Black people, if black lives matter then we have to stop ducking jury duty.

If we are really tired of police officers always being acquitted by juries after killing unarmed black men then we as black people have to stop ducking jury duty and serve on these juries. Listen to more below.

Saying Ben Carson is not qualified to lead HUD is not racist.

By now you know that Ben Carson has been picked by Donald Trump to run HUD. While Carson is a great neurosurgeon and a smart man he is in no way qualified to run HUD. Now some conservatives have starting calling the criticism of Carson's selection racist. How is that racist? I have no idea and neither do those spouting that nonsense. Listen to more below.

Meet Cameron Clarke: Howard University's Fourth Rhodes Scholar

Howard University President Frederick announces another Rhodes Scholar to add to its legacy of producing Rhodes Scholarship recipients.

Cameron Clarke has been selected as one of 32 students nationwide to receive the prestigious 2017 Rhodes Scholarship.  Clarke is a double biology and community health major from Jersey City, New Jersey, living in Richmond, Virginia.

When he first enrolled at Howard University in the fall of 2013, Clarke arrived on campus as a high achiever with 42 advanced placement credits.  Clarke’s mother played an instrumental role in encouraging him to attend the University.

“I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to look like I was following my older brother to college, who is a 2016 graduate of Howard,” said Clarke.  “My mom was the one who persuaded me to even visit.  It wasn’t until I arrived on campus for the Weekend at Mecca that I realized how much black intelligence was on this campus.  Some of the smartest, most dynamic people I had ever met were here in the same place.”

It was that moment that reassured Clarke that he was at the right place to take advantage of the numerous scholastic and research opportunities the University offered.

As a researcher at Howard University’s W. Montague Cobb Research Laboratory that maintains a national repository for African-American skeletal remains, Clarke has assisted in developing a database to combine information for the Cobb collection and the New York City African Burial Ground.

“Howard’s secret is that it has as many, if not more opportunities than a lot of Ivy League schools,” said Clarke.  “You have a lot of professors within your departments who will allow you to conduct independent research and gain publication experience as an undergraduate, which is amazing for both graduate school applications and your own intellectual development.”

With multiple research experiences already to his credit, Clarke has participated in faculty-led research at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia through a Howard-National Science Foundation grant, in addition to studying at Columbia University’s School of Public Health.  This summer, Clarke conducted research at the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Cancer Research, as an Amgen Scholar.  Currently he works as an intern in the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, conducting science policy research for members and staff.

“This is definitely a great opportunity,” said Clarke.  “I’m ecstatic to receive this honor, and to have the chance to study primary health care and public health.”                                            

After graduating from Howard next summer, Clarke will undergo a two-year program at the University of Oxford in England.  Ultimately, Clarke plans on going to medical school, working in public health policy and doing clinical research.

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Clarke's accomplishment,” said President Frederick.  “Mr. Clarke's academic pursuits will lead to solutions in the broader society that are needed ever more so today. Cameron is the epitome of Howard University's gift of solutions to the world.”

The Rhodes Scholarship program is designed to provide special educational opportunities for future world leaders over a two-year period at Oxford University in England.  Only 32 scholars (two from each of the 16 U.S. districts) are selected annually, based on scholastic achievement, leadership ability, strength of character and physical vigor among other qualifications.  Once admitted to Oxford University, Rhodes Scholars have the opportunity to read for the Oxford B.A. in any of a number of subjects or may be admitted to read for a higher degree. In some cases, study is extended to a third year.

“We are excited to add Mr. Clarke to our Rhodes Scholarship-caliber of students. He will be our fourth Rhodes Scholar that now includes scholars such as Mark Alleyne (1986), Carla Peterman (1999), and Marianna Ofosu (2003),” said President Frederick.

Media contact:

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Anthony Owens

anthony.owens@howard.edu

(202) 870-9208

Legislators propose Tubman and Douglass statues outside Maryland State House

A proposal to place statues of anti-slavery heroes Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass in the Maryland State House would add a new chapter to the history of Maryland as told through its iconic capitol building.

