Dr. Clarence B. Jones, MLK's Former Speechwriter Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement and the distinguished chairman of the nonprofit organization Spill The Honey, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joseph Biden. The ceremony took place at the White House on May 3rd, 2024.

Dr. Jones, who served as a speechwriter and legal advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played a crucial role in drafting King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His contributions to the civil rights movement have been widely acknowledged as instrumental in advancing the rights and liberties of African Americans throughout the United States.

Beyond his historical involvement in civil rights, Dr. Jones has continued to impact social justice through his leadership at Spill The Honey. This organization is dedicated to promoting human dignity and confronting prejudice and inequality by educating the public about the history and consequences of racism and discrimination. Under his guidance, Spill The Honey has developed educational programs and partnerships that foster a deeper understanding of civil rights history and encourage the pursuit of justice in contemporary society.

Shari Rogers, Co-Founder of Spill The Honey, expressed her admiration for Dr. Jones, stating, "Dr. Clarence B. Jones is not only a guardian of history but a continuing force for good whose work has consistently upheld the values of justice and equality. His dedication to Dr. King's legacy and his leadership at Spill The Honey reminds us that the fight for civil rights is ongoing, and it is our duty to continue it."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Dr. Jones's receipt of this prestigious award is a testament to his lifelong commitment to civil rights and his enduring influence on American society.

Spill The Honey’s mission is to eradicate all forms of hatred by illuminating the historical alliance between Black and Jewish communities, utilizing the arts and education as a catalyst for empathy and compassion - ultimately creating a seismic societal shift.

This will be achieved by leveraging the power of arts and education to ignite empathy and compassion, thereby catalyzing a profound societal transformation. Spill The Honey's future endeavors, including establishing an inspiring music group, crafting accredited K-12 curricula, offering collegiate courses, and providing community-based online educational programs, hold the promise of fostering diversity and inclusivity to combat racism, instilling hope for a more just and equitable future.

African American Mayors Association Names Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven L. Reed as President

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is excited to announce Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven L. Reed has been appointed as President to lead the national nonprofit organization. Mayor Reed was officially sworn in on Friday, April 26 at the conclusion of AAMA’s 10th anniversary conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

“As we usher in a new decade of the African American Mayors Association, I am thrilled to welcome Mayor Steven L. Reed as President of our organization. Mayor Reed brings a wealth of experience and creative solutions to the table and we’re excited to see what he accomplishes for our cities and communities,” said AAMA CEO, Phyllis Dickerson. “I also want to thank Mayor Patterson-Howard for her tremendous service and leadership this past year.”

“I am honored to accept the challenge of representing the unique needs and interests of our communities, big and small, to the White House, Congress, and others over the next year,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. “I am committed to harnessing the collective strengths of our members nationwide to drive meaningful policy changes. We will work together to address critical issues such as public safety, economic development, and health equity to ensure that our regions not only thrive but also offer a higher quality of life.”

Mayor Reed was sworn in 2019 as the 57th Mayor of the City of Montgomery, Alabama, a historic destination known globally as The Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. He is the first African American to hold the position. A native of Montgomery, Mayor Reed is committed to realizing his vision of a more equitable, progressive, and compassionate city. As a lifelong public servant and leader, Mayor Reed previously served as Montgomery County, Alabama’s first African-American and youngest elected Probate Judge. Prior to serving as AAMA’s President, Reed served as AAMA’s 1st Vice President on the Board of Trustees.

During his one-year term, Mayor Reed plans to focus on improving public safety outcomes, reskilling workers and building capital and capacity for minority-owned businesses, increasing collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, and building support for equitable infrastructure investments and sustainable city initiatives.

In addition to announcing its 2024 President, AAMA also approved its Board of Trustees during the Annual Conference:

• 1st Vice President – Mayor Byron Brown (Buffalo, NY)
• 2nd Vice President – Mayor Wayne Messam (Miramar, FL)
• Treasurer – Mayor Van Johnson (Savannah, GA)
• Secretary – Mayor Sharon Weston Broome (Baton Rouge, LA)
• Immediate Past President – Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard (Mt. Vernon, NY)
• Past President – Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. (Little Rock, AR)
• Board Member – Mayor Errick Simmons (Greenville, MS)
• Board Member – Mayor Tishaura Jones (St. Louis, MO)
• Board Member – Mayor Brandon Scott (Baltimore, MD)
• Board Member – Mayor Eric Adams (New York, NY)
• Board Member – Mayor LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
• Board Member – Mayor Vince Williams (Union City, GA)
• Board Member – Mayor Vi Lyles (Charlotte, NC)
• Board Member – Mayor Phillip Jones (Newport News, VA)
• Board Member – Mayor Victoria Woodards (Tacoma, WA)
• Board Member – Mayor Adrian Mapp (Plainfield, NJ)

AAMA’s 2024 policy priorities are anchored around key areas that are critical to the well-being of its communities. The association will prioritize affordable housing, improved healthcare access, building generational wealth, and reinforcing 21st century cities through investments in transportation and infrastructure.

