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It’s The Commanders: New Name of the Washington Football Team

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Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, February 2, 2022) – After months of anticipation, the speculation is over.   The Commanders  is officially the new name of the Washington Football Team.  No more racially offensive or generic names and brands.

With lots of fanfare and build up, the new name and logo were revealed this morning before a televised audience at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland and with fans watching from a jumbotron from the National Harbor in Oxon Hill.  The Capitol Wheel was also in on the hype flashing the colors of burgundy and gold for the DMV to see.

A Heart Healthy You in 2022

The Links Inc. Arlington Va. Chapter is hosting their Red Dress Event for Heart Health

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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February is Heart Month and this morning I have information on getting and staying Heart Healthy.  Plus a big event coming up this Friday you don’t want to miss. It’s the 14th Annual DMV Links Red Dress event is this Friday, February 4th.  My guest is Suzanne Walker – President, Arlington, Virginia Chapter of the Links Inc.

14th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Event is Friday, February 4th.  The event is being streamed on Facebook Live.  This year’s theme is A Heart Healthy You in 2022.

 

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Learning More About DC Black History Facts……

We spotlight and remember the magnificent history and legacy of African Americans in Washington, DC

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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Today is the start of Black History Month.  Many of us know a little something about African American History but specifically, the legacy of black people in Washington, DC is especially rich, from the founding of Howard University, to the emancipation of enslaved people before the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, to home rule and black empowerment–there is much to remember and celebrate.  Tonight, we do just that.

IN STUDIO:

Guest:

Dr. Natalie Hopkinson – Associate Professor, School of Communication, Howard University

Author or GO-GO Live: The Musical Life and Death of Chocolate City

 

Frank Smith – Executive Director, African American Civil War Museum, Former DC Council-member

A New Name For The WFT Draws Near

A new name for Washington’s professional football team will be revealed on Wednesday.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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Wednesday we will learn the new name for the Washington Football Team. The announcement will be made on the Today Show.  Monday, former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann said in an interview that the name would be the Washington Commanders. Later, Theismann said he actually he did not know what the new name of the Washington Football Team will be after all. The team also plans to unveil a new alternate uniform.

Former Coach Sues NFL Alleges Plantation Mentality

A former Black NFL head coach is suing the league over its lack of black coaches and general managers.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Fired Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores sued the NFL and three of its teams Tuesday, saying racist hiring practices by the league have left it racially segregated and managed like a plantation.

The lawsuit in Manhattan federal court sought class-action status and unspecified damages from the league, the Dolphins, the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants, along with unidentified individuals.

Flores was fired last month by Miami after leading the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years. They went 9-8 in their second straight winning season, but failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.

A message sent to the NFL for comment was not immediately returned.

“God has gifted me with a special talent to coach the game of football, but the need for change is bigger than my personal goals,” Flores said in a release put out by the law firm representing him in the case.

“In making the decision to file the class action complaint today, I understand that I may be risking coaching the game that I love and that has done so much for my family and me. My sincere hope is that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL, others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come,” he said.

The lawsuit alleges that the league has discriminated against Flores and other Black coaches for racial reasons, denying them positions as head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators and quarterbacks coaches, as well as general managers.

“In certain critical ways, the NFL is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation,” the lawsuit said.

“Its 32 owners — none of whom are Black — profit substantially from the labor of NFL players, 70% of whom are Black. The owners watch the games from atop NFL stadiums in their luxury boxes, while their majority-Black workforce put their bodies on the line every Sunday, taking vicious hits and suffering debilitating injuries to their bodies and their brains while the NFL and its owners reap billions of dollars,” it added.

The lawsuit said the firing of Flores was typical for Black coaches who are not given the latitude other coaches receive to succeed. It noted that Flores led the Dolphins to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2003.

The improvement came even though, the lawsuit contends, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told Flores he would pay him $100,000 for every loss during the coach’s first season because he wanted the club to “tank” so it could get the draft’s top pick.

The lawsuit alleged that Ross then pressured Flores to recruit a prominent quarterback in violation of the league’s tampering rules. When Flores refused, he was cast as the “angry Black man” who is difficult to work with and was derided until he was fired, the suit said.

Last week, the Giants disclosed to third parties that they had decided to hire Brian Daboll as their new coach even when they had not yet had their scheduled meeting with Flores, the lawsuit said.

“Mr. Flores was deceptively led to believe he actually had a chance at this job,” the lawsuit said, adding that he had to endure a dinner with the Giants’ new general manager knowing that the team had already selected Daboll.

In a statement, the Giants said: “We are pleased and confident with the process that resulted in the hiring of Brian Daboll. We interviewed an impressive and diverse group of candidates. The fact of the matter is, Brian Flores was in the conversation to be our head coach until the eleventh hour. Ultimately, we hired the individual we felt was most qualified to be our next head coach.”