The plan would help educate future generations of visitors about the key roles in U.S. history played by the two 19th-century Marylanders who were born into bondage on the Eastern Shore.

It would also make a statement about where Maryland stands in the early 21st century — much as the statue of a brooding Chief Justice Roger B. Taney outside the State House’s front door represents the pro-Southern sentiments in the state in the post-Civil War era.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (Calvert) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (Anne Arundel), both Democrats, recently proposed the plan to place statues of Tubman and Douglass in the Old House of Delegates Chamber. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) quickly embraced the idea.

The support of the three top leaders makes it virtually certain that Tubman and Douglass will take their place among the select group of historical figures honored with statues at the nation’s oldest state capitol building still being used by a legislature.

Read more: Tubman and Douglass statues would write a new chapter in state history

New Book, ESSENCE The Obamas: The White House Years

ESSENCE has followed the journey of this first family since long before they entered the national spotlight. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, became America’s first African-American president and First Lady. This uplifting, beautifully illustrated 96-page salute to the Obamas commemorates their time in the White House and celebrates their significant moments.

Among the highlights:

The growth of Sasha and Malia from children into elegant young ladies

Be Fearless: an essay from the First Lady herself on her keys to success

Lavish and intimate photography showcasing the special moments of the Obama presidency

The full text of President Obama’s powerful and important eulogy in South Carolina of the Honorable Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney.

BUY THE BOOK

Ellison leaves open possibility he'd leave Congress for DNC post

Rep. Keith Ellison left open the possibility Friday night that he will leave Congress, and his seat representing Minneapolis, to take the top job at the Democratic National Committee.

Speaking at a forum in Denver to state Democratic Party chairs from across the country, Ellison said the DNC job is more important than his congressional seat, though he continued to insist that he could do both jobs simultaneously.

“Though I love being in Congress because it allows me to serve my neighbors, I do think that it is more important to build, strengthen the DNC,” Ellison said. He added that he is continuing to have conversations with DNC voting members and will decide what to do soon.

[SOURCE]

Grambling wins SWAC championship, headed to the Air Force Celebration Bowl

The Grambling State Tigers (10-1) are the SWAC champions once again. After being down 17-0 at halftime the Tigers stormed back behind running back, Martez Carter and Quarterback Devante Kincade to beat Alcorn State Braves 27-20.

Carter rushed for 135 yards on 15 carries, had 66 receiving yards, and 142 return yards while Kincade passed for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

The game was a rematch of the 2015 SWAC title game, which Alcorn State won 49-21. This marks the seventh championship game win for the Tigers, and the first for GSU coach Broderick Fobbs.

The SWAC champions will now head to the Air Force Celebration Bowl to play the champions of the MEAC conference and the winners of last years Celebration Bowl, the North Carolina A&T Aggies for the black college championship.

That game will be played on December 17, 2016 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

In the black community, a division over charter schools

With the election of Donald Trump, a big proponent of school choice, and his like-minded pick for secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, the topic of charter schools is likely to attract more attention. But among African-American parents and the NAACP, the debate over school choice and its impact on public education is already a heated one. From Memphis, Education Week’s Lisa Stark reports.

How one juror is holding up a verdict in the Michael Slager trial

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Many in the black community had doubts that Michael Slager would be convicted of murdering Walter Scott even before the trial started. Those doubts were only magnified when a predominantly white jury was picked with only the jury foreman being African American. It turns out that those suspicions may be well founded.

A video clearly shows Walter Scott running way and being shot five times in the back. That same video shows Slager planting a taser by Scott's body. And on top of that, the North Charleston police department fired him for using excessive force. In spite of all that one lone white juror refuses to convict him of either manslaughter or murder.

What's very sad is that the juror is not saying that Slager is not guilty, and even refers to him as a killer but that he can't and won't convict him under any circumstances.

