Tyler Perry buys groceries for senior citizens at dozens of supermarkets

Tyler Perry treated seniors in Georgia and Louisiana to free groceries on Wednesday.

The director, who was born in New Orleans and lives in Atlanta, paid the grocery tabs for senior and higher-risk shoppers at 44 Kroger stores in Metro Atlanta on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the supermarket chain confirmed to ABC News.

He did the same thing for Winn-Dixie shoppers in Louisiana, a representative for the stores said.

Both grocery stores have designated shopping hours for those whom the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said are at higher risk for developing severe illness as a result of the novel coronavirus.

“We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta.”

Perry, 50, has not commented on the donations, and reportedly told stores to simply say the bills were paid by an anonymous "angel."

[SOURCE: YAHOO]

Michelle Obama criticizes Wisconsin for hold primary during Covid-19 pandemic

Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to Twitter to criticize the state of Wisconsin for going ahead with its primary during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obama tweeted:

Today, Wisconsin voters had to choose between making their voice heard and keeping themselves and their family safe. No American should ever have to make that choice.

We must do better to ensure voting is safe for all voters.

African Americans more likely to die from coronavirus illness

Early data from U.S. states shows African Americans are more likely to die from COVID-19, highlighting longstanding disparities in health and inequalities in access to medical care, experts said.

In Illinois, black people make up about 30% of the state's cases and about 40% of its coronavirus-related deaths, according to statistics provided by the state's public health agency. However, African Americans make up just 14.6% of the state's population.

In Michigan, black people account for 40% of the state's reported deaths, according to data released by the state, but its population is only 14% African American.

The World Health Organization has said people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and other chronic lung disorders, diabetes and heart disease appear to develop serious illness more often than others.

That makes the virus particularly dangerous for African Americans, who because of environmental and economic factors have higher rates of those illnesses, said Dr. Summer Johnson McGee, dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven.

McGee said she was not surprised the U.S. black population is experiencing a worse outcome during the pandemic. Racism has led to a lack of investment in African American communities and worse health care for the population in general, McGee said.

"A pandemic just magnifies the disparities in healthcare that many communities of color face," she said.

[SOURCE: MSN]

Oprah donating $10 million to coronavirus relief efforts

Oprah Winfrey announced via Twitter that she will be donating $10 million to help Americans during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The OWN founder and former talk show titan said Thursday that $1 million of her donation would go to America's Food Fund.

I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up. For more on this Fund and how everyone can be of service, watch this free AppleTV+ conversation here: https://t.co/n7L6drnpcV

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 2, 2020

Rep. Maxine Waters slams Pres. Trump on handling of Covid-19 outbreak

Rep. Maxine Waters (California 43rd District) took to Twitter to slam President Trump for his handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, especially for the lack of PPE (personal protective equipment) for healthcare professionals.

Rep. Maxine Waters:

Trump, you incompetent idiot! You sent 18 tons of PPE to China early but ignored warnings & called COVID19 concerns a hoax. You've endangered doctors, nurses, aids, orderlies, & janitors - all risking their lives to save ours. Pray 4 forgiveness for the harm that you're causing!

Washington, DC mayor issues stay-at-home order

Today, due to an increasing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Washington, DC and across the region and the nation, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia. This order reinforces the Mayor’s direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities.

“Our message remains the same: stay home,” said Mayor Bowser. “Staying at home is the best way to flatten the curve and protect yourself, your family, and our entire community from COVID-19. Many people want to know how they can help right now, and for most people this is how – by staying home.”

The Mayor’s Order specifies that residents may only leave their residences to:

• engage in essential activities, including obtaining medical care that cannot be provided through telehealth and obtaining food and essential household goods;
• perform or access essential governmental functions;
• work at essential businesses;
• engage in essential travel; or
• engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the Mayor’s Order.

Any individual who willfully violates the stay-at-home order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.

The stay-at-home order goes into effect on April 1, 2020 at 12:01 am.

Stephon Marbury trying to get 10 million N95 masks from China for N.Y.

Former New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury is trying to arrange a deal that would deliver 10 million N95 masks to New York City.

Marbury told the New York Post that he arranged for a supplier in China to sell the masks for $2.75 each, nearly two-thirds less than their standard price tag.

"At the end of the day, I am from Brooklyn," Marbury told the Post from Beijing, where he coaches the Chinese Basketball Association's Royal Fighters. "This is something that is close and dear to my heart as far as being able to help New York."

Marbury added: "I have family there in Coney Island, a lot of family ... who are affected by this, so I know how important it is for people to have masks during this time."