According to the lawsuit, his treatment by the Giants was typical of how the “Rooney Rule” has been administered for the last two decades.

The rule, named after Dan Rooney while he was chairman of the NFL’s diversity committee, was created to give more minority candidates opportunities to become a head coach and reward teams who develop them.

In 2020, the NFL amended the Rooney Rule to stipulate teams must interview at least two minority candidates not associated with their own team for a head coaching vacancy. Also, one minority candidate has to be interviewed for coordinator positions as well as high-ranking positions in the front office, including the general-manager role.

According to the lawsuit, only one of the NFL’s 32 teams employs a Black head coach, only four of them employ a Black offensive coordinator and only 11 employ a Black defensive coordinator.

Howard and UDC Target of More Bomb Threats

Bomb threats at more HBCUs forced student at several schools into shelter in place mode for several hours again today. Authorities are still trying to find the culprits and are investigating if the threats are racially motivated.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, February 1, 2022) – Local and federal authorities are looking for the culprits behind more bomb threats today targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Morgan State University were among those having to ask students to shelter in place this morning as authorities searched for possible explosives.  The all clear was given at Howard shortly after 6am.

The threats at the schools are the latest in a string of bomb threats called into the HBCUs in recent weeks.  It is not clear if the threats are connected or if they are racially motivated.  No one has been injured.  But the threats are disruptive to the schools and costly to the police departments.

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2022 DMV Hometown History Makers

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It’s Black History Month and this year WHUR is recognizing 2022 DMV Hometown Black History Makers! Check back here throughout the month of February to see who will be honored next.

Dr. Eliot F. Battle, internationally renowned dermatologist and the CEO/co-founder of Cultura Dermatology and Plastic Surgery

Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, renowned Neuroscientist, legislator and Southeastern University president

Trian Johnson, DMV titan of realty

Edgar Ndjatou, founding principal at Officum LLC

Dr. Marco Clark, founder and CEO of Richard Wright Schools

Queen Afi, principal founder of Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags

Rev. Deborah J. Chambers, vice president of development and partnerships at Central Union Mission

Cora Masters Barry, Forever First Lady of the Nation’s Capitol

Kojo Nnamdi, host of The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

Kimberly Higginbotham, patient navigation coordinator at Howard University Hospital

Johnathan Branch, captain of the Metropolitan Police Department Cadet Corps

NBC4’s Shawn Yancy, Emmy award-winning broadcasting journalist

Alexandria Diggs, owner of Lou’s Buns

Priyadarshini Persaud, award-winning realtor and initiator of ‘Give A Gift With Me”

Financial Literacy Workshops For Our Youth

Isaiah’s House of Hope is offering free financial literacy workshops for our youth

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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We are talking dollars and cents this morning and giving youngsters the tools they need to be good financial stewards.  My guest this morning runs a financial literacy program targeted teens.  It’s called Isaiah’s House of Hope.  My guest is Krystle Nicohlson – Founder and Executive Director of Isaiah’s House of Hope Inc.

Isaiah’s House of Hope Inc. is offering free youth financial literacy workshops.  Session #1 is February 5th  @ 12pm and will focus on setting SMART goals including money management, budgeting, expenses, saving and more. For more information go here:

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Medical Monday: Heart Health Conversations……

A conversation about your health and your heart.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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Heart disease is the leading cause of the death among men and women in the United States.  The disease hits the African American community especially hard.  In adequate health care and healthy food options plays a significant role in the high heart disease numbers in black communities.   February is Healthy Heart Month and in this Insight segment we discuss measures to have the healthiest heart possible.

AUDIO LINK:

Dr. Prince Alebna – Cardiology Fellow, Howard University Hospital

Sharon Stanley Merriweather – President, Iota Lambda Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Special Event

Pink Goes Red_2022

Dr. Paul Underwood – Former President, Association of Black Cardiologists

 

Judge Rejects Plea Deal For Convicted Ahmaud Arbery Killer

A Georgia judge rejected a plea deal proposed by defense attorneys for one of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A federal judge rejected a plea agreement Monday that would have averted a hate crimes trial for the man convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery.

Arbery’s parents denounced the proposed deal for Travis McMichael, with mother Wanda Cooper-Jones and father Marcus Arbery emotionally asking the judge to reject agreements filed for McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael.

In rejecting the deal, U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said it would have locked her into specific terms — including 30 years in federal prison — at sentencing. Wood said that in this case it would only be appropriate to consider the family’s wishes at sentencing, which the proposed deal wouldn’t allow.

The judge gave the McMichaels until Friday to decide whether they move ahead with pleading guilty.

“Ahmaud is a kid you cannot replace,” Arbery said. “He was killed racially and we want 100% justice, not no half justice.”