In an unusual move the juror bypassed the jury foreman sent a letter directly to the judge in the case, Judge Newman stating why he could not and would not convict.

Newman read the letter to the court in which the juror wrote:

"I can’t in good conscience approve a guilty verdict”.

“I regret to say we may never reach a unanimous decision,”

“We all struggle with the death of a man,” the juror continued. “My heart does not want to have to tell the Scott family that the man who killed their son, brother and father is innocent. But with choices, I cannot and will not change my mind.”

Judge Newman has instructed the jury to come back on Monday and to resume deliberations. If the jury can come to no verdict, the judge has said that he would declare a mistrial. Unfortunately, that looks like where we are headed.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Civil Rights Icon Dorothy Height to Be Honored With U.S. Postage Stamp

The Postal Service today announced more subjects that will be featured on Forever stamps in the new year. One of those people honored will be civil rights icon Dorothy Height.

Dorothy Height (Black Heritage series)

The 40th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Dorothy Height (1912-2010), the tireless activist who dedicated her life to fighting for racial and gender equality. Although she rarely gained the recognition granted her male contemporaries, she became one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century. The stamp features artist Thomas Blackshear II’s gouache and acrylics on board portrait of Height. The painting is based on a 2009 photograph shot by Lateef Mangum. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Rep. Cedric Richmond elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Louisiana Democratic Rep. Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The three-term lawmaker will take over for the current chairman, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., in January when a new Congress is sworn in.

The 43-year-old Richmond has a reputation of working with Democrats and Republicans.

Butterfield says he is confident Richmond will provide strong leadership. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland says the CBC is the “conscience of the Congress” and says Richmond will bring energy to the job.

The CBC filled out its leadership ranks with Reps. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Karen Bass, D-Calif., Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., and Gwen Moore, D-Wis.

[SOURCE]

Cory Booker: What's next for criminal justice reform

If someone had pulled aside the signers of the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago and told them that, one day, the country they founded would be home to the largest number of imprisoned people in the world, they might have been more than a little disappointed.

Yet this is where we find our country today: The United States, founded on the basis of liberty and justice for all, suffers from that distinction. Twenty five percent of all imprisoned people on our planet are imprisoned right here in America. And the fact of the matter is that, at the federal level, the majority of those imprisoned aren’t hardened, violent prisoners. Far too many are nonviolent, low-level drug offenders. 

Thanks to policies enacted by Congress, our federal prison population has exploded by nearly 800 percent over the past the 30 years. And to pay for it, we’ve had to increase our prison spending by almost 400 percent. But the fact that these polices were enacted by our government in the first place should serve as a reminder that we have the agency to change them.

Momentum is building across America -- in states, in the federal government, in both political parties -- to change this misapplication of justice that so grossly misrepresents our priorities as a nation.

A diverse coalition of individuals, groups, and organizations -- ranging from Democrats to Republicans to law enforcement officials and clergy -- have come together to call for a comprehensive change in the trajectory of our justice system. And under President Obama’s leadership, the collective vision of these groups has found a home and a voice in the White House.

I have been proud to stand by President Obama as he has taken courageous steps in recent years to make our justice system more just.

Today, the White House is announcing that over 300 companies and organizations have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, a commitment to eliminate unnecessary hiring barriers facing people with a criminal record. Along with this step and a series of Administrative actions to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, he’s shown that the federal government can lead the way to progress.

President Obama has created a legacy of bold action that we must carry on to elevate the cause of criminal justice reform, from Congress to statehouses across the country.

Learn more about what’s at stake in the effort to reform our broken criminal justice system: Make sure to check out the White House discussion today, where a coalition of leaders and activists will join together to discuss what’s next for criminal justice reform.

But the conversation can’t stop there, and neither can the work. We must once again declare that we are a nation of independence, rooted in the spirit of interdependence. What happens to any of us, happens to all of us -- and we won’t get where we want to go faster by leaving anyone behind.

I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you in this fight to reclaim our criminal justice system in the years to come

.

