4 things Trump's offer to NFL players to pardon people wont change

By George L. Cook III African American Reports EMAIL: George Cook

With the backdrop of the positive response to his pardon of Alice Johnson and the National Anthem controversy in which National Football League players are protesting police brutality and racism, President Trump in his tone-deaf way has made an offer to black athletes in the NFL to submit cases of possible injustice so he can evaluate them for potential pardons.

"I’m going to ask all of those people to recommend to me -- because that’s what they’re protesting -- people that they think were unfairly treated by the justice system,” Trump told reporters Friday before departing the for the G-7 summit in Canada, adding that they shouldn’t remain in the locker room while the national anthem is played before games.

"If I find, and my committee finds, that they’re unfairly treated, then we will pardon them, or at least let them out," the president said.

While Trump's offer to pardon those in federal prison may help dozens it does nothing to help thousands who suffer at the hands of the justice system and abusive policing. Trump is hoping that African Americans somehow fall for this PR stunt and see this as a move that benefits them a whole when it doesn't.

Here are four things his offer to pardon people won't address:

Police committing acts of brutality and shooting unarmed black men. Until there are tougher consequences at the Federal level for bad police officers who violate the HUMAN rights of American citizens these abuses will continue.

Criminal justice reform addressing disparate sentences for African Americans as compared to white Americans for committing the same crimes.

Bail reform, thousands sit in jail not because they have been found guilty of a crime but because they can't make bail.

Environmental issues that affect black communities that lead to learning and behavioral problems that can make a child more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, these are things that immediately sprung to mind upon hearing of Trump's offer to NFL players.

This is just another example of Trump pointing to the bright shiny object hoping that we all ignore the grim reality that needs to be addressed. Pay attention people and don't let this con-man get with pulling yet another PR stunt that doesn't benefit African Americans as a whole.

So, in light of Trump's misguided offer to pardon boxing legend Muhammad Ali whose conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971 I would like to close by warning us all not to fall for the okey-doke.

George L. Cook III African American Reports

Oprah Winfrey gets exhibit in National Museum of African American History and Culture

“Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture,” opens June 8 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and continues through June 2019. The exhibition will use the story of Winfrey and her 25-year daytime talk show as a lens to explore contemporary American history and culture, especially issues of power, gender and the media. It will feature video clips on a range of subjects, interactive interviews with Winfrey, costumes from her films Beloved and The Color Purple and artifacts from Harpo Studios in Chicago, home of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

“This exhibition examines the power of television,” said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum’s founding director. “Just as Oprah Winfrey watched TV coverage of the civil rights movement and was shaped by the era in which she was born and raised, she has gone on to have a profound effect on how Americans view themselves and each other in the tumultuous decades that followed. She has a place in the museum with a long line of women who did extraordinary things in their time—Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Maya Angelou—women who worked to redeem the soul of America.”

Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show Host, received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and is the nation’s first self-made African American female billionaire. This new Smithsonian exhibition probes the way in which America shaped Winfrey and how Winfrey’s work has shaped America.

The exhibition is in three sections: America Shapes Oprah, 1950s–1980s, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Shapes America. Museum curators Rhea L. Combs and Kathleen Kendrick put Winfrey’s story into context for visitors: “During her 25 years on broadcast television, her remarkable ability to connect in a familiar way with diverse audiences was crucial to her success. Many of the values she espoused on her show—including empowerment, education, spirituality and philanthropy—were rooted in her African American identity and upbringing.”

In the first section, America Shapes Oprah, key events in Winfrey’s life are considered in relationship to the broader political, social and cultural changes happening in the country. Artifacts include items from Winfrey’s childhood when she was deeply affected by the working women in her life, as well as artists, authors and activists whose works gave voice to the experiences of African American women. Among the highlights: the high school diploma earned by Carlotta Walls, one of the “Little Rock Nine” who integrated Central High School in Arkansas in 1957; a pennant carried by Edith Lee Payne, a 12-year-old girl from Detroit, at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; images of women activists, including Pauli Murray, an attorney and Episcopal priest who helped organize the March on Washington, and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; and works by artist Elizabeth Catlett.

