Kamala Harris: Playing with ACA is irresponsible

Presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris said Tuesday that the Trump administration is "playing politics, yet again" with the Affordable Care Act, calling it the "height of irresponsibility."

The California Democrat told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room" that "the idea that we would turn the clock back because of some political purpose instead of prioritizing public health is irresponsible," and added, "We're going to have to fight against it again."

Harris joins other 2020 Democrats in slamming the move by the administration and rallying around the Affordable Care Act.

The senator said health care is an issue that "keeps most Americans up at night, regardless of who they vote for," as they worry about whether they can afford it.

She said that "tens of millions of Americans have benefited from the Affordable Care Act, including the removal of pre-existing conditions as a barrier to receive care."

"We have been clear, I think, as a nation that we value and we want all Americans to be able to have access to affordable health care, period," Harris said.

"The idea that people are playing politics, yet again, with the Affordable Care Act is the height of irresponsibility," Harris said.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Previously Unknown Photo of Young Harriet Tubman To Go on Public View for the First Time

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will display—for the first time—the Emily Howland photography album containing a previously unknown portrait of abolitionist and Underground Railroad-conductor Harriet Tubman. The Howland album will be the museum’s first acquisition to be displayed in Heritage Hall, the museum’s main entry hall. It will be on exhibit Monday, March 25, through Sunday, March 31, and then relocated to the “Slavery and Freedom” exhibition on the C3 Level in the museum’s History Gallery.

“This photo album allows us to see Harriet Tubman in a riveting, new way; other iconic portraits present her as either stern or frail,” said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the founding director of the museum. “This new photograph shows her relaxed and very stylish. Sitting with her arm casually draped across the back of a parlor chair, she’s wearing an elegant bodice and a full skirt with a fitted waist. Her posture and facial expression remind us that historical figures are far more complex than we realize. This adds significantly to what we know about this fierce abolitionist—it helps to humanize such an iconic figure.”

A recently announced visitation policy allowing for walk-up entry without passes Monday through Friday starting at 1 p.m. will provide visitors access to viewing the Tubman photograph.

Two years ago, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress jointly acquired the photograph as part Howland’s photo album. Howland (1827–1929), a Quaker school teacher, taught at Camp Todd, the Freedman’s School in Arlington, Virginia. The album was originally compiled as a gift for her. Containing 49 images taken circa 1860s, it includes a more commonly known Tubman portrait taken later in life and images of Sen. Charles Sumner, woman’s activist and abolitionist Lydia Maria Child, organizer Samuel Ely, William Henry Channing, Col. C.W. Folsom, Charles Dickens and the only known photograph of John Willis Menard, the first African American man elected to the U.S. Congress.

Read more about Emily Howland's photo album here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/about/news/album-previously-unknown-photo-young-harriet-tubman-go-public-view-first-time

Michelle Obama's "Becoming" has sold nearly 10 million copies

Former first lady Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir, "Becoming," has sold nearly 10 million copies, the parent company of publisher Penguin Random House announced Tuesday.

The candid memoir, released in November, quickly became a best-seller and is one of the most popular books of the decade.

"We believe this could be the most successful memoir in history," said Thomas Rabe, the chief executive of Bertelsmann, a parent company of Penguin Random House.

The book had the longest streak at No. 1 for any book since "Fifty Shades of Grey" came out in 2012, according to Amazon.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Rep. Maxine Waters: Mueller report is not the end

If the Robert Mueller report is not released in full to the public it should be subpoenaed Rep. Maxine Waters tells Joy Reid on AM JOY, adding, ‘those of us who chair these committees have the responsibility to continue with our oversight.’ Watch the full interview below:

Body of activist Amber Evans found in river

A body recovered Saturday from the Scioto River has been identified as community activist Amber Evans, who had been missing since Jan. 28.

Evans, 28, reportedly had a dispute with her boyfriend the afternoon of her disappearance, and her vehicle was found in the Scioto Mile area Downtown. Police found her phone in another part of the Scioto Mile.