Thank you,

Cory Booker

U.S. Senator

Supreme Court considers challenges to racial gerrymandering

One term after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the consideration of race in college admissions, and in a new term that already has cases on racial issues in the administration of the death penalty and in jury deliberations, one more race-infused subject will get the justices’ attention: redistricting.

The court will hear appeals on Dec. 5 from special three-judge federal panels that involve race considerations in redistricting in North Carolina and Virginia.

In the North Carolina case, McCrory v. Harris, the justices will consider whether two of the state’s 13 congressional districts, as drawn under a 2011 redistricting plan, represent unconstitutional racial gerrymanders.

In Bethune-Hill v. Virginia State Board of Elections, the court will weigh whether race was an improperly predominant factor in 12 challenged state House of Delegates districts (out of 100 districts in the state legislature’s lower house).

They’re the latest in a long line of redistricting battles to reach the high court, which has less flexibility on whether to hear such challenges than it does in most other areas of the law.

Read more: Supreme Court considers challenges to racial gerrymandering

Rep. Keith Ellison On Why He Deserves To Be DNC Chairman

Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, who is running for DNC chair went on NPR's Morning Edition to discuss why he should be the chair and what he hopes to do if elected chair. Ellison also addresses the issues with comments he made about the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan. Check out his interview with Morning Edition host David Greene below.

No charges against police officer that shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott

Officer Brentley Vinson

Officer Brentley Vinson, the officer who fatally shot Keith Lamont Scott won't face charges, a prosecutor said Wednesday, closing a two-month investigation into the killing that led to heated protests and divided the city of Charlotte.

Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray said he didn't reach the decision alone; a total of 15 prosecutors unanimously agreed that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Brentley Vinson was justified in shooting Scott on September 20 in an apartment complex parking lot.

In his hour long announcement, Murray rejected a series of "erroneous claims" made shortly after the shooting. He said those narratives fueled widespread misconceptions about what actually happened.

Among them:

-- Scott's relatives said he didn't have a gun, but "all the credible evidence" led to the conclusion that Scott was armed, Murray said. He said Scott's DNA was on the grip of a gun found at the scene.

Murray also said at least three officers reported seeing Scott holding a gun before he was shot, though dashcam video did not show that detail.

Read more: Keith Lamont Scott killing: No charges against officer, DA says

Wyatt Worthington II becomes first African American to win PGA Tournament Series event

Wyatt Worthington II doesn’t just want to make birdies, he wants to make history.

Worthington did both Tuesday, shooting another 2-under 70 to win Event No. 1 of the PGA Tournament Series by two shots at PGA Golf Club.

The 29-year-old Worthington is believed to be the first African American to win a PGA Tournament Series event. Earlier this year, he became the second African American club professional to qualify for the PGA Championship.

“It’s a great moment in my life,” Worthington said. “This is one of the goals I wanted to achieve, and I’m fortunate I got it on the first try (this year).”

Worthington was 3-under through 12 holes on the Wanamaker Course before his only blemish, a bogey on the par-5 13th. He closed with five pars to win by two shots over four players.

Worthington, who teaches in the winter at famed Seminole Golf Club and works at the Golf Depot at Central Park in Gahanna, Ohio, earned $5,000 for the victory.

“I didn’t putt as well as yesterday, but I focused on giving myself as many opportunities as I could,” Worthington said. “It was a grind coming in, but I’m proud of how I played under pressure.”

Nick Beddow of Shirley, N.Y. shot the low round of the tournament, a 5-under 67, to share second place with Zac Oakley (71) of Palm City, Fla., Rod Perry (70) of Port Orange, Fla., and Jeff Sorenson (70) of Blaine, Minn. Beddow had a 5-under 31 on the front nine.

“I dunked a bunker shot on No. 1 (for birdie) and that got me some momentum,” said Beddow, who closed the front nine with eagle-birdie-birdie. “Unfortunately, I three-putted the last hole for a bogey.”