Cooper-Jones described the U.S. Justice Department’s decision to propose the plea deal despite her objections as “disrespectful.”

“I fought so hard to get these guys in the state prison,” she said. “I told them very, very adamantly that I wanted them to go to state prison and do their time. … Then I got up this morning and found out they had accepted this ridiculous plea.”

Wood continued preparations to summon summoning the first 50 potential jurors to the courthouse on Feb. 7 for questioning.

The proposed plea agreements for the McMichaels were filed with the court late Sunday. There was no mention of a deal with their co-defendant, William “Roddie” Bryan. All three men were sentenced to life in prison on Jan. 7 after a trial last fall.

The hate crime charges accuse McMichaels and Bryan of violating the 25-year-old Black man’s civil rights by chasing him through their neighborhood in coastal Georgia on Feb. 23, 2020. The McMichaels armed themselves and pursued Arbery in one pickup truck while Bryan joined the chase in another and recorded video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery with a shotgun.

A national outcry erupted when the graphic video leaked online two months later. Georgia was one of just four U.S. states without a hate crimes law at the time. Legislators quickly approved one, but it came too late for state hate crime charges in Arbery’s killing.

Bomb Threats At HBCUs

HBCUs receive bomb threats and forced to close or lockdown today. The schools include to local universities–Howard and Bowie State.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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Today, bomb threats at two local historically black university’s put the schools on high alert. The threats were directed at Howard University and Bowie State University. Both schools say no bombs were found on its campuses.
A call came in at 4:30 this morning to Howard alleging a bomb was located in the campus’ administration building. DC and campus police searched but found no explosives.
A call to Bowie State was received around 6:00 am today.  Maryland State Police were involved in the investigation at BSU, and though the threat there was taken seriously, police say it did not appear to be credible.  Classes at Bowie State were held virtually because of the bomb scare. Bowie State president Aminta Breaux said the threats will not deter the university from its mission of educating students.

Four other HBCU’s across the country—Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Southern University and Delaware State University— received threats today and were forced to lockdown or close.

Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother ‘Upset’ Over Plea Deal

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Ahmaud Arbery’s mother is ‘upset’ over a plea deal offered to two of the men convicted of murdering her son.
After it was reported that Greg and Travis McMichael had accepted a plea deal on federal hate crime charges, Wanda Cooper-Jones told the New York Times that prosecutors “went behind my back” to offer the deal – claiming she was asked if she approved of the deal and said no.
Cooper-Jones says she wants the hate crime case to go to trial to “firmly establish that the men had been motivated by racism”, per NYT.
She added “I’m totally, totally upset. My anxiety is over the roof.”
The McMichaels, along with neighbor William ‘Roddie’ Bryan, were all sentenced to life in prison on murder charges earlier this month.
How do you feel about a plea deal being offered vs. taking the case to trial. Is another trial necessary when they’ve already been setenced to life in prison?

Rihanna Is Pregnant!

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No more speculation about Rihanna’s weight gain, she has made it official!
She is pregnant.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna took several photos together showing off her baby bump.
Rihanna wore a long pink puffer coat to take her pictures. Do you think the coat is a hint about the gender?

Janet Jackson Has a Girl Crush on Alicia Keys

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Alicia Keys posted an article from 2008 to her Instagram page.
The title of the article Janet Jackson Admits to Alicia Keys Crush.
Alicia posted it after the two night Janet documentary on Lifetime.
She captioned the post. I always knew I was BAE But when Janet Jackson says it Alicia added bomb emojis.
Who is your celebrity crush?

Shekinah Glory Ministry’s Reign Jesus And Other New Projects

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Sherree Lee, Cedric Ford, and Maurice Joshua shared the story of their new remix “Reign Jesus” , the 20th anniversary of their recording “Praise Is What I Do,” and an upcoming Gospel project by the Whispers.

https://youtu.be/28inalGUfY4

Free Your Mind Friday

Talking about what’s getting on your nerves and grinding your gears.

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We haven’t had a chance to lighten things up recently with a Free Your Mind Friday.  The news has been just plain rough.  But we’re going give you a chance to talk about what’s getting on your nerves and grinding your gears.

Del Harrison, Comedian, Actor
Authorized by Larry Lancaster
Larry Lancaster, Comedian

Defense Sec. Talks Putin, Ukraine

Austin says Putin now has full range of options in Ukraine.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday the buildup of Russian forces along Ukraine’s border has reached the point where President Vladimir Putin now has a complete range of military options, including actions short of a full-scale invasion.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, center, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, right, speak during a media briefing at the Pentagon, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, in Washington.

“While we don’t believe that President Putin has made a final decision to use these forces against Ukraine, he clearly now has the capability,” Austin told a Pentagon news conference.

