Blog

Help For The DMV’s Working Poor

The U.S. Census Bureau says non-White DC residents continue to experience poverty at a higher rate. The American Community Survey released last month, found the poverty rate for Black residents remained highest. It was 21.3 Percent last year, down from 27.7 in 2021. Unemployment remains a stumbling block for blacks. That rate stood at 9.6 percent last year. White unemployment in the District stood at 1.4 percent. Behind the numbers there are people and situations that are crying out for help. We sit down with the United Way of the National Capital Area to talk about Project Community Connect, the annual outreach to help the region’s working poor.

Resources:

Project Community Connect Event, Friday, October 6th, 2023

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 10AM-4PM

Ian Gordon, VP Community Impact & Engagement, United Way NCA
Scott Mengebier, Director, Research & Evaluation, United Way NCA

Kaiser Workers Threaten to Strike

Some 7,500 Kaiser Permanente workers say they will walk off the job tomorrow unless some kind of an agreement is reached with the company to increase workers’ pay, benefits, and working conditions. The walk-out will last only three days and could impact Kaiser locations across the country and here in the DMV.

Possible Healthcare Workers Strike

McCarthy Faces Risk of Losing Speaker’s Gavel

(Washington, DC) — A group of conservatives on Capitol Hill is trying to boot Kevin McCarthy from the Speaker’s chair. Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz put forward a motion to vacate the chair Monday, a procedural move that allows any one member to call for a new Speaker election. It comes after McCarthy worked with Democrats to pass a short-term funding bill to keep the government open. In the slim House majority, just a handful of Republicans could be enough to push McCarthy out, depending on how Democrats vote. Democrats could ultimately decide whether McCarthy holds onto the gavel. The Speaker today said he has not cut a deal with Democrats to win their votes. A vote could come as early as today.

Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House

Federal Gov’t Shutdown Avoided For Now

If you’re a federal government worker, you may be breathing a little easier after a shutdown was avoided Saturday night. Congress passed a 45-day continuing resolution that’s keeping workers on the job. But it’s just 45 days. The same kind of anxiety could kick back in long before that. We’re talking about what that means for workers and later, we’ll examine the high-stakes political showdown.

Alesia Smith, Now Generation Chair, Blacks In Government
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, (D) Maryland
4th Congressional District

Trump Blasts Judge, AG During Fraud Trial

(New York, NY) — Former President Trump is calling his fraud trial in New York “a scam” and “a disgrace.” The civil fraud trail began in Manhattan today with a state prosecutor accusing the former President of generating more than a billion dollars by inflating the value of real estate holdings. Outside the courtroom this afternoon, Trump accused the judge of being “a Trump hater” and going rogue. He then called New York Attorney General Letitia James a “disgrace to our country.” Trump is facing fines up to 250-million-dollars.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during a lunch break at New York Supreme Court in New York, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Trump is attending the start of a civil trial in a lawsuit that already has resulted in a judge ruling that he committed fraud in his business dealings. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Are You Ready For Cuffing Season?

Sunday is October first. It’s also the unofficial start to cuffing season. Don’t know what that is? When the weather cools down, the search for a cold weather romantic partner heats up. Are you looking to booed up for the next four months or so? Is there a process? Are there rules for cuffing season?

Tariiq Omari Walton, Licensed Clinical Marriage Therapist
Reggie Smith, Relationship Coach

DC Bar Loses Liquor License After Deadly Shooting

(Washington, DC) — The Northeast DC nightclub where a deadly shooting took place last weekend may not be reopening. Police shut down the Cru Lounge on H Street after the shooting for lax safety protocols and a subsequent meeting by the ABC Board determined that was a good enough reason to suspend the club’s liquor license. The owners may request a hearing with the panel in hopes of having the license restored, but nothing firm has been set up yet.

Titanic Submersible OceanGate Movie In The Works

A movie is being developed on the tragic missing OceanGate Titan submersible incident from earlier this year.

According to Variety, the film on the OceanGate event is being made by “MindRiot Entertainment and producer E. Brian Dobbins and producer E. Brian Dobbins (“The Blackening,” “Black-ish”)”, and Justin MacGregor has signed on to write the script for this new project. 