The conditions weren’t as difficult as Monday’s first round, when nobody in the 69-player field broke 70.

The last four months have been somewhat of a blur for Worthington, who gained national attention when he qualified for the PGA Championship at Baltusrol by finishing fifth in the PGA Professional Championship. Tom Woodard in 1991 was the first African American club professional to qualify for the PGA Championship.

“It’s definitely been a whirlwind,” Worthington said. “I didn’t think little ol’ me from Reynoldsburg, Ohio would be playing in a PGA Championship and have that type of impact on the culture of the industry.
“From here on out, my only goal is to affect others with positive energy and try to lead my example.”

The PGA Tournament Series, which consists of six events, is presented by Golf Advisor. Event No. 2 is Thursday and Friday.

SOURCE: PGA.COM

Congressional Black Caucus responds to Trump's Attorney General pick of Jeff Sessions

CBC Chairman G.K Butterfield

The Congressional Black Caucus chairman G. K. Butterfield has released the following statement on Donald Trump's pick of Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General:

“We face an alarming choice in the selection of Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as the chief law enforcer for the United States of America. Senator Sessions’ civil rights record is appalling and should disqualify him from Senate confirmation. Senator Sessions has continuously obstructed the progress that we’ve made since the historic Civil Rights legislation of the 1960s. Senator Sessions has blocked legislative efforts to ensure racial equality in minority communities, including his opposition to President Obama’s judicial nominations and full enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. Having previously been denied a nomination by members of the U.S. Senate over concerns about his views of African Americans, Senator Jeff Sessions will very likely face an uphill battle in being confirmed as the next Attorney General of the United States. The Attorney General must run the Department of Justice with a total commitment to the rule of law and must guarantee minority citizens their fundamental constitutional rights. The Congressional Black Caucus stands ready to oppose Senator Sessions’ confirmation as we adamantly believe his appointment will set us back in the advancement of civil rights and race relations across the country.” - CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield

Donald Trump meets with David Clarke to discuss cabinet position

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Donald Trump is determined to find self hating African Americans to serve in his cabinet. The President-Elect met with the most miserable man in law enforcement, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke to discuss the possibility of Clarke running the Department of Homeland Security.

Clarke is not totally unqualified as he obviously has a law enforcement background, currently commands 250 officers, and is sheriff of an entire county. By comparison The Department of Homeland Security has 240,000 employees, who span immigration enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, the TSA and other functions. In Trump world adding over 239,750 more employees and responsibility for the entire USA shouldn't be much of a big jump.

Clarke would fit in with Trump's law and order mantra and he definitely would be no friend to the Black Lives Matter movement or to black people in general. So why wouldn't Trump consider him for the DHS top spot?

Newark Pop Warner team raising money to go play in championship game

The Newark Brick City Lions Football Team put has won the District and Eastern Region Championship titles. Those victories earned them a spot at the Pop Warner National Championship Super Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

But money does not come with that invitation and it will cost the team $35,000 to get to Florida and these kids need our help.

The team is fundraising, working concession stands and selling donuts to raise the $35,000 but they could still us some help. as of this post the team is just $10,000 short og f their goal

You can give at the teams gofundme page here: Brick City Lions

58 Shot, 8 Fatally, over Thanksgiving Weekend In Chicago

This has got to stop, we are at a point where people are actually saying "only" 8 died as if that's a good thing. There are enough threats out there to young black men without us adding to them. There is no amount of police, no amount of laws that can be passed to stop this violence, no amount of marching, and no amount of pastors preaching that can stop this violence. The way to end this violence It lies with us, the black community as a whole. When we truly decide that enough is enough, the shootings will stop. George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com.

At least 58 people have been shot, 8 fatally, in attacks across the city over Thanksgiving weekend, according to Chicago police.

Last year, 8 people were killed and 20 were wounded in shootings during the same holiday weekend.

Read more: 58 Shot, 8 Fatally, in Thanksgiving Weekend Violence Across Chicago