The exhibition also examines the evolution of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which dominated daytime TV from 1986 through 2011. Watched by millions in 145 countries, the show won 48 Daytime Emmy Awards, and featured a wide range of celebrities and challenging, rarely discussed topics such as beauty, relationships, sexual abuse and current affairs. Winfrey herself received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.

The exhibition comes full circle with a section titled Oprah Shapes America. It explores Winfrey’s global influence that extends far beyond the world of TV, journalism and entertainment. The phenomenon of “The Oprah Effect”—Winfrey’s ability to shape public opinion and change people’s lives—has long been a subject of fascination and debate; it has raised important questions about the relationship between race, gender and power and about whose voices deserve to be heard and whose perspectives and experiences matter.

“Watching Oprah” is located in the museum’s Special Exhibitions gallery, a 4,300-square-foot exhibition space located on the concourse level near the elevator that takes visitors to the first level of the History Galleries. The exhibition is supported by MGM Resorts International, Target, Bank of America, and FedEx Corporation. The public can join the online conversation using #WatchingOprah and explore the exhibition online at www.nmaahc.si.edu/watchingoprah.

Help this legendary black radio host get into the radio Hall of Fame

Trump Treasury won't commit to putting Harriet Tubman on $20 bill

The Trump administration hasn't commited to an Obama-era pledge to put abolitionist and civil rights hero Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, according to a statement from a Senate Democrat.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) told The New York Times that the Treasury Department responded to her letter -- which was questioning the status of the change originally announced by the Obama administration in April 2016 -- by claiming that no designs for the $20 bill or plans to include Tubman's image had been finalized.

“The redesign of the next currency series is still in the early stages, and neither the final designs nor all features have been finalized for the new notes,” Treasury Department assistant secretary Drew Maloney wrote to Shaheen.

“For this reason, the department is unable to provide additional information regarding the potential designs at this time.”

Shaheen blasted the response, which she called "severely" disappointing and knocked the Trump administration for not following through with the promise to honor the civil rights legend.

“I am severely disappointed by the Trump administration’s failure to prioritize the redesign of the $20 bill to honor Harriet Tubman, and other trailblazing women and civil rights leaders,” Shaheen said in a statement to the Times. “Now that plan has been shelved without notice or reason.”

“I’ll continue to press the Treasury Department to expedite the redesign of the $20 bill and keep its promise to the American people,” she said.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins responds to Donald Trump’s cancellation of team's White House visit

Social Activist and Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins released a statement on Tuesday after President Donald Trump threw a tantrum and made the childish decision to cancel the Eagles’ White House invitation after finding out that most of the players were not coming. Read his statement below:

#TheFightContinues pic.twitter.com/QWDdvZgQNL

— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 5, 2018

Bill Clinton: Media Was Friendlier To Obama Because he was African-American

I don't know if Bill Clinton meant any harm or not but these recent comments are reminiscent of his comments in 2008 after Barack Obama won the South Carolina Democratic Primary that rubbed many African Americans the wrong way.

During an interview on CBS This Morning about a new book (The President is Missing) that he co-authored former President Bill Clinton discussed the media's treatment of Pres. Trump as compared to that of former President Obama. Clinton said he believed that President Barack Obama received much more positive media coverage than did other presidents due to his race.

Asked about the difference in press coverage between President Obama and President Trump, Clinton agreed that there was a difference.

“They did treat him [Obama] differently than other Democrats and Republicans,” Mr. Clinton said during the interview “It was the political press.”

Why? “I don’t know. They liked him. And they liked having the first African-American president, and he was a good president I think,” Mr. Clinton said. “I don’t agree with President Trump’s assessment of his service.

Should Joy Reid be punished for insensitive blog post by MSNBC

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

MSNBC is standing by Joy Reid in the wake of new revelations about even more incendiary old blog posts. Reid's old blog post, some of which date back to 2005 include homophobic slurs and 9/11 conspiracy theories about the federal government.

