’s been where I’ve put all my energy and effort, and about our young guys.”

Howard clinched their seat in the NCAA after grabbing the MEAC Championship Saturday. The team beat Delaware State .

DC Police Search for Suspects In Mass Shooting

Washington, D. C. (Monday, March 18, 2024) – The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward to help find and convict those responsible for an early morning shooting Sunday in the city’s Shaw neighborhood. Police say when the gunfire ended 7 people were shot, two fatally.

The shooting happened around 3:00 a.m. at 7th and P Streets, NW, near the Kennedy Recreation Center. Police have identified the names of the two 32-year-old men killed. They are Anthony Brown of Southeast and Jack Lucks of Baltimore. Five other victims are said to be hospitalized. Their conditions were not immediately known.

The violence happened the same weekend that police rolled out their drug-free zones in the city. No word on the motive in Sunday’s shooting. D.C.’s homicide rate for the year now stands at 30. That’s down from the 47 murders this time last year.

Rapsody Credits Sanaa Lathan With ‘Guiding & Supporting’ Her On New Album

Recently, Rapsody shared how Sanaa Lathan was a huge motivating force in the creation of her new album.

Rapsody said, “Sanaa was one of my guides and supporters on that journey. She offered so much insight, support, and tools to usher me through; as well as inspiring me with her own vulnerability. I’m grateful to have a friend in her and why I wanted to have this conversation with her first. She’s one of the biggest reasons I was even able to finish the album.”

She continued, “On a personal level, the things that you poured into me at the time that I needed it? God aligned it for me. Cause I was going through such a transition and a healing phase and really getting to learn who I was again. And you gave me so much. So many words and tools to help me on a journey. And for the fans, like, the album does not come without you.”

Sanaa added, “Rapsody never ceases to amaze me with her poetic genius. So thrilled to see her put out her latest masterpiece with this new level of vulnerability and authenticity; all layered over infectious beats. Can’t wait for the world to experience this one.”

Usher, Fantasia Barrino, ‘Color Purple’ Honored At 55th NAACP Image Awards

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical “The Color Purple” received well-deserved recognition at the NAACP Image Awards, winning multiple awards including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Ensemble Cast, and Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album. 

Director Blitz Bazawule also won for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture). Newcomer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi won for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture. 

Colman Domingo and Taraji P. Henson won acting awards for their roles in the film, with Fantasia winning for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.  Despite high expectations, the film did not receive many nominations at other major awards shows, like the Academy Awards.

Other NAACP winners included Usher for the Entertainer of the Year and the President’s Awards. 

Black Marriage Week Preview

Is Black marriage still a thing? That depends on who you talk to, their station in life, education, even if they’ve been married before. Black Marriage Week is the last week of March and we’re breaking down the joys, pains and how to make it work.

Resources: Register here for the Black Marriage Week Seminar https://blackmarriageweek.com/

Dr. Kia James, Licenced Professional Counselor
Dr. Carol-Ann Troutman, Licenced Professional Counselor

Tracee Ellis Ross Discusses Rumors Of Girlfriends’ Reboot

Fans would love to see where Joan, Maya, Toni, and Lynn ended up.

Rumors started to circulate more and more of a possible Girlfriends reboot, which had many fans excited until now.

Tracee Ellis Ross has addressed the rumors and said, “The cast has always wanted to do it, but I’ll be honest with you, the ship has sailed.” She continued, “I don’t think it’s ever going to happen. I think it would be a miracle.”

She added, “We have a thread of me and the girls and we text all the time; we talk about it, but I think we’re all at different places in our lives and our careers now. I think there was a point 10 years ago and then when they [Girlfriends’ cast] came on Black-ish—we were all game, but we couldn’t get the powers that be to get on board.”

Ross continued, “The truth is, I think we have been broken-hearted in the past, but now we are past being broken-hearted. We’re so happy that the audience still loves the show, and still wants it, but I don’t think it’s ever going to happen.”