Earlier this year, the Titan submersible set on a voyage to view the Titanic shipwreck and was lost at sea after an hour and 45 minutes into the dive. The story captivated the world news, and everyone patiently waited to find out the status of the passengers on-board. 

Reportedly, James Cameron isn’t involved in this film, and noted earlier in the year when this tragedy happened, “I don’t respond to offensive rumors in the media usually, but I need to now. I’m NOT in talks about an OceanGate film, nor will I ever.”

Tupac Shakur: Man Arrested In Vegas In Connection To 1996 Murder

Nearly 30 years later, police have made an arrest in the 1996 death of rapper Tupac Shakur. Las Vegas police have arrested Duane “Keffe D” Davis in connection with the long-unsolved killing of the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

Davis has long been known to investigators and has admitted in interviews and in his 2019 tell-all memoir that he was in the Cadillac where the gunfire erupted during the September 1996 drive-by shooting. The shooting happened shortly after a casino brawl earlier in the evening involving Anderson, Shakur and others. He was 25 when he was gunned down and his fourth solo album, “All Eyez on Me,” remained on the charts, with some 5 million copies sold.

Greg Kading, a retired Los Angeles police detective who spent years investigating the Shakur killing, believes the investigation gained new momentum in recent years following Davis’s public descriptions of his role in the killing.

Davis is the last living person among the four people who were in the vehicle from which shots were fired at Shakur and rapper Marion “Suge” Knight. Kading believes that because the killing was premeditated Davis could face a first-degree murder charge.

Harold Fisher And Mandrell Birks of Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Foundation For Domestic Violence

Harold Fisher is participating in a Domestic Violence fundraiser for the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Foundation. Their version of Dancing With the Stars will be coming up on October 13th.

Find out all the details with Mandrell Birks the President of Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Foundation. This is a fundraiser and the organization is a 501C3.

As you may know, WHUR has been a big supporter in the fight against Domestic Violence. We actually raised over $800k to help build a shelter in Prince George’s County in 2010.

Talk To The Lawyers

How do you know when you need a lawyer? The answer isn’t as easy as you think. You may have a dispute with your neighbor, your insurance company. What about a car accident? What if you’re arrested? We’re letting you ask lawyers about legal issues.

Georgette Miller, Bankruptcy Attorney
Bobby Henry, Criminal Defense Attorney
Donald Temple, Civil Rights Attorney

National Celebration Of Hip-Hop Postponed

(Washington, DC) — Uncertainty surrounding the potential federal government shutdown is causing organizers of the National Celebration of Hip-Hop to postpone and move the event. The two-day festival was originally set to open a week from today on the National Mall and West Potomac Park, but those sites could be off-limits if National Park Service employees can’t be there due to a shutdown. Instead, the event is changing to a single day and moving to Saturday October 28th at Nats Park, where it can proceed without the threat of interruption. Changes to the original lineup of performers are likely.

Reporters’ Roundtable

We’re at the reporter’s roundtable talking about some of the top stories of the week.
My guests are Molette Green, anchor/reporter for NBC4-Washington and Keith Alexander, reporter for The Washington Post.

Part 1

Part 2

Molette Green, Anchor/Reporter, NBC4-Washington
Keith Alexander, Reporter, The Washington Post

Prince George’s County State’s Atty. Aisha Braveboy

Crime is the number one concern for Maryland residents according to several polls conducted this year. The latest, the Goucher poll taken back in May. We’re talking about crime, punishment, and what can be done about the surge of violence in Prince George’s County. County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy addresses the issues.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy

New COVID Shot Insurance Problems

(Washington, DC) — The new COVID shot rollout is running into snafus with some folks complaining they can’t get their insurance companies to cover the cost. The Department of Health and Human Services is on it. Its top brass wrote to insurance companies on Friday that their obligation is to provide coverage and to pick up the tab for COVID-19 vaccines without any cost-sharing. Those on Medicare or Medicaid are also entitled to free COVID shots as well as children and the uninsured through public-private partnerships.

Trump Ignites Controversy By Saying He’s Buying A Glock During Gun Shop Visit

Donald was seen in a video, posted-deleted by his spokesperson Steve Cheung. Trump is on video inside of a gunshop located in Summerville, South Carolina. As he’s admiring a customer holding a gun, he says, “I got to buy one, I want to buy one.”