Police have said since the beginning of the investigation that there were no known domestic violence issues in Evans’ relationship and there was no reason to suspect foul play.

The Columbus Police Special Victim’s Unit and Dive Team found the body Saturday morning near the Whittier Peninsula and the Brewery District, police said.

Evans had been active in community justice organizations for several years. She was a key organizer of protests at Columbus City Hall, was heavily involved with the People’s Justice Project and recently had become executive director of the Juvenile Justice Coalition.

Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University and a master’s in Library and Information Sciences from Kent State University.

According to a biography on the Juvenile Justice Coalition website, she began student organizing in 2011 with Occupy OSU, a group inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Fischer said the family plans to have a memorial vigil at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Scioto Mile. Other arrangements are pending.

[SOURCE: THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH]

NJ Congressman Donald Payne statement on marijuana legalization in NJ

N.J. Congressman Donald Payne (NJ 10th District) released the following statement on marijuana legislation in the state:

Like many other states, New Jersey has suffered from disproportionate impacts of drug enforcement in minority communities, and this legislation will help rectify iniquities of the past. New Jersey is ready to move forward, and it’s time for the state’s leaders to get behind it.

— Rep. Donald Payne Jr (@RepDonaldPayne) March 20, 2019

Jordan Peele's ‘Us’ exceeds expectations with $70 million opening weekend

By George L. Cook III African American Reports.

'Us', Jordan Peele's followup up to his 2017 hit 'Get Out' exceeded all expectations by grossing an estimated $70 million plus in its opening weekend.

Early projections varied from $40 to $60 million. The $70 million weekend was an outstanding launch for the film which had a budget of $20 million.

'Us’ now has the third highest grossing horror film weekend behind only "It" which opened with $123.4 million and "Halloween (2018)" which launched with 76.2 million.

'Us’ will pass the $100 mark and should have no problem reaching and $150 million mark. The questions are with the movie's polarizing ending does it gross more than the $176 million 'Get Out' made or does it pass $200 million domestically because of repeated viewings by those trying to decipher the ending?

'Us’ was by written, produced, and directed by Jordan Peele.

The movie stars Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Evan Alex .

Cory Booker leading in 2020 endorsements

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) is leading the 2020 Democratic field in endorsements from his fellow congressional lawmakers.

Booker has already locked up the public support of 12 lawmakers, including every member of his home state’s Democratic delegation.

Fellow New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (D) was an early backer, calling Booker a “great friend” who would “make an even greater president” in his endorsement. The two have served together since 2013.

Other contenders are also pulling in early support from their home states. But Booker's tally is more than double the five congressional endorsements secured so far by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), who is in second.

While the 2020 primary contest is still in its early stages, the coveted endorsements can give candidates a boost, helping them bolster their credibility and build momentum in what is expected to be a crowded primary field.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Joe Biden considering Stacey Abrams as running-mate

Former Vice President Joe Biden’s aides are debating whether he should launch a bid for the White House with a pledge to make Democrat Stacey Abrams his running mate.

AXIOS reported Thursday that his advisers are deeply divided over the idea, with some hoping that it could balance his appeal to Democrats who demand a more diverse ticket and others worried it would be perceived as a gimmick.

The private sit-down between Abrams and Biden earlier this month has only fed the speculation, and though details about the meeting have been scant, Abrams’ insiders say Biden made no formal request about running on the same ticket.

There’s another catch: Abrams still hasn’t figured out her next step, whether it be a run for U.S. Senate, a bid for governor or prepping her own presidential bid. And her aides acknowledge that while Biden’s team might be pondering a joint ticket, she has yet to firm up her own plans.

“You have to be intentional, but you also have to be flexible,” Abrams said this week at Vanderbilt University. “I never thought I’d be mentioned for Senate or that my name would be bandied about for president - yet.”