In Moscow, the Kremlin said Putin told French President Emmanuel Macron that the West has failed to take Russian security concerns into account, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a radio interviewer that Russia doesn’t want war but sees no room for compromise on its demands.

Austin said Putin could use any portion of his force of an estimated 100,000 troops to seize Ukrainian cities and “significant territories” or to launch “coercive acts or provocative political acts” like the recognition of breakaway territories inside Ukraine. He urged Putin to de-escalate the tensions.

Swastikas Spray Painted at Union Station

It is unclear whether the connection to International Holocaust Remembrance Day was intentional.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vandals spray-painted dozens of swastikas on the outside of Union Station, the central hub for regional train transportation in the nation’s capital.

The graffiti was discovered Friday, a day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with crude Nazi symbols painted on columns across the front of the massive building and several clustered around the escalator entrance to the underground D.C. Metro.

Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department referred questions to the Amtrak Police, which handles security for the building. Efforts to contact the Amtrak Police were unsuccessful. But a security guard on the scene, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the incident was under investigation. The guard pointed out that several of the swastikas were painted in spots that were in full view of the building’s security video cameras.

By midday, staff had begun to cover the swastikas with sheets of white paper secured by blue tape.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington posted a statement on Instagram, calling the timing “particularly offensive” and added, “This anti-semitic and hateful symbol has no place in our society.”

It is unclear whether the connection to International Holocaust Remembrance Day was intentional.

The Jewish Federation’s post indicated that police had provided them with some information about the suspect.

“We have learned that the person involved is homeless and a mental wellness services consumer, and we are relieved to know it will be removed as soon as possible, ” the message said.

Preparing Students for Careers in International Affairs

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is now accepting applications

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is accepting applications.  The program is designed to provide students with an appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs.  My guest this morning is  Bunmi Akinnusotu – Deputy Director of Rangel Program at Howard University Bunche International Affairs Center

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program application deadline is February 15th. The program is open to full-time undergraduate students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2.  The program covers tuition, travel, room and board, and provides a stipend. For more information go here:

 

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Win a $2,500 Shopping Spree

Enter to win Steve Harvey’s Buttah….worth $2,500

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Enter for the chance to win a Grand Prize shopping spree with a $2,500 Macy’s gift card or one of 10 First Prizes of Buttah’s three piece customizable kit! Everyone needs a Iil’ Buttah – baby!

Easy as 1, 2, 3 to get flawless skin as smooth as butter with our customizable skincare kit. Products designed to gently cleanse, brighten and moisturize skin daily to uncover your best skin. Formulated especially for melanin rich complexions and all skin types. To enter to win go to www.steveharveyfm.com

 

DC Summer Jobs Registration Begins

Eligible residents can now apply for the 2022 Marion Barry Summer Employment program.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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DC youth who want a summer job in the District can begin applying today, Friday, January 28.  Applications for the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment program will be accepted starting at noon.   District residents aged 14-24 are eligible.

Charles County Pharmacy Shutdown In Drugs For Sex Scheme

Northgate Pharmacy in Waldorf was shutdown Thursday by the DEA following an investigation into a drugs for sex scheme by pharmacy employees.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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A Waldorf pharmacy has been shut down by federal agents, alleging workers supplied drugs to women in exchange for sex.  Drug Enforcement Administration officials charge that Northgate Pharmacy, at 3973 Saint Charles Parkway, illegally distributed “highly addictive pharmaceuticals,” in order to exploit “vulnerable females for sexual favors.”  According to the DEA, the pharmacy could not make an accounting of thousands of dosage units of highly addictive drugs that included oxycodone.

Tweet On Biden Supreme Court Commitment Draws Criticism For Georgetown Law Official

Georgetown law lecturer in hot water for comments on Biden’s commitment for naming a black woman to the Supreme Court.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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The head of one Georgetown University’s law departments is facing criticism for tweets that seem to suggest nominating a woman of Asian Pacific descent for a seat on the Supreme Court would be better than, as President Biden promised, a black woman.  Ilya Shaprio, the new executive director and senior lecturer at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution said Biden nominating Asian American Sri Srinivasan “doesn’t fit into the latest intersectionality hierarchy so we’ll get lesser black woman.”  The Washington Post reports that the dean of the university’s law center called Shapiro’s comments appalling.  Shapiro apologized for what he deemed his “inartful” tweet.    Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has announced he is retirement.  President Biden says he is standing by his 2020 presidential campaign promise to nominate a black woman for a seat on the Supreme Court.

PJ Morton Is Ready For Even More

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https://youtu.be/k3U75X6IYao

Even though singer, songwriter, multi Grammy Award Winning PJ Morton is one of the busiest musicians… Keyboardist for Maroon 5, has his own label, etc…. He’s looking to do even more in his career. We are here for all of it. Press play to hear what he has to say …or sing …about “Please Don’t Walk Away!”