Trump currently faces 91 felony counts in two federal and two state indictments, that he’s pleaded not guilty. Due to his federal indictment prevents him from possessing or purchasing a firearm.

Lawyers of Trump have argued that an attempt to bar him from the 2024 ballot under the rarely used “insurrection” clause of the Constitution should be dismissed as a violation of his freedom of speech. The lawyers argued that Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution and that the challenge should be dismissed because he is not yet a candidate under Colorado election law.

The motion will be heard in court on October 13th, and the issue is likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The clause was initially intended to prevent former Confederate officials from becoming members of Congress and taking over the government. Trump’s defense mirrors his defense in criminal cases charging him for his role in the Jan. 6 attack.

Prostate Cancer Awareness

How much do you know about prostate cancer? If you don’t have it, you probably know someone who does. As we recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on this Medical Monday, we’re shedding light on the significant health concern for men, especially men of color.

Resources:

https://www.huconquerscancer.com/ 

Clinton Burnside, Program Manager, Men Take Ten Program, Howard University Hospital
Dr. Leslie Deane, MD, Urologist

“Blacksonian” Celebrates Seven Years

(Washington, DC) — The National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating its seventh anniversary. The museum highlights the contributions made by African Americans. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003 and opened on September 24, 2016 next to the Washington Monument. Officials with the Smithsonian say the museum is the nation’s top destination to explore and document the African American story.

Tia Mowry Says ‘Self Love’ Is First Step to Leaving A Failing Relationship

Tia Mowry, star of Family Reunion, recently shared her advice for women who are struggling to leave a failing relationship.

She emphasized the importance of self-love, saying that many women stay in relationships because they love the other person more than they love themselves. According to BET, The Sister, Sister icon made an appearance on “Chris GQ Perry” on YouTube, Mowry advised women who want to leave failing relationships to focus on self-love and understanding themselves. 

Mowry has been open about her own divorce from actor Cory Hardrict, and how therapy helped her move forward.

She also shared that her children were a major motivating factor in ending her marriage. Mowry has been keeping fans in the loop on her post-divorce dating life with fun videos on TikTok as she’s newly entered the dating game after 14 years of marriage.

Hardrict and Mowry have agreed to joint custody of their two children, Cree, 12, and Cairo, 5.

Molotov Cocktails Thrown At Cuban Embassy In DC

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez says, “The staff suffered no harm. Details are being worked out. This is the second violent attack against Cuba’s diplomatic mission”

Sunday, US officials opened an investigation after Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Cuban Embassy located on Adams-Morgan.

The building didn’t suffer any significant damage or fire.”The staff suffered no harm,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated on social.

A Molotov cocktail is a grenade made from a glass bottle containing a flammable substance.

Rodriguez added on X, “in Washington since April 2020. Back then, an individual shot several rounds against the embassy using an assault rifle. The anti-Cuban groups resort to terrorism when feeling they enjoy impunity, something that Cuba has repeatedly warned the US authorities about.”

“Terrorist attack against the Cuban embassy in the United States. The Cuban Embassy staff have not been injured,” in a statement made by the embassy.

No arrest have been made.

Usher To Headline Super Bowl Halftime Show

Usher has been announced as the halftime performer for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

The singer called it “an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list.” He continues, “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before.” 

The eight-time Grammy winner has appeared at the Super Bowl before; he was a guest star during the Black Eyed Peas’ halftime show in 2011. 

“Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon,” he adds to his statement.

“Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z said in a statement. 

Super Bowl LVIII will take place Feb. 11th, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium.

Federal Gov’t Shutdown, Congressional Black Caucus

Eight days and counting. Tensions are rising and anxiety too for federal government workers. If Congress doesn’t pass spending bill by September 30th, hundreds of thousands of federal government workers will be out of work. We’ve seen this before. The longest shutdown lasted 35 painful days. It ended in January of 2019. We’re talking the realities and the politics of the looming shutdown and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Glenn Ivey, (D) U.S. Representative, Maryland 4th District
Dr. Niambi Carter, Author, “American While Black: African Americans, Immigration and the Limits of Citizenship”

DMV Braces For Coastal Storm

(Washington, DC) — Today’s a good day for DMV homeowners to clear those gutters with foul weather on the way. Tropical Storm Ophelia is gaining strength off the coast and heading our way. Winds will start picking up later today and rain is coming tonight. Three inches or more is expected before the storm blows out on Sunday. A Coastal Flood Advisory for the shoreline in DC, Arlington County and Alexandria begins at midnight and runs until 6:00 tomorrow morning. Tidal flooding is likely, especially during high tide overnight.