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Aviation and Airport Industry Leaders are coming together today to sign an important pledge designed to level the playing field for minorities when it comes to infrastructure contracting opportunities. My guest this morning is Eboni Wimbush – President and CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council or AMAC

Airport Minority Advisory Council and Equity In Infrastructure Project will sign the “EIP” pledge March 14th at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in NW, DC.  The mission is to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by improving public infrastructure contracting practices.  For more information go here: www.EquityInInfrastructure.org

Winning $5M Maryland Lottery Scratcher Sold At Area Liquor Store

A Montgomery County woman claimed the first $5 million top prize on the new “$5,000,000 CASH” scratch-off game at Maryland Lottery Headquarters.

The game quickly became popular after its release on Feb. 19, with two other high-tier prizes at $100,000 and $10,000 levels. According to Lottery officials, “after going on sale Feb. 19, the game jumped immediately into the (number one) spot on the Lottery’s Top 40 Scratch-offs list.

The winner, a veteran player, was surprised by the massive win and is considering starting a business with the jackpot. She plans to continue playing and hunting for more big jackpots in the future.

Your Health Is Your Wealth

It’s a Wellness Wednesday and we are spotlighting the Howard University Health Fair coming up this Saturday.  It’s all about healthy living and preventative care. My guests this morning are Dr. Andrea Jackson – Dean of the College of Dentistry and Ms. Morghan Gray – Health Fair Lead

Howard University Health Fair is Saturday, March 16th from 9am to 3pm.  The event is free and open to the public.  Come out for free health screenings and fun for the entire family. For more information click here: Howard University

Listen to this mornings segment here:

A Party With a Purpose

The Greater Washington Urban League is gearing up for its gala while embarking on expanding services in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.  I have the President and CEO joining me this morning with all the details . My guest is George Lambert – President and CEO of Greater Washington Urban League

The Greater Washington Urban League’s Whitney Young Gala is March 15th from 6:30pm to 1:00am at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  For more information go here: www.gwul.org. 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

DC’s Earned Income Tax Credit

It’s tax filing season for all of us, the time of year so many of us absolutely dred. But for some DC tax filers, there may be a silver lining. We’re talking about the earned income tax credit. A lot of people are eligible in the District, but if you don’t apply for it, you’re leaving cold hard cash on the table.

Resources: https://eitc.dc.gov/

Warren Farrar, Acting Director of Customer Service, DC Office of Tax and Revenue

Bo$$, Def Jam’s First Female Rapper, Reportedly Passed Away At 54

Groundbreaking rapper Boss, one of the first female MCs signed to Def Jam, has passed away at the age of 54. 

Lichelle Laws , best known as Bo$$, recognized as one of the best made a significant impact on the rap scene with her debut album “Born Gangstaz” and hit single “Deeper”.

Despite facing health challenges in recent years, her legacy was remembered by several celebrities, including Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss, 9th Wonder, Ed Lover, Lloyd Banks, Bun B, and Slim Thug, who expressed their condolences in response to the UGK rapper’s social media post.

She had a renal illness, which prevented her kidneys from digesting toxins, according to a 2021 GoFundMe campaign. After a massive stroke and seizure in 2017, she needed a kidney transplant.

Thieves Steal ATM At Bowie 7-Eleven

Another smash and grab of an ATM machine at a 7-Eleven. It happened this time at a store on Race Track Road in Bowie.  Police say around two this morning a van crashed into the front of the store where thieves then stole the ATM.  Police are searching for a white van with damage to its rear.

5k Walk, HU Health Fair, Home Expo, and More Inside Community’s Choice

Youth Arboriculture

Make Spring Break Count.  Learn skills to enhance your career choices.  at the Youth Arboriculture Career Expo April 19th and 20th at Gallaudet University. 

Kappa Alpha Psi

The DC Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is accepting applications for its High Scholarship Award.  The deadline is April 30th and open to DC high school seniors.    www.ksef-inc.com

Howard University Hospital Health Fair

Get in step with your health.  Come out March 15th to the Howard University Hospital Health Fair. www.huhosp.org

Black and Missing 5K Run Walk

Registration is now open for the Black and Missing “Hope Without Boundaries 5k Run Walk.”  The walk is June 1st at the National Harbor.  www.hwb5k.org

Maryland Links Wellness Expo

The Prince George’s, Mount Rose, and Willow Oak Chapters of the Links invite you to their Black Family Wellness Expo March 18th at Bowie State University www.eventbrite.com

WHUR Community’s Choice

Do you have a community event you want the DMV to know about?  Email the details to Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.