Marbury has reached out to Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams to help coordinate the sale.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

The Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Senate Passage of Coronavirus stimulus package

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) released the following statement after the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, passed the Senate: 

“When America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia. So as America continues to deal with the impact of the coronavirus health crisis, the CBC is fighting for bold solutions to support the needs of Black families, seniors, workers, businesses, and communities.” On March 20, the CBC submitted an extensive 11-page proposal to House and Senate leadership with recommendations to support the recovery of Black America.

The original bill introduced in the Senate gave a bailout to rich people and big corporations, but after several days of negotiations, the bill has been amended to address the needs of main street Americans.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Senator Cory Booker and Senator Kamala Harris, fought for the legislative issues outlined in the CBC proposal. These priorities included a higher amount of direct payment assistance for people, from $600 in the original bill introduced by Senate Republicans, to $1200 in the final bipartisan agreement. Members also fought for an additional $500 child tax credit per child and a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. Additionally, CBC Members secured $447 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), among other priorities included.

Congress must first ensure the health, security, and financial stability of the American people impacted by COVID-19, and not just the health of Wall Street.

That’s why the Congressional Black Caucus advocated for several provisions adopted in the Senate Coronavirus relief package such as: 

• Unemployment Compensation: Expansion of unemployment benefits to $600 per week in addition to the base max eligible for unemployment insurance; 
• Funding HBCUs: $447 million to HBCUs of the $1.05B for Minority Serving Institutions;
• Direct Financial Payments: Direct payments for as much as $1,200 for individual taxpayers, and $500 per child, phased out when incomes exceed $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples filing jointly.
• Protection for Families:  $15.5 billion in additional funding for SNAP to ensure all Americans, including seniors and children, receive the food they need. 
• Support for college students: Provides temporary moratorium of 6 months for federal student loans.
• Protecting Homes: Temporary Moratorium on eviction filings for all federally backed mortgage loans
• Black Businesses: Gives the Minority Business Development Agency $10 million to make grants to minority-owned businesses. 
• Small Businesses: Provides funding through the Small Business Administration for special emergency loans of up to $10 million for eligible nonprofits and small businesses.
• Criminal Justice Support and Reform: $100 million for the Federal Bureau of Prisons to respond to the coronavirus pandemic with critical resources. Additional benefits for the prison system will include: ensuring all incarcerated individuals and staff are tested for Coronavirus, prioritizing the release of incarcerated individuals in prisons, jails, and detention centers through clemency, commutations and compassionate release; immediate temporary release to home confinement for those determined to be low-risk defenders; and for individuals who will remain incarcerated during this time the allowance of video conferencing and telephone calls free of charge to preserve families and their visitation needs 
• Anti-poverty support: Provides $1 billion for the Community Services Block Grant and $750 million for Head Start.
• Community Development: Authorizes $2 billion in Community Development Block Grants to build healthier communities.
• Protection for the Homeless: $4 billion in homeless assistance grants 
• Health Care: $127 billion for medical response efforts, including tax credits for manufacturers of ventilators, masks, and other resources; both funding and flexibility to address the surge in mental health needs.
• Protection for Our College Students:  Use of Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) for emergency financial aid to assist undergraduates or graduate students; also allows institutions to make Federal Work-Study payments to students unable to fulfill their work obligations up to one year.
• Support for Education: $1.1 billion of emergency education relief funds will go directly to Title I, ESEA schools; $100 million for Project SERV to help schools implement distance learning; $25 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine to expand investments in telemedicine and broadband; and an additional $100 million for the Rural Utilities Service’s Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program, and prioritize 90 percent of the funds to go to rural areas.

The CARES Act  is a welcomed next step to providing some relief for Black people around the country and the CBC will continue to fight for full and equitable relief for our communities in subsequent stimulus packages.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Awaiting Coronavirus Test Results

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley has been tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting results, a spokesperson said Wednesday night.

The spokesperson, Lina Francis said Pressley "sought professional medical treatment out of an abundance of caution" after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Rep. Pressley posted the following statement on Twitter:

hanks for the well wishes all. At home in Boston with my family getting some rest and awaiting #COVIDー19 test results.

Sending our continued gratitude to all of the healthcare workers on the frontlines of this fight in Massachusetts.

Atlanta mayor, Keisha Bottoms speaks on new restrictions to mitigate coronavirus

Keisha lance Bottoms,the Atlanta mayor spoke with the local Atlanta CBS station, CBS46 on new restrictions to mitigate coronavirus.

Kamala Harris Statement on Vote Opposing Consideration of GOP Coronavirus Package

U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Sunday released a statement after voting against cloture on Republican bill that aims to address the coronavirus outbreak in the United States by putting the interests of large corporations ahead of the needs of working people.