Business and Economic Development in Prince George’s County

What’s the plan for economic development in Prince George’s County? How can the county continue to attract businesses big and small amid the challenges and the winds of political change?

Resources:

2023 PGCOC Excellence in Business Awards Gala https://pgcoc.org/

Alexander Austin, President, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce
Vennard Wright, CEO, Wave Welcome

Albert R. “Butch” Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament.

https://aedc-scholarship-golf.perfectgolfevent.com/

The Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Scholarship Foundation Board is proud to sponsor the 24th Annual Albert R. “Butch” Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament. AEDC, led by Stanley Jackson – President/CEO, is a non-profit community development corporation organized to help address the overall economic development needs of Anacostia/Far Southeast Washington, D.C. 

The AEDC Albert R. “Butch” Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established to provide scholarship funding to deserving high school graduates of Anacostia High Schools and Ballou two DC-based institutions dedicated to cultivating and empowering socially engaged leaders for college, career, and global success.

DC Experiencing Drain of Young Residents, Money

(Washington, DC) – Washington, DC is experiencing a loss of young residents, who are also taking their money with them. The District’s Office of Revenue Analysis looked at IRS records and found nearly 16-thousand households left DC between 2019 and 2021. The result was a net loss of three-billion-dollars in taxable income, with about one-point-two-billion shifting to the nearby suburbs. Figures show most of the tax filers were in the 26-to-44 age group; nearly two-thirds of these earned six-figure incomes.

Early Voting In VA Begins Tomorrow

(Richmond, VA) — It’s sort of like finding pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations on store shelves in August – early voting for the November election begins tomorrow in Virginia. Voters will be able to cast their ballots at their local registrar’s office or satellite location through November 4th. All you need is an acceptable form of ID. Election Day is November 7th.

More DC Kids Will Have Access To Healthy Foods As ‘Food Pharmacy’ Expands

Amerigroup, a health care company, has donated $1 million to a program in Washington D.C. that provides families with access to healthy food.

According to WTOP, Through the program, families can pick up groceries recommended by their physician at a “food pharmacy” located at the their doctor’s office after appointments. The donation more than doubles the number of family’s who can be helped, which right now is about 120.

The program also provides nutritionists to help families learn how to make the food taste well. Amerigroup’s research shows rates of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in children have been rapidly increasing in the last few years, partly as a consequence of the childhood obesity epidemic and lack of access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Kraft Heinz Recalls Cheese Slices For Being A Choking Hazard

Kraft Heinz is recalling more than 83,000 cases of individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices because part of the wrapper could stick to the slice and become a choking hazard.

The company said one of its wrapping machines developed a temporary issue that makes it possible for a thin strip of film to remain on the slice even after it’s been removed from the wrapper.

The machine has since been fixed. The voluntary recall follows several consumer complaints. In six cases, people said the issue caused gagging or choking, but no injuries or serious health issues have been reported.

The recall affects 16-ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 10, 2024, and Jan. 27, 2024. It also includes 3-pound multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with a “Best When Used By” date between Jan. 9, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2024.

Anthony Anderson To Pay Ex-Wife At Least $20k A Month In Spousal Support

According to their divorce judgment, Anthony Anderson will pay $20,000 monthly to his ex-wife, Alvina Stewart.

The two were married in 1999, Stewart filed for divorce originally in 2015 but dropped it close to when Anderson got his lead role as Andre in Black-ish. She recently filed again last year.

Looks like Anderson might pay more based on his career. Per TMZ, he will pay $20k initially, with potential increases if his annual earnings exceed $2 million; in that case, he’ll pay 20 percent more of his income. Documents state Anthony keeps their property in Encino, CA, and a 2004 Land Rover.