[SOURCE AJC.COM]

Colin Kaepernick to get less than $10 million in NFL settlement

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and current Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid settled their collusion grievances against the NFL, but according to a Wall Street Journal report, they will receive less than $10 million total.

Kaepernick filed a grievance in October 2017 under the collective bargaining agreement, alleging collusion against signing him to an NFL contract. He had led the movement of players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality. While with the Niners, Reid was the first player to join Kaepernick in kneeling.

According to the Wall Street Journal report, which cited people briefed on the deal, it's not clear how the money will be split and how much the players will net after legal fees. To put Kaepernick's split of the $10 million in perspective, his base salary in 2016 alone was nearly $12 million.

The filing on the grievances, which demanded an arbitration hearing on the matter, said the NFL and its owners "have colluded to deprive Mr. Kaepernick of employment rights in retaliation for Mr. Kaepernick's leadership and advocacy for equality and social justice and his bringing awareness to peculiar institutions still undermining racial equality in the United States."

Read more at ESPN

BET News Presents: “AMERICAN INJUSTICE: A BET TOWN HALL” On March 24

BET News presents “ AMERICAN INJUSTICE: A BET TOWN HALL.” Hosted and moderated by award-winning broadcast journalist, Soledad O’Brien, this critical and timely primetime special brings together some of the most influential voices in Congress to explore the future of criminal justice reform in America. The panel of political heavyweights includes presidential candidates Senator Cory Booker and Senator Kamala Harris, and other key members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) including Rep. Karen Bass (CBC Chair), and Rep. Val Demings. This one-hour special speaks to the stark racial disparities that plague America’s criminal justice system and offers solutions. The town hall event airs Sunday, March 24 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on BET.

“BET Networks is committed to bringing conversations and stories of systemic issues of race and justice across our nation to light through platforms like our powerful ‘Finding Justice’ series, our upcoming leadership symposium and this important ‘American Injustice’ town hall conversation in partnership with members of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Scott Mills, President of BET Networks. “We are taking this on in a way no other brand and network can. We look forward to taking the conversation beyond our screens and into action as we work towards addressing and telling the untold stories of transgressions to Black Americans.”

In America there are currently over 2 million people locked up in jail or prison and more than 4 million under correctional supervision, and America’s crisis of mass incarceration disproportionately impacts black and brown communities. In December, President Trump signed into law the “First Step Act” aimed at reforming some of the sentencing disparities in America’s Criminal justice system. While the bill is a “first step” toward reform, there is still much more work to be done.

In addition to the “First Step Act,” this BET Town Hall examines several other issues in the Criminal Justice system still in urgent need of reform including juvenile justice and the school-to-prison pipeline, the cash bail system that too often preys on low-income minorities and a probation/parole system that in too many cases works as a system to re-incarcerate offenders. This BET News special addresses these issues and offers tools to empower people to advocate for criminal justice reform at the local level, in their communities. To drive audience engagement and give context to the issues discussed, clips of BET’s original docuseries “Finding Justice” will be included throughout the special.

Tune in Sunday, March 24 starting at 8:00 PM ET to a new episode of “Finding Justice” focusing on voter suppression, followed by “AMERICAN INJUSTICE: A BET TOWN HALL,” at 9:00 PM ET/PT and be part of this crucial conversation by socializing your thoughts with the hashtag #FindingJusticeBET

Formerly homeless teen gets into dream college

The story of Dylan Chidick is a tale of triumph over tragedy when, after being in and out of homelessness during his youth, he got admissions letters from 17 schools. On Tuesday, the teen landed this 18th acceptance letter, and it was the one that counted the most: His dream school, The College of New Jersey.

The College of New Jersey surprised him at his high school, by bringing his acceptance letter. Watch the video below:

Keith Gill becomes first-ever African-American FBS conference commissioner

The Sun Belt Conference made history with the hiring of its new commissioner.

The league announced Tuesday that it has hired Keith Gill to replace the retiring Karl Benson. Gill, most recently the executive associate commissioner of the Atlantic 10, becomes the first-ever African American commissioner of an FBS conference. The FBS represents the highest level of Division I athletics.