“The coronavirus pandemic is a public health emergency that is driving an economic disaster for millions of families across our country. People are in their homes scared and suffering right now—Congress must act immediately to strengthen our health care system, expand access to emergency assistance like we do in the midst of any other disaster, and lift up and support working people, families, and small businesses. We need to get this right.

“The Republican bill released today does not address the pain everyday Americans are feeling, nor does it provide support for our overloaded health care system. This bill fails our workers by bailing out big industries without requiring them to keep people employed or ensure workers are protected. I voted against this bill because it fails to meet the urgent demands of this moment.”

Statement From ESSENCE Communications, Inc. on the status of the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture

Essence Communications Inc. has released the following statement concerning the status of the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in light of the Covid-19 outbreak:

"We know that we are all focused on the health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities, and with 16 weeks until the scheduled 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, we wanted to provide an update to our community and partners regarding our plans in light of coronavirus/COVID-19.

Our first priority will always be the safety and well-being of our Festival-goers and everyone who contributes to making the ESSENCE Festival of Culture such an enriching, entertaining and incredible experience, and we will continue to evaluate the situation and use all available resources and intelligence to that end. We are closely monitoring the unfolding developments and updated information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health agencies and our partners in the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana.

Based on the latest information, including increasing public health interventions and measures being implemented domestically and internationally, and the considerable amount of time to assess and respond to developments between now and July, we are planning to proceed with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as currently scheduled, July 1-5 in New Orleans. Still, as a precautionary and proactive measure and with health as the foremost consideration, we are also identifying and securing alternate dates to ensure that we can adjust as quickly and seamlessly as possible in the event that circumstances require. Should that happen, we will honor all tickets sold for prior scheduled dates.

In the meantime, we are excited to share more about our daytime empowerment programming and our nighttime concert line-up — including headliners Bruno Mars and Janet Jackson — as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ESSENCE and look forward to seeing everyone in July.

‘ESSENCE is a multi-cultural, multi-generational treasure in the City of New Orleans and this year, with the return to Ghana, we've come full circle,’ said Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans. ‘However, with the commemoration of our past, we must lean on wisdom and sound judgement to shape our future. Public health and public safety will always remain top priorities. As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, know that we are taking every precaution to operate in the best interest of the attendees who make ESSENCE what it is.’

ESSENCE will continue to provide updates to our valued community of Festival-goers and partners regarding any new developments."

CIVIL RIGHTS AND RACIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS DENOUNCE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS

The NAACP and many other of the nation’s leading civil rights and racial justice organizations issued a joint urgent call to action against racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“As our nation grapples with the coronavirus, we are deeply concerned that recent incidents of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans threaten our collective public safety. In recent weeks, Asian Americans have been subjected to violent attacks, discrimination against their businesses and xenophobic portrayal by the media and our elected leaders.

We are often reminded of the xenophobic history of our nation—from the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act to the 2019 Public Charge Rule—our nation has always treated people of color and immigrants with suspicion. Coronavirus does not discriminate based on race or ethnicity.

The World Health Organization’s declaration of a pandemic is a call to action—both to protect our collective public health and to remind us that we must stand together. We call on policymakers, the media and the public to take affirmative steps to halt and condemn xenophobia and to ensure that the health and safety of all Americans is protected.”

Advancement Project, National Office, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Demos, Faith in Action, NAACP, National Congress of American Indians, National Urban League, Race Forward, and Unidos US are a collaborative of nine leading national Racial Equity Anchor Organizations supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Together we work to promote racial equity, advance racial healing, and ensure that all children, families and communities have genuine opportunities to reach their full potential.

Kamala Harris Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Disaster Assistance During Pandemics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Thursday introduced the Pandemic Assistance Disaster Act, legislation to expand the ability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide financial assistance directly to individuals during a pandemic, including the current coronavirus outbreak. Currently, FEMA can only provide individual assistance during natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.

“At a time when a global pandemic is threatening the financial stability of working families across our country, there is no reason for FEMA to treat those impacted by biological threats any differently than when a natural disaster strikes,” said Harris. “FEMA is not currently allowed to assist individuals who have been impacted by a pandemic, and that needs to change. I’m introducing this legislation to ensure the federal government can use every tool available to help the American people recover from the impact of the coronavirus.”