Governor Ivey Appoints Judge Bill Lewis to Alabama Court of Civil Appeals

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Lewis is the first African-American Judge to serve on this esteemed court.

“Judge Lewis’s distinguished record of jurisprudence ensures that he will serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals with honor and integrity. Throughout his esteemed legal career, he has consistently demonstrated a devotion to justice and fairness under the law. I look forward to his contributions on the Court,” said Governor Ivey.

Lewis will fill the vacancy left by long-time Judge William C. “Bill” Thompson, who retired on February 1, 2024, after serving on the Court of Civil Appeals for 27 years, including as its Presiding Judge for the last 17 years.

“I’d like to thank Governor Ivey and her staff for the confidence that they are placing in me. It is an honor to accept this appointment,” said Judge Lewis. “Judge Thompson served this Court with distinction and integrity. I know I can’t replace him, but I hope to follow in his footsteps. Serving as presiding judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit has been an honor and I’ve loved the people that I have worked with. It won’t be easy to leave the courthouse, but I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve the people of our state as a member of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.”

Judge Lewis has served as Circuit Court Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County since 2016; he currently serves as the Circuit’s Presiding Judge. Prior to becoming circuit judge, Lewis was the senior partner of the Lewis Law Firm, a firm he started in 2006. Lewis served as Assistant District Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit before going into private practice. He has also served as a criminal defense attorney in criminal cases and practiced civil and family law.

Judge Lewis received his undergraduate degrees in political science and economics from the University of the South and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law.

Judge Lewis’s appointment was effective immediately.

17th Annual Black Book Festival October 2024

The National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is an annual event, sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the largest online sources for African-American authors and literature.  The event attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. 

The 17th annual National Black Book Festival is scheduled for Oct. 17-19, 2024, at Fallbrook Church Brook Sports Facility, 12512 Walters Rd., in Northwest Houston and is sponsored by Cushcity.com, one of the leading websites promoting African-American literature. This 17th annual event will feature the following:

● Author and publisher exhibits                                         ●  Featured author discussions and signings
● FREE Children's Festival                                               ● An evening reception and two breakfasts
● FREE workshops and seminars                                     ● Networking and door prizes  
● Food court where food can be purchased all day
                                       
HOTELS: The host hotel is the Sheraton North Houston and rooms are $95.00/night. NBBF will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the Sheraton daily. A list of hotels close to the venue are online here.

Recommended Airport: IAH

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All events will be held at Fallbrook Church. The Festival schedule includes the following events (ticket purchase in advance is required for those with asterisk [*]):

Thursday, October 17, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception*

Friday, October 18, 2024 @ 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Get Acquainted Breakfast*

Saturday, October 19, 2024 @ 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast*

Saturday, October 19, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Children's Festival
[Free and open to the public]

Tickets for the special events can be ordered HERE.

For more information, please contact via e-mail at: info@nationalblackbookfestival.com

Governor Wes Moore to Deliver University of Maryland's 2024 Commencement Address

The University of Maryland announced that Governor Wes Moore will deliver the university's commencement address on Monday, May 20, 2024. Moore will address summer 2023, winter 2023 and spring 2024 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU Stadium.

"Governor Wes Moore's remarkable story is nothing short of inspirational and aspirational," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "I am honored that our graduates will have the opportunity to learn from his journey, beginning from his Takoma Park roots to becoming Maryland's first Black Governor in the state's 246-year history."

A distinguished military veteran, author and Maryland native, Governor Wes Moore is the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States. Honored as a Rhodes Scholar (the first Black Rhodes Scholar at Johns Hopkins University), Moore's exceptional academic work and fearless service earned him a spot as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations. As an entrepreneur, Moore's work has encompassed forging success in higher education for underserved students via his company, BridgeEDU and exploring race, equity and opportunities in his published works, "The Other Wes Moore" and "Five Days."

"The University of Maryland is the pride of our state," said Gov. Moore. "I look forward to sharing reflections on life and service with this year's graduates. But more importantly, I look forward to speaking with our students. In a moment of profound consequence for our state, nation, and world, these graduates won't just be our inspirations -- they will be our guides."