Read the announcement below:


The Sun Belt Conference announced on Tuesday that Keith Gill has been named the league’s sixth commissioner.

“On behalf of the Sun Belt Conference’s presidents and chancellors, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Keith Gill as the next commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference,” said Georgia State and Sun Belt President Dr. Mark P. Becker.  “Keith is a proven leader with deep experience across the many dimensions of intercollegiate athletics.  Combining that with his passion, integrity and enthusiasm, Keith will be an outstanding leader as the Sun Belt continues on its rising trajectory.”

“I am honored and excited to have been selected as the Commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference and I am grateful to President Becker and all of the Sun Belt presidents and chancellors for allowing me this opportunity,” said Gill.  “I look forward to serving and working with them, their outstanding institutions, the administrators and coaches of the conference and the student-athletes that continue to push the Sun Belt to the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics.”

With his appointment, Gill will become the first African-American commissioner of a NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision conference.

Gill replaces outgoing commissioner Karl Benson, who announced his decision to stepdown as commissioner this past August.  Benson, the only individual to be a commissioner of three I-A/FBS conferences, will begin to transition out of his role as it was mutually agreed that Gill’s start date will be May 1.

A veteran of intercollegiate athletics for nearly 25 years, Gill comes to the Sun Belt from the Atlantic 10 Conference where he currently serves as Executive Associate Commissioner.

At the A-10, Gill works directly with longtime commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade and serves as the primary liaison to the A-10 Men’s Basketball Advancement Committee which is responsible for identifying initiatives and strategies to ensure A-10 men’s basketball remains a top seven league and increases the number of A-10 at-large teams that annually advance to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Gill supports the A-10’s digital and television broadcast strategy while also providing regular NCAA governance updates to the A-10 Council of Presidents.

Prior to his time at the A-10, Gill was a director of athletics for 10 years, serving at the University of Richmond for five years and American University for five years.

While at Richmond, he was appointed as the A-10's representative on the NCAA Council and served as the governing body's Vice Chair. He also was the Co-Chair of the NCAA Ad Hoc Transfer Issues Working Group in 2015. Gill was honored as an Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year by NACDA in 2015.

Under Gill's watch, Richmond's athletics programs won 14 conference championships and produced 19 All-Americans.  Additionally, the athletics department also made numerous improvements to its athletics facilities, including a complete renovation of the Spiders' basketball and multi-purpose arena, the Robins Center.

In five years at American, Gill led the athletics department to unprecedented heights, highlighted by 25 team conference championships, 16 individual conference champions and 25 All-Americans. In Gill’s first two seasons, the men’s basketball team won the Patriot League title, earning the school’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009.

More than 250 American student-athletes flourished in the classroom under Gill’s guidance as 16 teams earned a combined grade point average over 3.0 for 23 consecutive semesters. In 2011-12, 121 student-athletes were named to the university’s Dean’s List as the department posted a combined 3.36 GPA.

Prior to his time at American, Gill spent three years at the University of Oklahoma from 2004-07.  In Norman, he oversaw major portions of Sooner athletics, including men’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball, as well as the supervision of personnel, budgets, facilities, fundraising, student-athlete issues and the selection and evaluation of coaches for those sports. He worked with Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione and senior staff in overseeing the strategic and annual planning process for the department.

Prior to Oklahoma, Gill served two stints at the NCAA national office from 1995-99 and 2000-04. During his second tenure, he was in the role of director of membership services, developing and communicating policies related to Division I intercollegiate athletics, including governance, rules compliance, diversity, gender equity, academic integrity, student-athlete welfare, fiscal integrity, strategic planning, sportsmanship and legislation. Gill oversaw and ensured the effective operation of the athletics certification program and managed a staff of 35 that provided education and guidance to Division I institutions conducting their periodic self-studies. During his first stint at the NCAA office, Gill worked as a membership services representative.

