PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS VOTING RIGHTS FORUM IN JERSEY CITY WILL URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE DURING MIDTERM ELECTIONS

“The Attack On Voting Rights And The War On Black People,” will be the subject of a forum that will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:00pm at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 140 Belmont Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The event is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress (POP) a grassroots group that fights for civil and human rights. It has been endorsed by the Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance planning committee.

“One of the main reasons we are having this program is to discuss why it is important to vote during the midterm elections. These will be the most consequential midterms so far during this century,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“During this election we are choosing the people who will represent us in both houses of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The lawmakers we send there will impact the future direction of this country,” Hamm said.  

“This is why it is so important that we vote in this election which has already begun. Mail-in voting is already in progress. Early in-person voting will take place from October 24th to November 1st,” he said.

“And of course people should vote in massive numbers on Election Day, November 3rd,” he said.

Speakers scheduled for the forum will include Rev. Eli Smith, Senior Pastor, Metropolitan AME Zion Church, Pamela Johnson, winner of the Democratic primary for Hudson County Commissioner, Toni Irvin, community activist, and Lawrence Hamm. Jersey City Councilman Frank Gilmore has been invited to be on the panel.

Rev. Dr Allen Simmons will serve as program moderator.

“Another important reason for this forum is to discuss the diabolical efforts being made by the Trump administration to interfere with the midterm elections and prevent citizens from freely exercising their voting rights,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“We will also examine the particular impact this is having on the Black community, and what can be done about it,” Hamm said.

The upcoming forum in Jersey City is the ninth of a series on this topic. Others were held in Montclair, Plainfield, Newark, Maplewood, Hackensack, East Orange, and Riverton. Future programs are scheduled for Paterson, Roselle, and Newark.

The program will have two parts. The first part will consist of a panel discussion. The panelists will include community leaders and activists. The second part will consist of audience participation.

Hamm said the country is imperiled and facing a political and possibly a constitutional crisis.

“The racist and fascist Trump administration, ultra-conservative super majority on  the U.S. Supreme Court, and the right-wing MAGA Republican majority in Congress are engaged in a multi-pronged attack on voting rights,” he asserted.

“I believe that we are witnessing in real time an attempt right by Trump and his collaborators to steal the midterm elections,” he said.

“Trump has even said he is not ruling out sending ICE agents and National guard troops to polling places, invoking the Insurrection Act, declaring a national emergency during the midterm elections, and he has urged his supporters to cheat like hell,” he said.

“We oppose any attempts by Trump to steal the election, invoke the Insurrection Act, declare a national emergency, or declare martial law during the midterm elections, “ Hamm said.

However, the discussion will not end with the attack on voting rights but will include the attacks on black people in the economy, education, health, criminal justice and other important areas.

For more information on the forum or to reserve a seat on the bus to Trenton please call People’s Organization for Progress at 973 801-0001.

Historic milestone: America's next historically Black medical school earns preliminary accreditation

A pioneering chapter in medical education begins today for the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, which has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for U.S. programs granting medical doctorate degrees. With this milestone, the College of Medicine will begin recruiting students in coming weeks for its inaugural class of 2027, advancing the vision for America's next historically Black college of medicine.

The only HBCU college of medicine in the Gulf South, the College of Medicine brings together two trusted New Orleans institutions: Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It builds on decades of collaboration in education, research, and healthcare, reflected in initiatives such as the Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research, Xavier's Physician Assistant Program, and its Genetic Counseling Program. Xavier contributes a century-long legacy of excellence in STEM education, was named a top HBCU by Forbes and is a leading institution in sending African American students on to medical school. Ochsner is a leading academic health system that brings more than 80 years of experience in caring for the communities it serves, with more than 60 years of training residents and fellows and 17 years of excellence in medical student education. Ochsner was named no. 1 hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years. Together, Xavier and Ochsner have created a model that connects rigorous academic preparation with real-world training and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all.

"This is a historic moment for Xavier University of Louisiana, for New Orleans and for the future of medicine in this nation," said Reynold Verret, Ph.D., president of Xavier University of Louisiana. "For a century, Xavier has demonstrated what is possible when academic excellence is joined with a profound commitment to human dignity and service. The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine is a bold extension of that legacy. We are not simply opening the doors of a new medical school; we are expanding who will have the opportunity to become a physician, strengthening the communities those physicians will serve and helping to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Preliminary accreditation brings us to a moment envisioned through years of work, partnership and resolve, and it affirms Xavier's enduring belief that education can transform not only individual lives, but the health and well-being of our nation." 