Home Lifestyles Expo

Hear from the pros and learn some new DYI skills.  The 2024 Home Lifestyles Expo is March 15th thru 17th at the Doubletree in Laurel.  www.homelifestylesexpo.com Help those in need. 

AKA Food Drive

The Omicron Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting its 2nd Annual Toiletry and Food Drive March 30th at the Happy Helpers for the Homeless Center in Glen Burnie.  www.happyhelpersforthehomeless.com

World Water Day

Water.  We all need and use it everyday.  But imagine in some parts of the world the very water needed is making countless children sick.  This morning details on World Water Day and how you can help make drinking water safe and sanitary for children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My guest this morning is Reverend Dr. Jonathan Weaver – Founder and President of Pan African Collective

World Water Day is Tuesday, March 19th from 6pm to 9pm at Carlyle Room in NW DC.  Come out to help raise money to provide safe driving water and sanitation to children in need at community centers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For more information go here:  www.panafricancollective.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Biden Tells Black Americans “I Have Your Back”

President Biden is doubling down on his commitment to stand by Black Americans.

In a new interview, MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart asked Biden, “You promised Black America that you’d have our back. Do you feel you have our backs?”

Biden responded, “I have your back, as much as any president has in American history since Lyndon Johnson. Black wealth has increased by 60 percent, across the board.”

Biden said he has been meeting with Black business owners who are getting government loans and direct payments that have helped get their businesses off the ground. He also mentioned a trio of endorsements over the weekend from major political action committees representing Asian American, Black, and Latino voters.

State of the Union Address Tonight

President Biden is anticipated to push policies like helping veterans and fighting cancer during his State of the Union address tonight. He’s also expected to spotlight his administration’s work on infrastructure. Guests at the event before both houses of Congress will include family members of hostages being held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, with more than a dozen invited by members from both parties.

Casino Revenue Up In Maryland

(Baltimore, MD) — Revenue is up at Maryland casinos. The state Lottery and Gaming agency says the state’s six casinos brought in more than 159-million dollars in February. That’s a year-over-year increase of about two-point-two-million dollars, or one-point-four-percent. MGM National Harbor brought in the most money last month, at 67-million dollars, followed by Live! Casino & Hotel at more than 59-million. The six casinos contributed more than nearly 68-million dollars to the state.

Women Making Their Own History

It’s Women’s History Month and make guest this morning is making her own history.  April Showers is the first female Black owned business to own a licensed character brand in major retail.  Her company is called Afro Unicorn. My guest is April Showers – Founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn

April Showers in the first female Black owned business to own a licensed character brand in major retail.   The Afro Unicorn brand can be found in Target, Kohl’s. Amazon, Walmart, and many other stories. More information here: www.afrounicorns.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Just in time for prom and graduation season.  My guest this morning is hosting an Annual Prom Boutique.  It’s a collection drive and giveaway. My guest this morning is Regina Gibbons – Founder of Y-Knot Inc.

Y-KNOT Inc is gearing up for its Annual Prom Boutique March 16th from 8am to 6pm at Berwyn Heights Recreation Center at 6200 Pontiac Street in Berwyn Heights. For more information go here:  www.yknotinc.org

Supreme Court Decision Keeps Trump On State Ballots

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting state attempts to ban the Republican former president over the Capitol riot.

The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. That power resides with Congress, the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

Trump posted on his social media network shortly after the decision was released: “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!” The outcome ends efforts in ColoradoIllinoisMaine and elsewhere to kick Trump, the front-runner for his party’s nomination, off the ballot because of his attempts to undo his loss in the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Court Appearance For Alleged Shooter of DC Housing Authority Officer

The man accused of shooting a DC Housing Authority police officer last week is due in a DC court.   

40-year-old Victor Terrill of Landover has been held without bond since his arrest for assaulting an officer while armed.

Police say Terrill and a female, who did not live at the Carroll Apartments at 410 M Street, SE, both refused to leave the premises.  After a scuffle, Terrill shot a housing officer in the abdomen then fled to a nearby parking garage where he barricaded himself for several hours before being apprehended by police.

Streets were blocked off and residents were told to shelter in place for several hours. 