She gets the 2022 Mazda and their place in Houston. They have a cemetery plot at Inglewood Park Cemetery that they’ll sell and split the proceeds. The documents include that Alvina has a registered Glock-19 in her name, but it’s with Anthony. He must return it to law enforcement in 30 days.

Sickle Cell Awareness

This is an important Wellness Wednesday conversation. You may not hear a lot about it, unless it affects you or someone you care about. But sickle cell disease is still very much around. According to the CDC, it impacts more than 100-thousand Americans, mostly people of color. This is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and we’re going to take a detailed look at this disease, what it is, how it’s treated and how those who have it, live with it.

Resources: Howard University Hospital’s Annual ‘Stomp Out Sickle Cell Move-On’ Event Postponed Until Saturday, Sept. 30th. You can still register using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cure-sickle-cell-now-event-2023-registration-672598800117

Part 1

Part 2

Dr. James Taylor, VI, Director, Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease
Ashanti Jean Claude, Howard University Sophomore, Sickle Cell Patient

Sherri Shepherd Explains Why Her Talk Show Will Return During The WGA Strike, Now Test Positive For COVID

Sherri made its return for its second season on Monday, and Sherri tried to explain why she decided to have her talk show return during the WGA strike. Shepherd said, “This summer you all may have seen your favorite actors and Hollywood stars have been on the picket lines with the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.”

She continued, “There has been so much confusion about who can work and who can’t work.” She added, “Here’s the thing, talk shows in general fall under a different union contract code, so we’re allowed to come back unless you’re a WGA show. The Sherri show is not a WGA show and we have never employed WGA writers, so us coming back to work isn’t crossing the picket line.”

Sherri continued, “As a comic, my comedic take on the headlines is my voice. I write the jokes. I’m the writer…producers help me shape my words. That’s why we don’t have WGA writers.”

Wednesday Sherri announced that she has tested positive for COVID-19. “For the remainder of this week, encore episodes from the beginning of the premiere week will air,” according to the statement.

Women, Career, Family and Having It All

https://www.tiktok.com/@therichellecarey/video/7246837960027426091

That’s award-winning former CNN and Al Jazeera news anchor Richelle Carey.
In a TikTok video, she shared her journey from well-traveled journalist to single mom. Her story, once-again, raises questions that women have been asking, and have been asked for decades about career, family, children, decisions and sacrifice. Can they really have it all? How is that defined?

Richelle Carey, Award-Winning Former CNN, Al Jazeera News Anchor, Mother

Hearing Today On RFK Stadium Site

(Washington , DC) — Congressional hearings are being held today and tomorrow to determine the future use of the old RFK Stadium site. A bill being considered would transfer control of the stadium from the federal government to the District. The terms of the transfer from the Secretary of the Interior to D.C. would reserve at least 30-percent of the stadium campus for parks and green space and restrict use of the site for a stadium, residential and commercial development or recreational and outdoor space. The transfer could facilitate the return of the Washington Commanders to RFK. The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources meets today and a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability meets tomorrow to discuss the bill.

Irish Grinstead, Singer In The R&B Group 702, Passes At 43, Fans And Other Celebrities React

Irish Grinstead Dead: Singer In Girl Group 702 Dies At 43 Irish Grinstead, a member of the girl group 702, known for hit songs like “Where My Girls At,” has died, her sister announced Saturday.  

Grinstead’s sister and fellow group member, Lemisha Grinstead, announced the news in an Instagram post.  “It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening,” she wrote.

“She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within.”  “Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life! We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.” 

Missy Elliott posted, “Irish May your beautiful soul Rest Peacefully in the arms of the Lord.”

Remembering the group as a whole, a fan salutes how tight their harmony was, “702’s harmonies were like this (fingers crossed) when they sung together.”

https://twitter.com/HeTooUnderrated/status/1703580332975337938

Many often feel like we don’t flowers to those until they’ve passed away, this brought a fan to say, “702 raised so many of us! I hope Irish knew how very impactful she and her group were for R&B, girl groups, and 90’s culture.”