Addressing national physician workforce challenges

The opening of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine brings an HBCU medical school to a region facing significant healthcare workforce challenges. The National Health Resources and Services Administration projects the United States could face a shortage of more than 141,000 physicians by 2038. 

Louisiana is among the states most affected, with 60 of Louisiana's 64 parishes federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Graduates from HBCU medical schools, which train nearly 70% of the nation's Black physicians, are more likely to serve communities with the greatest healthcare needs.

Preliminary accreditation follows years of planning and collaboration. The College of Medicine was formed through a partnership between Xavier and Ochsner in 2024, earned candidate status in October 2025 and hosted an LCME survey visit in June 2026. Following its review, the LCME determined the College of Medicine had met the requirements for preliminary accreditation, allowing it to start recruiting students for its inaugural class in summer 2027. Applications will be available through the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) in the coming weeks.

"Together, we have created a transformational college of medicine where future physician leaders will be prepared to pursue excellence with purpose, embrace innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of patients and our communities," said Leonardo Seoane, M.D., FACP, president and founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. "This milestone builds on Xavier University of Louisiana's incredible legacy of preparing leaders who serve and a history of academic and clinical excellence at Ochsner Health. By bringing together the strengths of two mission-driven institutions, we are creating opportunities for future physicians to make a lasting difference across Louisiana and beyond."

Investing in New Orleans and the Gulf South

Students will be taught the science and practice of medicine while gaining a deep understanding of health in the context of a person's life and community. Through interdisciplinary learning, compassionate patient care, and direct experience with experienced clinical teams, they will develop the practical skills, leadership abilities, and understanding needed to serve communities in New Orleans, the Gulf South, and beyond.

"Our partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana is grounded in a shared belief that education, opportunity, and service can transform lives and provide our communities stellar healthcare for generations to come," said Pete November, president and CEO of Ochsner Health. "Today, we celebrate far more than the opening of a college of medicine. Together, we are investing in our communities to drive economic development and create a model of excellence that translates world-class medical education into better health outcomes, greater opportunity, and a lasting legacy of impact for the people and communities we serve."

Located in New Orleans' growing BioDistrict, the College of Medicine is expected to generate significant economic impact locally and statewide. By 2040, its operations are projected to contribute $152.5 million in economic impact across Louisiana, including $122 million in New Orleans, while supporting more than 1,185 jobs statewide. Physicians trained by the College are projected to contribute an additional $2.9 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040.

About the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine

The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine was formed in 2024 through a partnership between Xavier University of Louisiana, one of the nation's top HBCUs, and Ochsner Health, a leading academic medical center in the Gulf South. The College of Medicine combines Xavier's academic excellence and century-long legacy in STEM and health sciences with a demonstrated commitment by Ochsner to patient care, research and physician training. Located in the New Orleans BioDistrict, the College of Medicine will prepare physician leaders through rigorous education, real-world training and a commitment to improving health outcomes for all. Learn more at xula.edu/xocom.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS SUPPORTS THE BLACK AGENDA RALLY, URGES EVERYONE TO GET ON BUSES TO TRENTON

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) will journey to the capital of the Garden State to attend a rally that will address concerns of African Americans. The group is taking people by bus to the event. 

The Black Agenda Rally will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, 10:00am on the steps of the Statehouse, 125 West State Street in Trenton, New Jersey. 

The rally is being called by a broad coalition of elected officials, religious leaders, community activists, labor representatives, civil rights advocates, and concerned residents.  

People are mobilizing statewide for the rally. Buses sponsored by different organizations will converge on the state capital for this event. 

The POP sponsored bus to the rally will depart Thursday morning 7:30am from 15 South Orange Avenue in Newark. People are advised to arrive at 6:30am. The bus is free. Seating is on a first come first seated basis.

“The purpose of the rally is to demand passage of legislation and formulation of policies that address issues of concern to the Black community,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 

“The People’s Organization For Progress supports the Black Agenda Rally. We believe that this is an appropriate response to the plight of African Americans and the worsening conditions in our communities,” Hamm said. 