Friday, March 8, a hearing is scheduled to determine if they will release Terrill or detain him.

A Party With A Purpose

The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtist is preparing for its Annual Red Carpet Gala.  It’s a party with a purpose to raise much needed scholarship dollars for the United Negro College Fund. My guest is Nichelle McDuffie Hagins

The Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtist, Inc or GMAR’s  4th Annual Red Carpet Gala and UNCF Scholarship Fundraiser is Saturday March 16th from 5pm to 10pm at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD . For more information go here: www.gmarrealtist.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Housing Authority Police Officer Shot

A DC Housing Authority police officer was shot inside an apartment building near the Navy Yard Thursday. Authorities say around 6 a.m. police responded to a call of “unwanted guests” at the Carroll Apartments at 410 M Street, SE.

Officials say it was then that the Housing Authority officer found a man and women who would not leave the premises. The officer scuffled with the man, the man then shot the officer in the abdomen.

That suspect fled and barricaded himself inside a nearby garage for several hours before being apprehended by police.

Several streets were blocked off during the siege and residents were told to shelter in place. The wounded officer was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.

A New Approach To Education

Another Black History Moment this morning highlighting some of the positive achievements happening right here in our community.  The Mandala School is teaching young people about the value of a good education and the importance of knowing their rich history legacy. My guest is Antoinette Murray – Head of Mandala School

Mandala School takes a holistic approach to learning. Our environment allows students to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. We believe that these three areas of development are interconnected, and that each is essential to a student’s overall success and well-being. For more information go here: www.mandalaschoolmd.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

The Black College Expo

Good news for parents and your college bound youngsters.  The Black College Expo is coming up and it’s a chance to get face to face with college recruits and get access to those much-needed college scholarship dollars. My guest is Dr. Theresa Price – Founder and CEO of National College Resources Foundation

National College Resources Foundation’s, Black College Expo March 2nd at the Washington Convention Center. For more information go here: www.ncrfoundation.org

Black Voters and the Presidential Election

The 2024 general election is just nine months away. The answer to who the next president will be is anybody’s guess. But we do have some insight into the minds of Black voters in one key state, thanks to a new poll released last week by the Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion.

Resources:

Link to Michigan Black Voter Poll

Dr. Terri Adams-Fuller, Director, Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion, Associate Dean, Howard University Graduate School

TikTok’s Reese Teesa’s Ex Considers Legal Action

In spite of the fact that he has been portrayed in a certain light, Reesa Teesa’s ex-boyfriend is presenting his side of the story regarding a TikTok saga that has gone viral.

He has a different story, which may end up in court. Jerome McCoy, who was referred to as “Legion” in Reesa’s now-viral “Who TF Did I Marry?” series, has revealed that everything that Reesa has stated about him in her lengthy video series is not true.

Despite the fact that Reesa has leveled a number of complaints against Legion, including allegations that he lied about his work, family, and fortune, among other things, Legion is now responding with allegations against his own.

Legion asserts that he and Reesa had trust issues at one point in time. He goes on to assert that she attempted to reconcile with him while purportedly threatening to “expose” him if he did not cooperate.  Legion asserts that he and Reesa had trust issues at one point in time.

He goes on to assert that she attempted to get back with him while purportedly threatening to “expose” him if he did not cooperate. He indicates that the fact that he did not accept it is the reason why all of this is coming to light.

He believes that this is affecting his career in public relations, which he claims he does for a hospital and has met with an attorney to take possible legal action against Reesa. It appears that his company believes that they may have been harmed as a result of her stories. Legion has stated that he is willing to support his company’s actions.

Help With FASFA Forms For College

Help this morning for parents and students who need assistance filling out those all-important FASFA forms.  College Success Foundation DC is holding free monthly workshops to make things easier especially for residents of Wards 7 and 8. My guest is Kevin Mungin – Director of Programs for College Success Foundation DC

College Success Foundation DC addresses the critically low college graduation rates of students in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.  The Foundation is now offering monthly free FAFSA workshops and parent information sessions at the Capital One Café in SE.  For more information go here:   www.collegesuccessfoundation.org

Medical Monday: Your Heart Health

February is American Heart Month and a reminder for all of us to focus on our heart health.
According to the CDC, it remains the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in America. One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. Why is that? We’re talking about it on this Medical Monday.