This probably wouldn't be much of a story now if Reid had not lied about her account being hacked, just owned up to the post, and told us all that she is not that person anymore. I believe myself and many would have given her the benefit of the doubt and forgiven her.

Now I don't think that she should lose her job, but there are those that believe that Reid should be punished for those older post and going so far as to say that she should lose her job at MSNBC.

What do you think?

Rep. Keith Ellison To Boycott NFL Over Anthem Protest Policy

Despite being a NFL fan U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison says he will be boycotting the NFL this season in the wake of the league’s new policy on kneeling during the national anthem.

The Democrat from Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District announced his boycott on Twitter, saying that he won’t be watching as long as league owners penalize on-field protests.

I’m a massive football fan, but I will not be watching the NFL if they keep the kneeling ban in place. I hope the owners realize that freedom of expression is as American as you can get. https://t.co/6irkWfGxcK

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 1, 2018

Stephanie Ray Clemons is missing!

55-year-old Stephanie Ray Clemons, simply vanished 12 days ago.

She was last seen by a neighbor at her apartment doing laundry around noon on May 20 in Miramar, Florida.

Her daughter has since called and texted her mom, messages that have not been returned.

A medical assistant at Jackson Memorial, Clemons was a meticulous worker but no one at the hospital, no friends, no one, has heard a word from her.

“Any help, any minute information you might have about Stephanie would be definitely needed and appreciated,” said Miramar Detective Carlos Villalona.

If you have information, you’re asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Check out the 2018 American Black Film Festival

THE NATION'S LARGEST GATHERING OF BLACK FILM & TELEVISION ENTHUSIASTS

Be a part of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF®) experience. From June 13 through 17, 2018, join our community of artists, executives and industry tastemakers who gather each year in Miami Beach to showcase emerging talent, celebrate Black culture and create opportunities for people of color to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Enjoy five action-packed days of red carpet premieres, master classes, celebrity conversations, tech talks, exclusive parties and more. ABFF® is at the forefront of diversity in Hollywood and continues to inspire generations of new artists and storytellers! Be a part of this coming summer’s hottest event.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded by Jeff Friday, it supports emerging artists to foster a wider range of images, stories and storytellers represented in the entertainment industry. The ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, and is recognized as a vital pipeline for Black talent in front of and behind the camera. Annually held during the month of June, the festival is comprised of five action-packed days of films, engaging panels, networking events and more…from the star-studded opening night screening to the inspirational closing filmmaker ceremony.

Since its inception in 1997, the festival has been held in several locations — from Acapulco, Mexico, to Miami, Florida. The festival is today the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts, with approximately 10,000 attendees. The 22nd annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach, June 13-17, 2018. The Founding and Presenting Sponsor is HBO®.

The ABFF encourages and rewards artistic excellence, providing a platform for more than 1,000 narrative feature films, documentaries, shorts and Web originals. Alumni success stories range from veteran producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) to young auteur Ryan Coogler (Creed, Fruitvale Station) – testimony to the festival’s mission to introduce and connect talented newcomers to the industry at large.

The festival traditionally opens with a Hollywood movie premiere, followed by independent film and television screenings. In addition, each year the ABFF presents over 30 exciting events and networking activities designed to educate, nurture career development and inspire festival attendees. In 2016, the ABFF worked to find new ways to spotlight female filmmakers. In 2017, the festival focused on educating festivalgoers about career opportunities within the business and innovations in entertainment technology. In 2018, we are pleased to announce the return of the Careers in Entertainment Center, offering master classes, tech talks and careers in entertainment sessions by leading media companies , along with our traditional lineup of entertainment, celebrity conversations and talent discovery programs co-programmed with our partners HBO, Comcast NBCUniversal, Turner and TV One.

Learn more about the ABFF here: http://www.abff.com/

Can we all agree that comparing a black person to an ape is racist?

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

I can't believe that in 2018 people are actually questioning whether comparing a black person to an ape is racist. Are people that ignorant? Listen to more below.