“That is why we have participated in the organizing effort for the rally. That is why we are sponsoring a bus to bring people to the rally. We believe that it is important for as many people as possible to attend,” he said.

The rally is being organized around the Black Agenda platform. This document evolved out of a series of meetings held around the state last year by Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark and other Black organizations in the aftermath of his campaign for governor. 

Hamm said that while POP supports the Black Agenda it has also been involved in efforts to create a “people’s agenda.” On April 26, 2025 it was the sponsor of the first Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance. 

The convention, which was endorsed by more than 300 organizations, issued an agenda containing the 27 resolutions it passed on a variety of social justice issues. Mayor Baraka spoke at that convention during the gubernatorial candidates forum that was held there. 

The 2nd Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance was held on September 26, 2026. That convention, which was endorsed by 245 organizations, passed more than 20 resolutions. 

“At the second convention it also adopted the Black Agenda, in its entirety, around which the rally in Trenton is being organized. The Black Agenda will be included as part of the agenda of the second convention when it is issued,” he said. 

“We are very excited about the Black Agenda Rally. We hope that everyone will come. And we hope that it will excite people and inspire them to vote in the upcoming midterm elections,” Hamm said. 

For more information about the POP bus to the Black Agenda Rally in Trenton call People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001. 

For more information about buses leaving from other parts of the state people can go to the African American Chamber of Commerce registration site https://mms.aaccnj.com/members/evr/reg_main.php?orgcode=AANJ&evid=104978033.

BLACKDOCTOR LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

BlackDoctor, the leading health and wellness platform for Black America, today announced its first Medical Advisory Board. The board brings together eight physicians from across the country. They will help inform the company's product and content development strategy for clinicians, advance its health education efforts, help shape new products and tools and facilitate strategic engagements across the healthcare ecosystem.

The board is a core part of BlackDoctor's strategic rebrand and reintroduction into the health services industry. It gives the company, which reaches 30 million people each year, a formal layer of clinical oversight from physicians who understand the challenges facing Black patients and clinicians with specialities spanning cardiovascular health, cancer, mental health, kidney disease, clinical trials, dermatology and vision care.

"Our Medical Advisory Board reflects who we are as a company — built by and for the community we serve, with real clinicians in the room," says Akinwole Garrett, CEO, BlackDoctor. "These eight physicians will help shape every part of BlackDoctor, from the products we build to the content our readers trust every day."

The board's role goes beyond an advisory title. Members will help inform new product development and conduct medical review of BlackDoctor's content. They will represent the brand at industry events and conferences, and contribute content  and commentary for BlackDoctor.com and BlackDoctor.pro. They will also help build relationships with pharmaceutical companies, academic medical institutions, medical schools, medical societies, foundations and health nonprofits.

"When BlackDoctor first approached me about joining the board, it was an easy decision," says Dr. Craig Emmitt Cole, Oncology/Hematology, BlackDoctor Medical Advisory Board Member. "I thought about how many patients could be helped by the trusted resources BlackDoctor provides, and it just made sense. As part of the board, I've been able to help shape cutting-edge tools like WellBot and Health on Point from the ground up, drawing on what I've learned treating multiple myeloma in Black patients for years. We're not just adding another AI product to the market — we're building something that actually understands who it's talking to."

BlackDoctor already maintains the largest single database of Black and culturally sensitive healthcare professionals in the country, with more than 30,000 practitioners. The eight-member board becomes the clinical front door to that network for future partners, content and initiatives.

About the Board
Dr. Craig Emmit Cole – Oncology/Hematology, Detroit, MI
Dr. Chikelue Oragwu - Medical Affairs, Marietta, GA
Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite - Psychiatry, Boston, MA
Dr. Yele Aluko - Cardiology/Physician Executive, Charlotte, NC
Dr. Kristen Harris Nwanyanwu  -  Ophthalmology, New Haven, CT
Dr. Adam Friedman - Dermatology, Washington, DC
Dr. Beatrice Williams -  Orthodontics, Raleigh-Durham, NC
Dr. Keisha L. Gibson  - Pediatric Nephrology, Chapel Hill, NC

About BlackDoctor

BlackDoctor is the leading digital health platform dedicated to the health and wellness of Black Americans, reaching more than 30 million users. The company has evolved from a health media site into a 360-degree digital health platform that combines editorial content, AI-powered tools, a provider network and live experiences. Its AI-powered tools include WellBot, which trains providers through simulated patient interactions, and Health On Point, which helps patients prepare for medical visits. Both tools are informed by more than 20 years of BlackDoctor's clinical content and a network of more than 30,000 Black and culturally sensitive healthcare practitioners. BlackDoctor's Medical Advisory Board, a group of eight physicians across eight specialties, helps inform the company's clinical strategy, content and product development.