Dr. Quinn Capers, MD, Cardiologist, Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine

Helping Hands Radiothon Raises $52k and Counting

Washington, D.C. (Sunday, February 25, 2024) – Determined to be a part of a mission to change lives and transform communities, WHUR listeners gave in a big way to the 2024 WHUR Helping Hands Radiothon. The 12-hour fundraiser, held Sunday, February 25th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Howard University Centers for Excellence on Georgia Avenue, N.W., collected more than $52,000 and donations are still pouring in.

All monies raised go to help defray the costs to send 1,400 Howard University students to 21 cities across the country and right here in the DMV to assist communities in crisis. “We are very thankful for our wonderful WHUR listeners for their generous donations to support Helping Hands benefiting Howard University students’ volunteer efforts. The contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and their community services initiatives”, said WHUR General Sean Plater.

This year, students will travel to Albany, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Birmingham, Alabama; Buffalo, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina,; Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Flint, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; St. Louis, Missouri; and Washington, D.C ; Williston, South Carolina.

The 38 busloads of Howard University students will leave on their mission of help and hope Saturday, March 2nd returning Saturday, March 9th. The students will perform more than 150-thousand hours of volunteer service addressing issues like illiteracy, homelessness, housing, education, youth empowerment, environment, and many more.

This marks the 30th year of Howard’s Alternative Spring Break Program.

Helping Communities Across The Country

Hundreds of Howard University students are preparing to roll up their sleeves next week to render service to communities in crisis.  They need our help to make that mission possible.  This Sunday WHUR is hosting our Annual Helping Hands Radiothon.  Joining me this morning to talk about why this year’s Alternative Spring Break is so crucial is Joseph Dillard – Program Director for the Alternative Spring Break Program (ASB)

Now in its 30th year, this year’s Alternative Spring Break theme is “30 Years of Service… A Legacy of Paying It Forward.” The WHUR Helping Hands Radiothon is Sunday, February 25th 6am – 6pm to help raise monies to support ASB.  You don’t have to wait until Sunday to make a donation.  Donate right now at whur.com.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Judge Rules Texas High School That Suspended Student Over Hairstyle Did Not Violate Law

According to CNN, Texas high school that suspended a student over the length of his dreadlocks did not violate state law, a judge ruled on Thursday.

The case centered around Barbers Hill Independent School District, which suspended student Darryl George for violating its policy on hair length for male students.

George and his family say the policy violates the CROWN Act, which bans discrimination over hairstyles “commonly or historically associated with race” such as braids, locks, or twists. Which went into place for Texas on September 1, 2023, that’s meant to prohibit discrimination of hairstyles.

The judge ruled the district’s policy does not violate the law because it focuses on hair length, not style. Barbers Hill Independent School District Superintendent Greg Poole told CNN, “hair length of male students is only constitutionally protected for Native American students.”

The school’s policy affirms that “Boy’s hair will not extend below the eyebrows, below the ear lobes, or below the top of a t-shirt collar.”

Co-author of the CROWN Act and Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds testified on Darryl’s behalf. Upset with the ruling he said, “We will not stop. We will continue to speak truth to power.”

George remains strong and refuses to cut his hair and his family is pursuing a federal civil rights lawsuit.

Wendy Williams in Facility for Aphasia & Frontotemporal Dementia

Wendy Williams’ family has revealed that she is receiving treatment for health issues, including aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

Aphasia affects language and communication abilities, the frontotemporal dementia impacts behavior and cognitive functions. Actor Bruce Willis also diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.

The disclosure coincides with the release of her Lifetime documentary, “Where Is Wendy Williams?” which explores her struggles post-talk show, scheduled to air February 24,2024.

The film depicts Wendy’s journey to recovery under a legal guardian’s care, addressing her battles with addiction and mental health. Despite the challenges, Wendy’s family notes she is in a better place emotionally and taking control of her narrative.

She is currently being treated by specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine while under the care of a court-appointed legal guardian and is in a more stable place physically and mentally. It’s been reported that she still is able to do many things for herself and maintains sense of humor.