Biden to Pick Black Woman for Supreme Court

Race and politics for The Supreme Court decision

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During the retirement announcement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, President Joe Biden confirmed he will nominate a black woman to the high court seat.  He says he’s sticking to his campaign promise.  This will be an historic selection with all eyes on the eventual nominee.  But that’s just the beginning. In this politically charged climate that is the U.S. Senate… nothing is simple or assured.

Dr. Niambi Carter, Political Science Professor, Howard University, Author
Mary C. Curtis, Columnist, Roll Call

Dr. Sherice Nelson, Political Analyst

Biden: Black Woman Justice “Long Overdue”

President Biden says he’s made no decision about a nominee.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday affirmed his pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it was “long overdue.” He praised retiring Justice Stephen Breyer as a model public servant and promised a nominee by the end of February.

Breyer joined Biden at the White House, a day after news broke of the 83-year-old’s upcoming retirement.

Justice Stephen Breyer

Since Biden took office in January 2021, he has focused on nominating a diverse group of judges to the federal bench, not just in race but also in professional expertise. He installed five Black women on federal appeals courts, with three more nominations pending before the Senate.

“I’ve made no decision except the one person I will nominate will e someone with extraordinary qualifications, character, experience and integrity,” Biden said as Breyer stood by. “And that person will be the first Black woman ever nominated to the United States Supreme Court. It’s long overdue.”

Fighting Covid-19

A free health clinic is offering vaccinations and boosters

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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The fight against COVID continues and this morning I have information on where you can get vaccinated and boosted this weekend.  Charlotte’s Web Enrichment Center is joining forces with the Maryland Department of Health to host a free Health Clinic this Saturday.  My guest is Toni Brooks-Cooper – Founder and Executive Director of Charlotte’s Web Enrichment Center

Charlotte’s Web Enrichment Center is joining forces with the Maryland Department of Health to host a free Health Clinic Saturday, January 29th from 10am -2pm  at 817 Brightseat Road in Hyattsville.  For more information go here:

 

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

 

Listen  to this mornings segment here:

Suicide and the Black Community

Support and resources

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Kevin Ward, the new mayor of the City of Hyattsville committed suicide last night.  City officials say the 44-year-old, husband and father of two… died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Just this week it was revealed that Ian Alexander, Jr., the 26-year-old son of actress Regina King committed suicide on January 21st, just two days after his birthday.  Once again we find ourselves having the difficult and important conversation about suicide and mental health in our community.

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-8255

Black Mental Wellness Lounge

The AAKOMA Project

SAMHSA

Lisa Daughtrey, Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Clinical Psychologist

Brandon Johnson, Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA

Hyattsville Mayor Dies Suddenly

Hyattsville City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will now serve as Interim Mayor.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Kevin Ward, the new mayor of the City of Hyattsville, Maryland died last night from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  City official announced his passing in a press release today.  The 44-year-old father of two had been serving since 2021 as the interim mayor until taking the seat permanently on January 1st, 2022.  He leaves behind a husband and two adopted sons. Hyattsville City Council Vice President Robert Croslin will now serve as Interim Mayor.

Mayor Kevin Ward, Hyattsville, Maryland

Black Woman Could Replace Justice Breyer on High Court

Biden previously has said he would appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court.

Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative in recent years, trying to forge majorities with more moderate justices right and left of center.

Two sources confirmed the news to The Associated Press on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt Breyer’s formal announcement.

Breyer has been a justice since 1994, appointed by President Bill Clinton. Along with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Breyer opted not to step down the last time the Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate during Barack Obama’s presidency. Ginsburg died in September 2020, and then-President Donald Trump filled the vacancy with a conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett.

‘The Real Husbands of Hollywood’ Returns Next Month With More Celebrity Guest Stars

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Kevin Hart’s spoof sitcom, “The Real Husbands of Hollywood (More Kevin, More Problems)” is returning, this time to BET+ where stars like Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, JB Smoove, Nelly, Nick Cannon, and Robin Thicke, will guest star.

The trailer was released and features familiar faces like Angela Rye, Tiffany Haddish, Amanda Seales, Mark Cuban, Yolanda Adams, Big Boy, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Dr. Phil.

The newest season tackles relationships and the COVID-19 pandemic, in one scene, Hart is seen taking his “vaccine” out of a shot glass.

The limited series will feature ten episodes and air on BET+ starting February 10th.

Will you be tuned in to “The Real Husbands of Hollywood?”

Snoop Dogg Is Going Back On Death Row!

Posted by WHUR Contributor
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Snoop Dogg made an interesting post on his social media on Tuesday (January 25). The post featured an image of the rapper during his Death Row days.