24-year-old single mom graduates from Harvard Law School

Becoming a lawyer was always a goal for Briana Williams. But when she became a single mother a year before finishing her Harvard law degree, her dream seemed almost impossible. The 24-year-old shared a candid post about how she decided to complete a final exam in April 2017 while in labor before heading to the hospital to give birth.

“I immediately requested an epidural so that my contractions wouldn’t interfere,” the mom writes. “To say that my last year of law school, with a newborn, and as a single mom was a challenge would be an understatement.”

Beating all odds and statistics, Williams walked across the graduation stage with her adorable mini-me, Evelyn, the two of them wearing matching caps and gowns.

Williams tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the road to success wasn’t easy, and there were times when she thought she couldn’t do what she needed to do.

“There were many days that I’d go into a depression because I felt overwhelmed and let the pressure of what I was trying to do get to me. I suppose I just did what I had to do, regardless of how I felt on the inside, because I did not want people to be able to say that I had to choose between motherhood and success,” she reveals. “I refused to allow anyone to assume that my daughter could hold me back in any way when she is such a fundamental piece of my success and courage. I knew that if I persisted, I could help other similarly situated women.”

Read more: Single Mom, 24, Graduates From Harvard Law School: ‘Let’s Keep Beating All Their Odds’

I went into labor in April- during final exam period. I immediately requested an epidural so that my contractions wouldn’t interfere with my Family Law grade. And, with tears in my eyes, I finished it. This “biting the bullet” experience is quite quintessential of my time at Harvard. To say that my last year of law school, with a newborn, and as a single mom was a challenge would be an understatement. Some days I was so mentally and emotionally fatigued that I did not leave my bed. I struggled with reliable childcare. It was not atypical to see me rushing through Wasserstein to the Dean of Students’ office with Evelyn in her carriage, asking DOS can they keep her for a few until class was over. If not, she’d just have to come with me to class. Evie attended classes often. So I’m going to be honest with you guys.. I didnt think I could do it. I did not think that, at 24 years old, as a single mom, I would be able to get through one of the most intellectually rigorous and challenging positions of my life. It was hard. It hurt. Instagram can make peoples’ lives seem seamless, but this journey has been heartwrenching. However, I am happy to say that I DID do it. Today, Evelyn in my arms, with tears streaming down my face, I accepted my Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. At first, I was the anomaly of my [marginalized] community. Then, as a single mother, I became a statistic. Next, I pray that- for the sake of my baby, I will be an example. Evelyn- they said that because of you I wouldn’t be able to do this. Just know that I did this BECAUSE OF YOU. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to be invincible. Let’s keep beating all their odds, baby.

A post shared by Briana Williams, J.D. (@lovexbriana) on May 24, 2018 at 1:12pm PDT

Valerie Jarrett responds to Roseanne Barr's racist tweets

Valerie Jarrett, former adviser to President Barack Obama, responded to actress Roseanne Barr’s comment referring to her as an “ape” on Tuesday.

Meet the woman that canceled 'Roseanne', Channing Dungey

[UPDATE: VALERIE JARRET RESPONDS TO ROSEANNE'S RACIST TWEETS]

Looks like Barr should have checked the organizational chart at ABC before she made her racist tweets. The ABC Entertainment president is Channing Dungey who just happens to be...African American.

The shows stellar ratings and an apology weren't enough to mitigate those racist comments, and now Dungey/ABC has canceled "Roseanne."

Dungey said in a statement to CBS News, "Roseanne's Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show."

Dungey has a long career is television and film.

In 1991, she graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

Dungey began her career in entertainment as a development assistant for Davis Entertainment. She later joined Warner Bros. as a production executive, where she helped develop and supervise a number of commercially successful films including The Bridges of Madison County, Heat , The Matrix , and The Devil's Advocate.

She joined ABC Studios in the summer of 2004 and worked as head of drama. She oversaw the development of ABC Studio shows such as Scandal, Criminal Minds, How to Get Away with Murder, Nashville, Quantico, Army Wives and Once Upon A Time.