AT&T, T-Mobile, And Verizon Customers Experiencing Outages

UPDATE: February 22, 2024 at 4:30 pm

The company confirmed that service is back for all AT&T customers affected by today’s outage.

“We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers. We sincerely apologize to them. Keeping our customers connected remains our top priority, and we are taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future.”

ORIGINAL February 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm:

Thousands of customers have been without cell phone service on Thursday.

According to the tracking site Downdetector.com, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon customers have been experiencing outages. AT&T alone experienced seventy-one thousand outages.

“Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. We are working urgently to restore service to them,” AT&T said in a statement. “We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored.”

Meanwhile, eleven hundred outages have been reported for T-Mobile and three thousand for Verizon. “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning,” the company said.

“We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored.” 

It’s All About Black Pride

#Everything Black.  There’s a campaign underway to highlight black business owners, artists, authors and others in Prince George’s County during Black History Month.  Joining me this morning to talk about it is Krystal Oriadha (Or-ree-ah-duh) – Prince George’s County District 7 Councilmember

Prince George’s County District 7 Councilmember Krystal Oriadha has launched her #EverythingBlack Campaign to highlight black business owners, artists, authors, and other influencers.  She’s gearing up for her “Black on the Block” Black History Month Celebration February 24th from 2pm to 5pm at 4217 Silver Hill Road in Suitland. For more information go here: www.heyzine.com      

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Howard University Debuts First-Ever HBCU Figure Skating Team

WJLA reported, that Howard University is making history with the first-ever HBCU figure skating team, inspiring other schools and future Black athletes.

The team, supported by the nonprofit Diversify Ice, is preparing for its first intercollegiate tournament at the University of Delaware.

Howard skater Toni Smith said, “So I’m from Shaker Heights Ohio, and in Shaker Heights, everyone skates. I’ve been skating since I was like 2 years old. Friday night skates was a huge deal there.”

Co-founders Maya James and Cheyenne Walker hope to see more HBCUs embrace figure skating to increase diversity in the sport. Despite challenges, the team is determined to succeed and represent Howard University with pride.

“Honestly I would really like to see other HBCUs do figure skating teams as well. Get more black and brown boys and girls on the ice, be their representation for them,” said James.

Although the university does not have its facility on campus and the only rink available is out of commission due to construction, the team was able to have their first practice.

This groundbreaking initiative highlights the importance of diversity and representation in figure skating.

Loaning Money to Family and Friends

Do you loan money to family or friends? Sometimes, there are real financial emergencies. If you do, how do you make sure you avoid the drama of getting paid back?

Resources: Deborah Owens/Wealth U https://wealthyu.com/

Deborah Owens, Financial Expert/CEO, Wealthy U

DC Young Fly Pleads For Stolen Bag With Jacky Oh! Memento To Be Returned

D.C. Young Fly is being extremely kind in requesting that the person who stole his bag return it as soon as possible.

This is because the sentimental value of the items inside the bag is greater than the financial benefit that results from this theft. It would appear that DC had a performance at the Hollywood Improv last night, but he realized that his bag was missing after the concert had ended.

He is under the impression that it was stolen by a thief. D.C. took to social media to share with anyone who knows the whereabouts of the bag to return it to the Hollywood Improv, without repercussions. The bag contained the death certificate of his fiancée, Jacky Oh!, with whom he had three children and that’s why he needs the bag back as soon as possible.

Jacky, unfortunately, passed in May 2023 from complications of cosmetic surgery. Fans commend D.C. Young Fly for the strength he’s shown in his time of grieving.

Prince George’s County School Earns Top MCAP Score

(Glenarden, MD) — A PG County school community is beaming with pride after students earned the top ranking for their performance on statewide assessment tests. Glenarden Woods Elementary finished at the head of the class for the 2023 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program exams, beating out more than 850 other elementary schools across Maryland. The achievement is not only a first for a PG County elementary school but is also significant since the student population at Glenarden Woods is 90-percent Black or Latinx.

Donnell Rawlings Goes Off On Corey Holcomb

Donnell Rawlings recently performed at the Laugh Factory and took the opportunity to share how he feels about Corey Holcomb.

It appears that Holcomb’s insult to Rawlings was what started the entire incident at the Laugh Factory. Corey went on after Donnell, and he began screaming outrageous allegations and jabs at Donnell and Dave Chappelle’s expense. 