The image included the bold acronym, “B.O.D.R” with the title, “Bacc on Death Row,” underneath. A date of 2.13.22 was included. Snoop didn’t post a caption with the image so it’s unclear what the possible album will include.

Will the album feature songs from Snoop’s Death Row days that were never released? The album will presumingly be released in conjunction with Snoop’s new home of Def Jam, so it could be a Death Row record released on Def Jam…interesting.

What do you think Snoop’s “Bacc on Death Row” post signifies?

The Return of ‘Ozark’ Draws Huge Numbers on Netflix

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Although Ozark got off to a slow start when it arrived on Netflix in 2017, the momentum has been skyrocketing with each new season.

After a 22-month absence from the platform, Ozark returns, and audiences couldn’t be happier. In the first three days of the season four release, Ozark is responsible for 77 million hours of binge-watching.

The bad news is Ozark only has seven more episodes before the series ends for good.

What do you think of the new season of Ozark?

Omicron Wave Leaves US Food Banks Scrambling for Volunteers

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By ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Food banks are experiencing a critical shortage of volunteers as the omicron variant frightens people away from group activities. Individual volunteers are shying away from their usual shifts, and companies and schools that regularly supply large groups of volunteers are canceling their participation over virus fears. The end result in many cases has been a serious increase in spending by the food banks at a time when they’re already dealing with higher food costs due to inflation and supply chain issues. The extent of the problem was highlighted this past week during the national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when many food banks have traditionally organized mass volunteer drives as part of a day of service.

To Highlight Economic Growth, Biden Goes Shopping for Gifts

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By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pledging to chat more with everyday Americans and followed through Tuesday by visiting a gift shop and ice cream store in Washington’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Biden went shopping at Honey Made. It’s a boutique that opened up last year amid the pandemic. The president chose a hoodie for his grandson and a necklace for his wife, Jill. He then picked up a mug with a picture of Vice President Kamala Harris on it. The trip occurred as Biden tries to improve feelings about an economy facing stiff inflation. The White House says it has provided $400 billion in aid to more than 6 million small businesses.

Building Could Become Museum for Black Civil War Regiment

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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A vacant building in Hartford could become a museum honoring a famed Black Civil War regiment.
Army veteran Bridgitte Prince is spearheading a project to raise $35 million to tell the story of the 29th Regiment Connecticut Infantry (Colored), the first Union soldiers to enter the defeated city of Richmond near the war’s end.
The city-owned building was built in 1920 and once housed city offices, but has been vacant for a decade. Prince and her partners also want to convert it into subsidized housing for low-income veterans. Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal has offered to help the group with the federal funding process.
The group also is seeking a national historic district designation for the building site and wants to redesign a park across the street to include a monument to the regiment.
City officials told the Hartford Courant that a thorough environmental assessment must be performed before the project can go forward.
“We have very serious concerns about seeking a historic designation of the property until that environmental assessment is complete,” Hartford development services Director I. Charles Matthew said, “because while a historic designation can be helpful for redevelopment, it can also limit the options for redevelopment and increase costs dramatically.”
Tammy Marzik, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, told the newspaper the project could provide needed options for veterans who are homeless or in need.
The 29th regiment was authorized in late 1863 after the General Assembly allowed the state to recruit Black men to fight in the war. The regiment fought through the end of the war under Connecticut’s banner and eventually totaled about 1,700 men and sustained more than 600 casualties.

LisaRaye McCoy Says “The Players Club” Role Led To An “Identity Crisis”

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Lisa Raye McCoy recently revealed that playing “Diamond” in “The Players Club” led to an identity crisis.

McCoy tells Page Six that she felt she needed the long hair and look like her character to be recognized in public.

Lisa Raye says the movie “put me on the map…it made me a bona fide sex symbol, and when you are a sex symbol people think that you’re sexy all the time, and that stigma follows you,” she added. “So I am forever Diamond.”

McCoy says she is grateful for Ice Cube who she called, “professional” during the filming of her striptease and set up several cameras so she only had to do the take twice.

Do you still see #LisaRaye as “Diamond?” Do you think she’ll ever be able to top her “Player’s Club” performance?

More Couples Embrace Weekday Weddings

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By LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Some coveted wedding venues are still backed up because of rescheduling caused by the pandemic. And more couples are traveling again for destination ceremonies. That has meant an uptick in weekday nuptials. The wedding planning site The Knot says weekday weddings are expected to rise by about 2% this year when compared to pre-pandemic 2018 and 2019. Though most weddings will take place Fridays through Sundays, about 10% will be held on Mondays through Thursdays around the U.S. Senior editor Kim Forrest at the Wedding Wire says the average number of weddings in a year is typically 2.2 million in the U.S. This year, that number is expected to increase to 2.6 million.