Between his time at the NCAA office, Gill was an Assistant Director of Athletics at Vanderbilt University, working with the director of athletics to implement the annual planning process to help 16 athletics teams achieve their academic and competitive goals. He worked with the National Commodore Club and the major gifts, media relations and marketing staffs and the athletics committee as a part of the Vanderbilt Board of Trustees.

A 1994 graduate of Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology, the Orlando, Fla., native was a four-year letterman in football. He received a Master's Degree from Oklahoma in 2006.

CAREER HISTORY:
NCAA, Membership Services Representative (1995-99)
Vanderbilt, Assistant Athletics Director (1999-2000)
NCAA, Director of Membership Services (2000-04)
Oklahoma, Senior Associate Athletics Director (2004-07)
American University, Director of Athletics and Recreation (2007-12)
Richmond, Director of Athletics (2013-17)
Atlantic 10 Conference, Executive Associate Commissioner (2017-19)

NATIONAL COMMITTEES AND SERVICE:
NCAA Division I Council (2015-18)
NCAA Division I Council; Vice Chair (2015-17)
NCAA Division I Competition Oversight Committee (2017-18)
NCAA Division I Board of Directors Sport Organizational Structure Working Group (2016)
NCAA Division I Council Ad Hoc Transfer Issues Working Group; Co-Chair (2015)
NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Committee (2009-12)
NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee (2005-08)
NCAA Football Rules Committee (2005-2007)
NACDA Executive Committee (2015-present)
NACDA Professional Development Committee (2015-present)
NACDA McClendon Foundation Steering Committee (2010-16)

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Bernadette V. McGlade, Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner
“Keith Gill has been an exceptional part of the A-10 team.  His leadership, experience and exceptional dedication are some of his finest qualities!  On behalf of the Atlantic 10 Conference I thank Keith for his service and have no doubt that he will be an asset to the Sun Belt Conference, continuing to build success for the conference in the future.”

Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma Director of Athletics
“Congratulations to the leadership of the Sun Belt Conference on selecting Keith Gill as their new Commissioner.  Simply put, they clearly and strategically positioned the league for continued success. Keith has always been very intentional about his preparation to lead from his days as a student-athlete at Duke through his professional journey at Vanderbilt, the NCAA, Oklahoma, American University, Richmond and the Atlantic-10 Conference.  Knowing his engaging communication style and big-picture thinking ability, his experiences have prepared him well to serve all the key stakeholders of the conference membership while building on the transformational vision and growth authored by his predecessor, the highly regarded Karl Benson.  I look forward to watching the great days ahead for the Sun Belt Conference.”

Mark Emmert, NCAA President
“In choosing Keith Gill as the new Sun Belt Commissioner the conference presidents have made an excellent decision.  Keith has established himself as a national leader in college athletics and will bring to the Sun Belt a wealth of knowledge, talent, and leadership. His work on campuses, conference offices, the NCAA national office, and leadership of the Division I Council all give him a remarkable background for this position.”

Bill Hancock, College Football Playoff Executive Director
"I have enjoyed knowing Keith since our days together in the NCAA national office.  He is a bright, energetic and savvy veteran of our business who will be yet another great leader for the Sun Belt, following in the footsteps of Vic Bubas, Jim Lessig, Craig Thompson, Wright Waters and Karl Benson.  And I look forward to working with Keith again, in his role as a member of the College Football Playoff management committee."

Greg Sankey, Southeastern Conference Commissioner
“Keith Gill is an outstanding leader and an even better person who will continue moving the Sun Belt Conference in to the future. His experience leading athletics departments, working on campuses in several conferences, and serving in the NCAA national office provide Keith with a depth of knowledge, experience and relationships that will benefit every Sun Belt member. I look forward to working with Keith and congratulate the Sun Belt Conference on selecting Keith Gill as its sixth commissioner.”