A video emerged of this confrontation in which Donnell is defending Dave, to which Corey refers as an average comedian. Corey then questions Donell’s “street cred” as they argue back and forth in the video, which shocked fans.

Donnell ultimately decided to leave the situation before it became really dangerous. On the other hand, he expresses his desire to discuss the matter with Corey in a more relaxed atmosphere, with the expectation that they will be able to put their disagreements to rest. Seems as it is becoming a new trend for comedians to attack one another’s skills and their credibility.

Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses

It’s Black History Month and details this morning on a program designed to support and empower small and minority owned businesses.  It’s called Level-Up. My guest is Dawn Medley – President and CEO of FSC First

FSC First Program is called Level Up and It’s designed to support and empower small and minority-owned businesses.  It creates opportunities for minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to improve their skills and grow their businesses. For more information go here: www.fscfirst.com

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Actress Cocoa Brown’s Georgia Home Burns Down

Actress and comedian Cocoa Brown’s home in Fayetteville, GA, was destroyed in a fire Sunday evening. Out of love and support her friends and family started a GoFundMe campaign.

The fire, believed to have started from a lit candle, quickly engulfed the house, sadly forcing Cocoa and her young son Phoenix to escape with just the clothes on their backs.

Despite the devastating loss, Cocoa’s loved ones have rallied around her, aiming to raise $50,000 to support her during this challenging time.

The GoFundMe statement mentions, “Cocoa, a beacon of joy in our lives through her incredible comedy, now faces an unimaginable challenge as she and her son must rebuild their lives from scratch. While we’re grateful to hear that they are safe, the road ahead is undoubtedly daunting.”

“Cocoa Brown has brought laughter and light to countless lives with her talent and humor. Now, it’s our turn to rally around her and show our support in her time of need. Together, let’s shine a beacon of hope and happiness in this time of darkness,” the statement continues.

Our prayers are with Cocoa and her family through these trying times.

Marlon Wayans and More Black Celebs Defend Kelly Rowland’s Professionalism After White Reality Star’s Criticism

Hollywood Unlocked posted several videos of former “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel on her Instagram profile, criticizing Rowland after Page Six reported last week that the singer left NBC’s “Today” show due to a small dressing room.

The Skinnygirl entrepreneur was “disgusted” at the chart-topper’s last-minute decision to leave Hoda Kotb hanging, suggesting that Rowland and her team should have gracefully accepted the modest accommodations, noting that even Kotb and Bush Hager are fine with their small rooms.

Fans and friends were quick to come to Kelly’s defense, including her former Destiny’s Child bandmate, Latavia Roberson and Marlon Waynes, who stated: “Yall stop with these false narratives. I’ve worked with @kellyrowland as a Star/producer i [sic] will honestly say she was nothing short of AMAZING,” the comedian wrote on his Instagram. “Sweet, kind, professional. On time, great energy, impeccable manners and professionalism. She was nice to EVERYONE on set. Not one diva moment.”

Firefighter Killed, 9 Hurt In Home Explosion

(Friday, February 16, 2024) – A home explosion in Sterling, Virginia has left a path of death and destruction in the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive. The blast has left one firefighter dead, 9 others hurt and two civilians were also taken to the hospital.

Neighbors in the area say the smell of gas was wreaking in the area and numerous reports indicate that’s what brought fighters to the home. Fire officials say while inside conducting their investigation, the home exploded and numerous firefighters sent out “mayday calls.”

Loudoun County Assistant Fire Chief James Williams says it’s the worst possible things to happen. “The injured fighters’ conditions range from severe to less serious.

The explosion completely leveled the home with debris strewn all across the area. Several neighbors said there homes were also damaged by the blast.

The cause of the fire and explosion as under investigation.

Black Women and Inner Criticism

Black women and a crisis of confidence. It’s not often talked about. It’s an issue that’s often hiding in the emotional shadows in the workplace or behind the facade of bold social media posts. But, are Black women their own biggest critics? Are they self-sabotaging themselves?

Resources:

https://inthepubliceyecoaching.com

Joia Jefferson Nuri, Executive Leadership/Public Speaking Coach