EZ Street’s Safe Passage Initiative for Youth

Addressing youth violence in DC

Posted by Harold Fisher
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When it comes to crime and gun violence DC streets have become very mean places for young people.  The cry for something to be done has been constant.  One of WHUR’s own is answering the call to help young people stay away from this dark future.

EZ Street, WHUR Announcer/Founder, Academy DC & Creative Solution 4 Youth
Glen O’Glivie, CEO, Center of Non-Profit Advancement

Laura Harding, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Office of DC Deputy Mayor of Education

MCPS Reevaluating School Security

County officials voted last year to end the nearly two-decades old program placing officers in public schools.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Rockville, MD) — Montgomery County Public Schools says it will reevaluate school security in the wake of Friday’s high school shooting. School officials say security at all county schools is up for reevaluation following Friday’s shooting at Colonel Magruder High School. MCPS interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight said while security issues need to be addressed, she does not want to see school resource officers placed back in public schools. County officials voted last year to end the nearly two-decades old program placing officers in public schools.

MAGRUDER HIGH SCHOOL

Red Wine Can Help Fight COVID

Some good news for wine drinkers when it comes to COVID. According to a new study, there are some benefits of drinking wine in helping to fight off the coronavirus.

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Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, January 25, 2022) – A new study says red wine may provide some benefits in fighting back against the coronavirus.  The study out of the UK found that people who drank more than five glasses a wine a week had a 17 percent lower risk of catching COVID.

The research involved more 473,000 people.  It also showed on the flip side, persons who drink beer or cider were nearly 28 percent more likely to get the coronavirus no matter how much they consumed.

For white wine and champagne drinkers who consume between one to four glasses per week, had an 8% lower risk for COVID compared to non-drinkers.

Making Our Communities Safer

Academy DC and their “Do Betta DC Safe Passage Program”

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Using the arts to guide youth away from violence and towards a pathway of hope.  This morning we are spotlighting a program headed up by our very own EZ Street who is helping to make communities in the DMV safer for our youth.  My guest is my EZ Street – CEO and Founder of Academy DC and Creative Solutions 4 Youth

Academy DC teaches all things music industry and digital media creation while carefully weaving in life skills for DC area artists, at-risk youth, and returning citizens.  For more information go here:

 

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

COVID-19 Roundtable

We discuss pandemic fatigue and other issues at the COVID-19 Roundtable

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Are tired you of the pandemic? I know I am.  But it is still here. The information and the numbers and executive orders continue to change.  Sometimes it’s just too much. It also divides us politically and even in our homes with our families.  We discuss pandemic fatigue and other issues at the COVID-19 Roundtable.

Resources:

Managing COVID-19 Pandemic Fatigue Roundtable

https://howard.zoom.us/j/2150627951?pwd=dTlOQjcrVU14Q3RVMkQyNUt3VDk0UT09

Meeting ID: 215 062 7951

Passcode: 18671867

Shaunte Daniel, Principal, Excel Academy
Dr. GiShawn Mance, Licenced Clinical Psychologist, Howard University Department of Psychology

Dr. Reed Tuckson, Co-Founder, Black Coalition Against COVID-19

WHUR Radio Pioneer Joe Gorham Dies at 69

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https://youtu.be/Rt3cNtp-4B8

 

 

Update – The Celebration of Life Services for Joe Gorham will be held Friday, March 4th @ 10am at First Baptist Church of Glenarden Ministry Center @ 3600 Brightseat Road in Landover, MD 20785

Washington, D.C. (Monday, January 24, 2022) – It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of one of our esteemed and beloved forever WHUR family members Joseph “Joe” Gorham.  Joe died Sunday, January 23, 2022 while doing one of his greatest loves, traveling.

There are some key people who come to mind when you think of DMV radio legends. Joe Gorham is certainly among that distinguished list. Joe was a veteran broadcaster with a career spanning more than four decades stretching up and down the East Coast.

“Joe retired from WHUR in 2018, but he was still a regular in the building and at events, as he was always proud to be a WHUR family member. You could always count on Joe to be present and to give it his all. His decades of service to this station is something that we honor today and we know that he touched the lives of many throughout his hometown of Washington, DC,” said WHUR General Manager Sean Plater.

Joe spent much of his career as a dedicated member of the WHUR Family holding down numerous positions. Joe started as a freelance technical producer for the Jerry Phillips Morning Show in 1979. From there, he went on to become a freelance announcer and moved on to a full-time staff performer.

In 1991, Joe left WHUR to go up the radio dial to WDJY-100 FM and then to Atlanta’s WALR 104.7. He returned to his beloved WHUR three years later where he hosted the weekend edition of the Original Quiet Storm followed by producing the Washington, DC edition of the #1 nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show.