Specifically, at the discretion of a governor and the president, individuals impacted in any way will be eligible to apply directly to federal agencies for, among other forms of assistance:

• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

• If already on SNAP, automatically puts individual at full SNAP benefits
• If not already on SNAP, provides access to SNAP, with expanded eligibility
• Benefits initially good for one month, but can be extended by the President
• Directs USDA to provide options other than an in-person interview

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)  

• Eligible if an individual’s job is shut down, they lose hours, or they cannot reach their place of work because of the pandemic
  • Eligibility rules are more flexible than traditional Unemployment Insurance (e.g. individual does not have to be technically unemployed)
• State unemployment office is conduit for beneficiary
• Good for 26 weeks, can be extended by the President
• Creates a national floor for benefits at 1.5x the national weekly average
• Provides waiver to requirement to exhaust state Unemployment Insurance options

• “Other Needs Assistance” through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program
  • Includes multiple ancillary assistance, but three critical pieces for a pandemic would be:
    • Medical Assistance – assistance with medical expenses as a result of a disaster.
    • Funeral Assistance – available to families with loved ones that die from the disaster
    • Child Care Assistance – up to 8 weeks of child care expenses

Full bill text is available here. 

Republican Sen. Tim Scott votes against coronavirus stimulus package

Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott voted against a $100 billion stimulus package to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus that has sent the American economy into a free fall.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure with a 90-8 vote Wednesday, sending it to President Donald Trump who later signed the package.

Though the legislation provides free testing, expands unemployment benefits and provides paid sick leave to some displaced workers due to the COVID-19 virus emergency, Scott, the junior senator from South Carolina, was one of eight Republicans to vote against it.

In a statement released after the vote, Scott said the “well-meaning” legislation would have a “disastrous effects for South Carolina’s small businesses.”

Later Wednesday night he issued an updated response.

“The provisions in the bill as it relates to paid leave place a mandate on small businesses without a corresponding immediate cash flow,” he said.

“We all agree that paid leave needs to play a significant role in relief packages, but to mandate paid leave and then tell businesses they will get it back in a tax credit, is not a good path ...,” he added.

[SOURCE: POST&COURIER]

Howard University cancels graduation

Howard University is canceling its graduation and will transition to online coursework after the school announced its first case of coronavirus.

A guest who attended the Howard University Charter Day Dinner tested positive for COVID-19. The DC Department of Health is investigating the case and as a precaution, the university is asking everyone who attended the March 7 dinner to monitor and report to their doctor if they experience flu like-symptoms, according to a letter from Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick.

Howard is canceling its graduation and all class reunions as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

[SOURCE: WLJA]

Cory Booker wants to give Americans money to get through Covid-19 pandemic

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and other federal lawmakers want to send out cold, hard cash to help you cope with the coronavirus crisis.

Booker joined several of his Democratic colleagues Tuesday in urging Senate leaders to pass legislation providing most Americans with an immediate $2,000 cash payment, and it could grow to $4,500 by the end of the year if the crisis doesn’t abate.

“In mere days, we’ve gone from life as normal to implementing dramatic changes in how we work, socialize, and live,” said Booker, D-N.J. “The ramifications to our economy — and to the millions of American workers and businesses who underpin it — are massive and require a large-scale, aggressive federal response.”

The money would be paid to U.S. adults and their dependents, as well as every Social Security, Veterans Affairs, or Supplemental Security Income recipient.

The funds automatically would go to those who file tax returns for 2019. Those who do not file a return could submit a separate Form 1040. The payment would phased out for those with higher incomes.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

NMAAHC To Close March 14

The following is a statement from the National Museum of African American History and Culture:

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), the National Museum of African American History and Culture will temporarily close to the public starting Saturday, March 14.

We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all our visitors, employees, and volunteers. We are in close communication with local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a re-opening date at this time.

We will provide updates on a week-to-week basis via our website. Follow @NMAAHC on Twitter for updates about the museum's operating status. In the meantime, we invite you to visit NMAAHC.si.edu to explore our virtual exhibitions, online collections and educational resources.

CORONAVIRUS: Booker Introduces Bill to Get Unemployment Assistance Immediately to Laid-Off Workers

Bill would eliminate “waiting week” requirement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a bill to reduce barriers to unemployment insurance for workers throughout the country who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus. The bill will address “waiting week” requirements, which forces laid-off workers who have satisfied every other eligibility requirement to wait one week before being able to access unemployment assistance. These requirements exist in 42 states (though New Jersey doesn’t have a waiting period).

The bill would federally fund the first week of unemployment insurance during national disasters and public health emergencies and it would give states two years to amend their laws to ban waiting weeks altogether.

“Public health emergencies can quickly become economic disasters for those who are already struggling,” Booker said. “This common-sense bill ensures workers and their families don’t have to needlessly wait to receive assistance when they need it most.”

Full text of the bill is available here.