In 2016, Dungey made headlines when she became the first African-American to run the entertainment division of a major broadcast television network.

First African-American Ivy League president now leads HBCU

In 2001 Ruth Simmons was the first African American Ivy League President when she took the reins at Brown University. She has now come out of retirement to lead Prairie View A & M University near her hometown in Texas. She’s driven to continue guiding young lives just as she had been helped as a young student.

Barbados elects Mia Mottley as first woman Prime Minister

Mia Mottley, a 52-year-old lawyer, is reported to have once told a teacher at her secondary school that she would become Barbados first female PM.

That prediction became true when the Caribbean island elected her its first woman prime minister since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. Mia Mottley led her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a crushing victory over the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).

Ms Mottley faced a barrage of personal and political attacks from the DLP during the election campaign, but also picked up an apparent endorsement from Barbadian pop star Rihanna.

Speaking shortly after it became apparent that the BLP would form the next government, Ms Mottley told cheering supporters: "This is not my victory. This is not the Labour Party's victory. This is the people of Barbados's victory,"

Ms Mottley's new administration - like its predecessor, a broadly centre-left government - faces a host of problems in a country once seen as a byword for good governance in the Caribbean.

Despite the island's enduring popularity with tourists from Western Europe and North America, and growing arrivals from newer tourist markets like China and Russia, the Barbadian economy has failed to shrug off the effects of the global economic crisis of the late 2000s.

Sluggish economic growth, high levels of government debt and shrinking foreign currency reserves have been compounded by the adverse publicity and cancelled bookings stemming from a collapsing sewage system.

The system serves part of the country's South Coast, a key tourist area.

[SOURCE: BBC]

National Eat at a Black Coffee Shop Day May 29

Chicago - After the recent Starbucks incident involving the arrest of two Black men in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, most Black people had one of two responses: either boycott Starbucks or open our own coffee shops.

National Eat at a Black Coffee Shop Day combines the best of these ideas. On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, tens of thousands of Starbucks customers will try a new coffee experience at a Black-owned coffee shop.

Black coffee houses, coffee shops and tea houses, under the umbrella of The Black Star Project, have formed a federation to flex their collective and connective muscle in the competitive coffee marketplace. They are working together to get out the word that their coffees are just as good, or better, than Starbucks.

These Black coffee houses expect to win significant market share on Tuesday, May 29th because that day Starbucks is closing more than 8,000 U.S. units for diversity training. 

Phillip Jackson, Chairman of the Board for The Black Star Project says, "We expect substantially higher sales at each store and it is our intention to keep and grow any market share we earn on this day. Stores will be well-stocked with pastries, cakes, cookies, coffees and teas for the expected new business". 

In addition to regular business on Tuesday May 29th, Black coffee shops are being encouraged to offer evening "Black Economic Empowerment Forums" as a catalyst to spur economic development in Black communities across America. 

All of this is part of the Campaign to "Circulate Black Dollars in the Black Community", which is designed to raise the percentage of the $1.3 trillion spent in Black communities by Black consumers last year and to re-circulate those dollars back into the Black community. 

Jackson also says," If we can raise our spending with each other from our current 2% to a modest 10%, we would no longer require or need to ask for help from government, foundations or others." 

So far, more than 300 Black Coffee Houses, Coffee Shops and Tea Houses around the U.S. are expected to participate in "National Eat at a Black Coffee House Day". Click Here to access the 300 Coffee Shops in various cities, or call 773.285.9600.

Democrat Letitia James is running for New York State Attorney General

With enthusiastic screams of "Run Tish Run" echoing through the hall, state Democrats nominated city Public Advocate Letitia James for attorney general.

James picked up over 85% of the delegate vote to win the nomination over Fordham Law Prof. Zephyr Teachout and former Gov. Cuomo and Hillary Clinton aide Leecia Eve.

In accepting the nomination, James warned that constitutional rights are under attack in Washington and that "the attorney general stands at the vanguard as a wall of protection, not a wall of exclusion."