Joe was a creative soul who made his footprint not only in radio. He touched many parts of the Arts genre. He loved poetry, hosting a WHUR radio program called “Spoken Word at Joe’s Place,” giving up and coming and legendary poets like Nikki Giovanni a platform to share their gifts and talents.

One of Joe’s proudest moments in his broadcasting career came in January 2004 when he was given the task to help WHUR to make history by becoming the first broadcast facility in the DMV to launch an HD radio station (96.3HD2 WHUR-World). Joe’s keen sense of music, organization, and attention to detail made him the perfect candidate to rebuild WHUR’s music library to its former greatness and become WHUR-World’s Music Director. He was also appointed the Music Director of the newly acquired HUR-Voices Sirius-XM Channel 141. Always making sure his voice could be heard, Joe developed a new radio program on WHUR-World called “Legato Lycx.” He held all those aforementioned positions until he retired in 2018.

A first generation Washingtonian, Joe graduated from Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School and went on to the University of the District of Columbia where he earned a B.S Degree in Library Instructional Systems Technology. Joe also served honorably in the United States Army. He his survived by his devoted daughter Michelle and a host of other family members and friends.

Joe was well known and loved in the radio, music, and arts industry. From local and national entertainers, his vast friendships read like a “Who’s Who List.” Just check out his Facebook page on any given day. He had pictures posing with legends who knew him by name. But Joe was at his best with family, friends, and his listeners. He loved to be at events chatting it up with any and everybody. A self-described foodie, Joe loved to travel and try out the various cuisines around the world. One of his last postings was a picture of a bowl of gumbo where he said “Hell Naw, I didn’t make it, but I’m gonna make it disappear.” Whether online, on stage, or in the audience, Joe was Joe.   He was our radio brother and he will be missed.

Joseph “Joe” Gorham” dead at the age of 69. Rest well Joe. Job well done!!!

Prefer to leave a loving message for Joe Gorham to be played on the air? Open the WHUR mobile app, select Open Mic at the bottom and record your message.

*Message should not exceed 60 seconds.

Share your condolences, fondest memories and prayers on the Joe Gorham tribute wall below.

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Federal George Floyd Trial Continues

Prosecutor: Derek Chauvin’s Former Fellow Officers Ignored George Floyd’s Pleas

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(Minneapolis, MN) — A federal prosecutor says the three former Minneapolis Police officers who helped Derek Chauvin detain George Floyd committed crimes when they ignored Floyd’s pleas for help. Federal prosecutor Samantha Trepel said “each made a conscious choice over and over again” and they “chose not intervene and stop Chauvin as he killed a man.” The three former officers are charged with deprivation of rights under color of law for allegedly not giving Floyd medical aid. Chauvin agreed to plead guilty as part of a deal in December. The trial comes not quite two years after Floyd, a Black man, was restrained and pressed into the pavement until he died.

Four Teens Charged In DC Carjackings

Police seized three BB guns from one of the arrested teens.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Washington, DC) — Four teenagers are under arrest charged with a pair of carjackings in the District. Officials say two 16-year-old boys, one 16-year-old girl and one 17-year-old boy are all facing charges in connection with carjackings in the District on January 20th. In two of the incidents, police say the suspects used BB guns to carjack vehicles from their owners. The first incident was reported in the 4000 block of Chesapeake Street NW when the suspects brandished a handgun and demanded a driver’s vehicle. The second incident occurred a short time later in the 2900 block of Van Ness Street NW when one of the suspects pulled out a weapon and asked for the driver’s keys. Police seized three BB guns from one of the arrested teens.

Andre Leon Talley’s Cause of Death Revealed

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According to the Washington Post Andre Leon Talley had several chronic illnesses at the time of his death.
He had asthma and possibly Covid.
A friend confirms he had Covid but a neighbor disputes that saying Andre was extremely careful.
His family has yet to confirm the cause of death.

Search For Shooter Of DC Police Officer

DC police on the hunt for the person who shot a DC police officer Sunday night in Columbia Heights.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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The search for the person who shot a DC police officer continues this morning.  The officer was shot around 9 o’clock Sunday night in Columbia Heights.  DC Police Chief Robert Contee says officers were responding to a call of a suspicious person.  Once they arrived a suspect began shooting at them.   After the shooting, police say the suspect barricaded in a building in the 14-hundred block of Quincy Street.  That suspect was not found.  The wounded officer has been released from the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Governor Lifts Mask Mandates In Virginia Schools

Virginia lifts mask mandates for Commonwealth schools.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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An executive by Governor Glen Youngkin lifting mask mandates in Virginia schools takes effect today.   Local school systems in the state have the option of continuing the mask requirements.

The Youngkin administration has filed a lawsuit in Virginia’s Supreme Court seeking to make mask mandates in the state illegal.  In the interim, the governor has urged families to follow local school system’s mask regulations.