DC Flooding Tunnel Project Complete

(Washington, DC) — A tunnel project designed to reduce flooding on Rhode Island Avenue and Mt. Olivet Road has been completed. DC Water announced Friday the Northeast Boundary Tunnel is finished and should alleviate the recurring flooding on those roads. New storm drain inlets should also improve the flow of water into the tunnel. Officials say not all flooding like in the case of an intense storm will be prevented but the impact will not be as great. Recent flooding in August caused District Dogs doggy daycare to flood. Ten dogs died.

Teyana Taylor Confirms Separation From Iman Shumpert, Claims Infidelity Had Nothing To Do With It

Fans are more upset than they are about this seperation.

Teyana Taylor is confirming reports that she and Iman Shumpert have separated.  In an Instagram post, Teyana says they’ve been separated for a while and that infidelity had absolutely nothing to do with it. This comes after fans were upset to see a female that wasn’t Taylor, seen on social media wearing Shumpert’s customized necklace and his voice could be heard in the background.

Captioning a photo of both of them, Teyana writes: “AHT AHT! Not too much on my bestie! In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, “infidelity” ain’t one of the reasons for our departure.” 

She continues, “We are still the best of friends, great business partners, and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children. Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10 years together, 7 years married we ain’t ever played with or about THAT.” 

Black Joy And Good News In Our Community

Joy… specifically Black joy in our communities. We’re talking about those joyful stories that often don’t make the headlines. You may remember, just this past Wednesday, we talked about our seemingly insatiable hunger for salacious, negative news. We know it’s a thing. But we’re flipping the script. We’re talking about good news in our communities and what it means to experience Black joy.

Molette Green, Anchor/Reporter, NBC4-Washington
Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey, Physician, Author, Social Commentator

16th Street Baptist Church Bombing Anniversary

U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE KATANJI BROWN-JACKSON IS IN BIRMINGHAM. SHE’S THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT A MEMORIAL SERVICE THIS MORNING, MARKING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 16TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH BOMBING. THE EVENT HONORS THE FOUR LITTLE GIRLS WHO WERE KILLED IN THE ATTACK IN 1963. THE JUSTICE’S VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IS PART OF THE CITY’S FORGING JUSTICE COMMEMORATION WEEK, WHICH RUNS THROUGH SATURDAY.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court, speaks at the 60th Commemoration of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Birmingham, Ala.

The Black Vote and the Road to 2024

Are you packed and ready to hit the road to 2024? You know what they say, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. We’re talking about the Black vote, Election 2024, the issues and the politics.

Resources: Link for Road to 2024 event at Howard University, September 15th

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-road-to-2024-tickets-686862071947?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Wen-kuni Ceant, CEO/Co-Founder, Politicking
Jordan Wilson, Co-Founder, Politicking

Hunter Biden Indicted On Gun Charges

(Washington, DC) — Hunter Biden is being charged with felony gun charges. Special counsel David Weiss indicted President Biden’s son in connection with a gun he purchased in 2018. He’s charged with allegedly making false statements while purchasing the gun and possessing the gun while addicted to drugs. Weiss is also weighing whether to charge Hunter Biden with alleged tax crimes. The charges come after a plea deal fell apart earlier this summer.

Hunter Biden talks with guests during a State Dinner for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Diddy Details Decision To ‘Reassign’ Publishing To Bad Boy Artists

Diddy is opening up about his decision to return publishing rights to Bad Boy artists and writers.  

The 53-year-old music mogul has been previously accused of “stealing” money from artists and conducting “bad” business.

The father of seven sat down for an exclusive interview with Billboard, published Wednesday.   “I decided to reassign publishing rights to the whole catalog in May or June 2021. The news is just now coming out because it took time to finalize everything… When I was looking at the catalog and everything, I was put in a position where I felt like I had to look in the mirror. I had to make sure that what I was standing for was my total truth…” 

“We live in a time where things are constantly evolving. And it was about reform for me. It was me looking at ways I could reform things as a person that’s been asking for change… It was just the right and obvious thing to do; something I’m proud I did. As a businessman, there comes a time when you have to pick purpose over profit. I’m glad that I’ve seen both sides. As a businessman, I’ve evolved and was blessed to be in a position to give the publishing back.” 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 2023 Opening Convocation With President Ben Vinson III, PhD

In case you missed Howard University’s celebration of its 156th Opening Convocation Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Cramton Auditorium. This year’s convocation speaker is Howard University’s 18th President, Ben Vinson III, PhD

We encourage you to attend in person, however, if you cannot, you can watch below:

See the livestream 09/15 at 11am

Our Hunger For Scandal and Salacious News

Whether you watch it, read it or listen to it… we all seem to love a salacious story. The juicier the better. But why is there such an insatiable appetite for scandalous news? From celebrities to every day people, shocking revelations seem to peak our interest. We explore the allure of so-called tabloid culture and its impact. Why are we so obsessed with the scandalous, the salacious, the dark, negative stories?