"I'm so proud you bestowed on me this designation because I'm well prepared for the fight ahead," she said.

James went into the convention the heavy favorite, having won the endorsement of Gov. Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and some key labor unions.

Her candidacy fell into place quickly since the position wasn't even in play as Eric Schneiderman cruised toward a third term. But all that changed on May 7 when Schneiderman abruptly resigned in disgrace hours after New Yorker magazine released a story alleging he physically assaulted four women.

[SOURCE: NY DAILY NEWS]

Bernice King to Steve Bannon: My dad would not be proud of Trump

In an interview with BBC’s “Newsnight,” Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist cited historically low unemployment rates for black and Hispanic workers and credited the president’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

“If you look at the policies of Donald Trump, OK, anybody — Martin Luther King — would be proud of him, of what he’s done for the black and Hispanic community for jobs,” Bannon said.

In a series of tweets Bernice King, the Rev. Martin Luther King’s daughter blasted Steve Bannon’s claim that her father would be proud of President Donald Trump.

#SteveBannon has dangerously and erroneously co-opted my father’s name, work and words.

Bannon’s assertion that my father, #MLK, would be proud of Donald Trump wholly ignores Daddy’s commitment to people of all races, nationalities, etc. being treated with dignity and respect.

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

My father’s concerns were not sectional, but global. He was an activist for the civil rights of Black people in America, but he was also an activist for human rights. #MLK

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

In addition, he would never pit one group against another in the struggle for justice, as Bannon attempts to use him to do in discussing those he termed as “illegal aliens” and Black people. #MLK

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

Bannon’s comments are like feeding someone empty calories, in that they don’t convey a comprehensive view of #MLK as a global humanitarian who cared about the well-being of all people.

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

My father would be extremely disturbed by the climate created by leaders, who have emboldened people to easily express and demonstrate cruelty, predominantly toward people of color and immigrants. #MLK

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

Finally, #MLK would be proud of a livable wage for all and not merely a low unemployment rate. #PoorPeoplesCampaign

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 24, 2018

Largest group of African-Americans graduate from Coast Guard Academy

After the graduation ceremony ended and the crowd began dispersing, a group of newly minted Coast Guard ensigns and their families, friends and mentors gathered around the Honor Wall, which is inscribed with the words "Who lives here reveres honor, honors duty."

The 18 men and women represent the largest number of African-Americans to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy — the result of hard work, which several mentioned has just begun, to diversify the institution that develops the Coast Guard's future officers.

The ensigns were given lieutenant commander shoulder boards, a rank usually achieved after 10 years of Coast Guard service, as a memento to encourage them to stay in the Coast Guard and become leaders in the service.

"The goal is to have you break into the senior leadership of this organization. For you guys to do that, you guys have got to remain vigilant. You got to remain focused, and you got to remain on task," said Cmdr. Marcus Canady, a 2000 academy graduate who is part of the Admissions Minority Outreach Team, which has helped to recruit minorities to come to the academy and mentor them during their time here.

The shoulder boards are a way to "keep that idea in your head" over the next 10 years, Canady told the ensigns.

Merle Smith, the first African-American to graduate from the academy, presented Ensign Tyler Exum of Fort Washington, Md., who majored in electrical engineering and graduated with honors, with his shoulder boards.

"It's taken this long for our Coast Guard Academy to reflect the nation whom we serve," Adm. Paul Zukunft, the commandant of the Coast Guard, said to the ensigns. "It was really about giving people the opportunity, going out and exposing them to the Coast Guard Academy."

In addition to Zukunft, Rear Adm. James Rendon, superintendent at the academy, also was present at the shoulder board ceremony.

The outreach team played a big part in exposing prospective students to the academy. Canady said the group was formed about 2007 and then went dormant for a little while before picking back up again about five years ago, as prospective students in the Class of 2018 were looking at colleges. He and retired Coast Guard Cmdr. Mark Harris, a 1996 graduate of the academy, challenged the ensigns to continue that work.

Read more: Largest group of African-Americans graduate from Coast Guard Academy.