The Executive Leadership Council Announces 2026 Scholars, Investing $1.5 Million in the Next Generation of Business Leaders

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced its Class of 2026 Scholars, awarding $1.5 million in scholarships to 100 students from colleges and universities across the country.

The 2026 class represents 46 institutions and a broad range of academic disciplines, from computer science, data and cybersecurity to finance, engineering, business and supply chain management. Nearly three-quarters of the scholars attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), continuing the important role these institutions play in preparing talent for leadership across business and industry.

"For nearly 40 years, The ELC has understood that strong leadership pipelines must be built intentionally," said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. "These scholars are already demonstrating the academic excellence, leadership and drive that will prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the companies and institutions they will one day serve."

This year's scholars also represent a broad cross-section of colleges and universities across the country, bringing perspectives shaped by HBCUs, public research universities and private institutions, with academic interests spanning business, finance, engineering, technology, healthcare, public policy and the humanities.

Twenty-five are studying computer science, information technology, data or cybersecurity; 22 are pursuing finance, investment or banking; 17 are studying business, management or supply chain; and 10 are pursuing engineering. Others are studying accounting, economics, marketing, communications, public policy and related disciplines.

"For many students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college, a scholarship can change what is possible long after graduation," said Leah N. Wade, Senior Director of Philanthropy at The Executive Leadership Council. "Every dollar a student does not have to borrow gives them a stronger financial starting point as they enter the workforce. It gives them greater freedom to make decisions about their careers, begin building assets and create the conditions for economic mobility. We want these scholars to begin their professional lives with momentum, and investing in them now gives them an important head start."

Beyond the classroom, 95 percent of this year's scholars have documented leadership experience on campus and 65 percent have completed internships, giving many of them meaningful professional experience well before graduation. Thirty percent are the first generation in their families to attend college.

The announcement comes as The ELC approaches its 40th anniversary and looks toward the next chapter of its work: ensuring that the leadership pipeline remains strong, prepared and capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complex business environment.

As The ELC enters its fifth decade, the Class of 2026 reflects the continuity at the center of its mission. Strengthening leadership over time begins well before an executive title. It begins by identifying promising talent, investing in preparation and creating the relationships and experiences that allow leadership to develop.

For The ELC and its partners, it means the scholarship represents the beginning of a longer relationship with emerging leaders who are still building their experience, networks and understanding of what leadership requires.

Academic institutions represented this year include: Alabama A&M University, Bowie State University, Case Western Reserve University, Clark Atlanta University, Clark University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Dillard University, Duke University, Fayetteville State University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Indiana University, Johnson C. Smith University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, Santa Clara University, Spelman College, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, The Ohio State University, Tuskegee University, University of Connecticut, University of Georgia, University of Houston, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Michigan, University of Missouri, University of North Texas, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of Virginia and Xavier University of Louisiana.

The 2026 ELC Scholars are supported through the Alvaro L. Martins Legacy, Ann Fudge Signature, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cencora, Ecolab, HSBC, Lowe's Marvin R. Ellison Emerging Leaders, O L Toliver Voices of Power Signature, Ronald C. Parker Legacy and Synchrony Scholarships, as well as The Coca-Cola Foundation's Award for Excellence in Business Commentary.

The ELC Marks 40 Years of Developing Leaders
Founded in 1986, The ELC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of developing leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthening the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence.

The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala will take place Friday, October 30, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier, the black-tie celebration will feature a special musical performance by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan. The Gala is the signature fundraising event of The ELC's 2026 Gala Week, October 28–31, which will bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders as The ELC celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Gala Week is designed to span the leadership journey. The Honors Symposium connects ELC Scholars with senior executives and hiring managers as they prepare to enter the workplace. The Mid-Level Managers' Symposium develops high-performing professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility. Corporate Board Navigator helps ELC members prepare for corporate board service.