Part 1

Part 2

Dr. Terri Adams, Associate Dean, Howard University Graduate School, Director, Howard University Initiative on Public Opinion
Nicki Mayo, Multimedia Journalist
April Banks, Blogger

Lovable Moments At MTV’s VMAs 2023

The MTV Video Music Awards took place on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Hip Hop legend LL COOL J, along with Grandmaster Flash Honor Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary in an All-Star tribute performance, that didn’t miss a beat.

https://youtu.be/RqZXOsFa3B0?si=snRTUGHKJ3wCmtXy

You couldn’t beat the moment the Diddy received the Global Icon Award:

https://youtu.be/OGJrOFCUaiY?si=bxS6NnwbdjoOPAbD

The salute to hip hop continues and mixes a little new with a little back in the day, when Nelly hits the stage with NLE Choppa as they performed Ain’t Gonna Answer/ It’s Getting Hot:

https://youtu.be/LNw3hYQi3Ng?si=ZXFmTNYsaYbBC7m3

While the music was live in the building, so was the fashion. Here are some of the looks we decided to share that hit the red carpet and on stage:

{WATCH} NEWSMAKERS CORNER:Best Method To Approach The School Year Post-Pandemic

Jenae Addison sits Becky Pringle, NEA President to discuss the changes students will experience this academic year.

“When we’re talking about the educator shortage. You’re seeing that a lot of the teachers are leaving, are teachers of color, and we’re talking about a diverse classroom and students, you know, being able to see someone that looks like them and getting them excited when it comes to education, how are you making sure that the classroom is diverse?”, Addison inquires.

Pringles responds, “We are not only partnering with the White House and the Department of Education, which has entered this work, and not just the recruitment of teachers writ large, but specifically focused on recruiting and retaining, which is so important. You can’t leave that out because even when we are all the work we’ve done to recruit the teachers of color, particularly black teachers, they are leaving at a disproportionate rate so that the retention of all of our teachers of color is extraordinarily important. And what we’ve learned is building community among them, making them, making them feel as though they belong in that community, making sure the school has resources.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION BELOW

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The Tuskegee Airmen Nurses

We’ve all heard the stories and seen the movies about the Tuskegee Airmen. The heroic black aviators who flew the red tail p-47 and p-51 fighters over Europe during World War II. But little was known about the Black nurses stationed at on the base in Tuskegee, Alabama where those Black pilots trained. That is, until now. A new book, just published, chronicles the service and work by the Tuskegee army nurse corps during this critical time in American history.

Resources:

http://www.tuskegeearmynurses.info/

Pia Marie Winters-Jordan, Author,
“Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen Nurse and Her Military Sisters”

Former Memphis Officers Under Federal Indictment In Tyre Nichols’ Death

(Memphis, TN) — A federal grand jury has indicted five former Memphis police officers in connection to the death of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old died earlier this year from blunt-force trauma to the head three days after a traffic stop. The officers face multiple counts including excessive force, conspiracy to witness tamper and obstruction of justice. They also face multiple charges in a state case including second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The officers pleaded not guilty to the state charges.

Medical Monday: Suicide, Stigma and Mental Health

Talking about suicide is not easy. Every time we discuss this issue, it seems to get more and more difficult. This is a Medical Monday conversation. During this National Suicide Prevention Week, we are addressing stigma and mental health.

Resources:

https://rockforlifefoundation.org/

https://www.nami.org/Home

The Access HelpLine at 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357

Dhyana Parker, Founder/Executive Director, The Rock of Life Foundation
Dr. Yushekia Woodford, Chief Resident,
Howard University Department of Psychiatry