Cory Booker on Trump: ‘Racists think he’s a racist’

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker tells MSNBC’s Chris Matthews that President Trump’s language is “causing pain, fear -- the way he's talking is making people afraid."

Homeless 8 year-old, Tanitoluwa Adewumi is now a Chess champion

An 8-year-old Nigerian refugee was just crowned a chess champion in New York’s statewide competition.

Tanitoluwa Adewumi, who lives in a Manhattan homeless shelter with his family, won the kindergartener through third grade category in New York’s chess championship last weekend with an undefeated performance, according to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.

Tanitoluwa, known as “Tani,” learned to play chess just one year ago, and now tells the Times that he wants to be “the youngest grandmaster.”

Tani learned chess with his classmates at New York’s P.S. 116, and joined the school’s chess club. The club’s organizer waived the fees for Tani because of his family’s financial situation. Though he started out as the lowest-rated member of the club, he quickly improved and is now bringing his school statewide recognition, according to the newspaper.

P.S. 116's principal, Jane Hsu, told the Times that Tani’s win is “an inspiring example of how life’s challenges do not define a person,” and credited the third-grader’s supportive parents despite being homeless.

The Adewumis have applied for asylum, and are reportedly set for an immigration hearing in August. The hearing will take place just three months after Tani competes at the elementary national chess championship.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Prairie View A&M wins SWAC tournament headed to NCAA Tournament

The Prairie View A&M Panthers (22-12) defeated the Texas Southern University Tigers (21-13) 92-86 to win the SWAC (South Western Athletic Conference) and a spot in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

The Panthers were led by guards Gary Blackston and guard Dennis Jones, both of whom scored 17 points. Forward Devonte Patterson led the team in rebounding with six boards and chipped in offensively with 10 points.

Head coach Byron Smith has led his team to the NCAA Tournament in his second full season as head men's basketball coach at Prairie View A&M University. This is only the second trip for the Panthers to the big dance after getting there once before in 1998.

North Carolina Central University headed to the NCAA Tournament

With a 50-47 win over the Norfolk State University Spartans (21-3), the North Carolina Central University eagles (18-15) won the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship game and punched their ticket to the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

The Eagles were led by Raasean Davis, who was voted the tournament’s most outstanding player. Davis scored eight points and snagged 14 rebounds. Zacarry Douglas chipped in to help with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

It's the third straight title for NCCU, securing its third consecutive trip to the Big Dance. NCCU is the first MEAC team to win three straight tournament titles since North Carolina A&T won seven in a row from 1982-1988.

“Typical championship game,” NCCU head coach LeVelle Moton said. “We knew we were going to be in for a dog fight. We knew there were going to be some high highs and low lows.”

The Eagles, have now won four MEAC tournament titles in eight years of being a full MEAC member.

“This is what we do it for,” Moton said. “You try to push and squeeze all the juice out of the orange and get them to believe in themselves. I’m thankful that they believed in themselves this week.”

The Eagles will now wait to see who they’ll face during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Sunday, March 17.

Mississippi Gov. ignores work of Rep. Bennie Thompson, takes credit for Medgar Ever's home being named a national monument

Last month, Congress passed a massive lands bill that, among other things, added four national monuments, including Medgar Evers' home located in Jackson, Mississippi. President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law earlier this week.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, a Trump ally, felt it appropriate to thank the president and the state's Republican senators, but left out Bennie Thompson the African American congressman who has worked over the years, has testified at hearings, proposed legislation and called for a study of the feasibility of the National Park Service taking over the Evers' home.

"Thank you to @realDonaldTrump for signing legislation today to designate Medgar and Myrlie Evers home as a National Monument," he tweeted. "@SenatorWicker & @SenHydeSmith have worked very hard on this for some time and are to be commended."

The head of the Congressional Black Caucus weighed in Friday on a simmering dispute in Mississippi over who deserves credit for the push to designate civil rights icon Medgar Evers' home a national monument.

Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant "despicable" and accused him of ignoring the work of Rep. Bennie Thompson, the lone Democrat and African-American in the state's delegation, who has advocated for years for Evers' home to be named a national monument.

"I don’t know much about the governor of Mississippi, but he is clearly despicable," Bass said in a call with reporters Friday. "There is no way in the world that he should not have acknowledged the decades of work that Congressman Bennie Thompson has put in. So for him to specifically ignore him is really just an example of his pettiness."

“You can take my word the entire Congressional Black Caucus was highly offended that he would be so disrespectful of one our most important members and a member who chairs a full committee – the Homeland Security Committee," Bass said. “For him to disrespect him in the manner that he did, I hope the governor of Mississippi knows that the slight will not go unnoticed."

Evers' widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams, told SiriusXM radio host Joe Madison Friday she was "incensed'' that only a few were credited, noting that Thompson and others worked for 16 years to get the historic designation.

"I have given too much to sit down and be quiet about something that I feel is unjust,'' said the 87-year-old civil rights veteran. "How dare that be taken and given credit to one or two people who are new."

Thompson tweeted:

After years of working to enact the home of Medgar and Myrlie Evers as a national monument, I am proud to announce it has been signed into law. I hope this enactment affords my long-time friend Myrlie Evers some assurance that her husband’s legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/lFInLfyZnW

— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) March 13, 2019

[SOURCE YAHOO NEWS]

Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep Andre Carson statements on New Zealand Mosque shootings

Rep. Ilhan Omar(MN 5th District) and Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN 7th District) who are both Muslim members of Congress, responded to Friday’s targeted killing of worshipers at a New Zealand mosque that left 49 people dead and dozens more injured.

Inna lilahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. This is chilling news to wake up to. In the face of this horror, I’m mourning with, and holding our community extra close today.

We must not live in fear. I will be at Jumu’ah today and I hope others will too. Jummah Mubarak.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 15, 2019

Today I’m grieving for the victims of this horrific terrorist attack in #Christchurch, New Zealand, praying for their loved ones grappling with this shocking loss of life, and reaffirming my commitment to eradicate hatred and #Islamophobia.

— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) March 15, 2019

Employees Sue UPS For Discrimination Citing Slurs, Nooses In Warehouse

United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is being sued by 19 employees at an Ohio distribution center who allege the company fostered a "racially hostile work environment."

The lawsuit, filed in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas on March 13, accuses UPS and five specific supervisors of "enabling and tolerating" a racist culture in the Maumee facility.

"The Defendants have maintained a hostile work environment through these employment decisions, as well as by tolerating, and failing to remedy known racist comments and conduct," the lawsuit claims. "They have promoted and tolerated an atmosphere of racism in which individual employees feel free to display overt racial biases through conduct."

The lawsuit calls for compensatory damages exceeding $25,000, legal fees and an undetermined amount of punitive damages for the plaintiffs who say they experienced incidents of apparent racism from white co-workers and supervisors.

In July 2016, a defendant reportedly hung nooses above the workstation of an African-American employee, after which the defendant was fired, but the plaintiff was allegedly told not to discuss or photograph the incident.

Just days after the noose incident, another African-American employee reports receiving text messages from white co-workers in a group chat referencing potential lottery winnings, asking "can we buy another noose with the winnings," and "If you feel down and out, the noose is loose," but no disciplinary action was taken when the issue was taken to management.

In September of the same year, an employee was fired after referring to a minority neighborhood as "N-----ville" and refusing to deliver a package, but was reinstated to her position almost immediately, according to the suit.

Other incidents in the lawsuit include:

A slur written in bathroom graffiti

Employees using racial slurs toward and in the presence of African-American employees

Talking about attending a Ku Klux Klan meeting and buying rope to "hang ‘em high"

Displaying a cellphone video hangman game with an African-American effigy

Posing a large monkey doll dressed as a UPS employee at the top of a ladder near the work stations of African-American employees.

Read more: Employees Sue UPS For Discrimination Citing Slurs, Nooses In Warehouse