Former President Barack Obama to speak at Elijah Cumming's funeral

Former U.S. president Barack Obama is among those asked to speak on Friday at the late Congressman Elijah Cummings’ funeral.

Obama’s spokeswoman Katie Hill said in a statement late Wednesday that the former U.S. president was requested to speak by Cummings’ widow Maya Rockeymoore-Cummings.

“He will deliver remarks about the remarkable life and legacy of one of this country’s finest public servants,” Hill said in the statement.

Representative Cummings’ office released a list late Wednesday of the 10 pallbearers and 15 speakers slated for the funeral Friday at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Cummings’ hometown of Baltimore.

Others asked to speak include former president Bill Clinton, former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, former NAACP president Kweisi Mfume, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Queen Latifah, Robert F. Smith among W.E.B. Du Bois Medal recipients

Entertainer Queen Latifah and Robert F. Smith the entrepreneur who announced that he would pay the college loans of more than 400 Morehouse College students who graduated in May are among W.E.B. Du Bois Medal recipients. The Du Bois Medal celebrates black excellence and opportunity.

The Du Bois medal is the highest honor Harvard gives to scholars, artists, writers, journalists, philanthropists, and public servants for their contributions to African and African American history and culture. It is awarded by the African and African American Studies Department, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary at Harvard.

“Understand that there will be times when you will have to stand alone. There will be no one else that will believe in your dream,” Queen Latifah, hip-hop artist, actress, and medal recipient, told a packed audience Tuesday evening at Sanders Theatre. “There are plenty of people who told us we will never be where we are today … but we don’t believe those people. You have to be strong and be courageous and just know that if you believe in it, it’s going to happen. Don’t give up. Do not quit. Fight for it.”

In a moving speech, Smith — the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a firm that manages equity capital worth upwards of $50 billion — recalled how his upbringing and community inspired him to succeed for those who didn’t have the opportunities he did, and to open doors to success for others. Of his $34 million gift to the 2019 graduates of Morehouse, he said, “To me that’s my job. It is to liberate the human spirit.”

Besides Smith and Latifah, this year’s honorees included Elizabeth Alexander, a renowned poet, president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and former fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study; Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution; Rita Dove, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. poet laureate; Sheila C. Johnson, philanthropist and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television; and Kerry James Marshall, an award-winning artist.

Past winners include such luminaries as poet Toni Morrison, boxer Muhammad Ali, children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman, Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka, comedian Dave Chappelle, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, writer Maya Angelou, politician and civil rights leader John Lewis, opera star Jessye Norman, rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and entertainer and media executive Oprah Winfrey.

[SOURCE: HARVARD GAZZETTE]

Gwen Ifill to be honored with 2020 Black Heritage Series Stamp by USPS

In 2020 the U.S. Postal Service will honor the late PBS NewsHour anchor Gwen Ifill with a commemorative Forever stamp.

The 43rd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gwen Ifill (1955–2016), one of America’s most esteemed journalists. Ifill, who died in November 2016 after battling cancer, became the first African American woman to host a national political TV talk show with her 1999 host-debut on PBS' Washington Week.

The stamp features a photo of Ifill taken in 2008 by photographer Robert Severi. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.

Rep. Al Green slams Trump for comparing being impeached to being lynched

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) took to the floor of the House on Tuesday to deliver a blistering rebuke of President Trump for likening the House impeachment inquiry to a lynching. Green went as far as saying that the comparison made Trump “no better than those who burn crosses” and “wear hoods and white robes.”

Watch his speech below:

National museum of African American Music to open in 2020

Scheduled to open in Downtown Nashville in early 2020, the National Museum of African American Music will be a 56,000-square-foot facility that will encourage visitors to discover the many connections and influences that composers have had on all genres of music. From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM will integrate history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and subgenres. It will be an unparalleled institution, not confined by record label, genre or recording artist, but instead will tell a unique narrative through the lens of black music.

NMAAM (or the National Museum of African American Music) is to be the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. Located in Downtown Nashville the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring music heroes of the past into the present.

From production to songwriting to performance to consumption, this country’s musical landscape was formed by a distinct group who created, influenced and inspired more than 50 genres and subgenres of music. NMAAM’s purpose is to tell the story that has never been told before—one that shares how African Americans play a critical role in shaping our country’s heritage and culture. This museum will highlight the history, struggles, triumphs, and culture of African Americans. NMAAM will showcase how today’s artists are connected to the traditions born out of the African American Experience through interactive technology, quotes, artifacts and creative educational programming. We’ve all been touched by this music. The artists, genres, songs, dances and the history from which they emerged is the soundtrack of our lives. And the narrative will unfold right here in NMAAM.

Learn more about the NMAAM here: https://nmaam.org/

Princeton seminary will pay $27M in slavery reparations

Princeton Theological Seminary Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the implementation of a multi-year action plan to repent for its ties to slavery. The approved series of new initiatives, ranging from increased student financial assistance to curriculum changes to added support for the Center for Black Church Studies, is a direct response to a report the Seminary published in October 2018 after conducting a two-year historical audit.

“The report was an act of confession,” says John White, dean of students and vice president of student relations. “These responses are intended as acts of repentance that will lead to lasting impact within our community. This is the beginning of the process of repair that will be ongoing,” says White.

White served as chair of the historical audit recommendations task force, which included trustees, faculty, administrators, students, and alumni, who led a deliberative process to provide opportunities for the campus community to discuss and respond to the audit report. The task force hosted more than 25 events, meetings, and conversations on the campus in the previous academic year. Feedback gathered from students, faculty, administrators, and alumni was incorporated in the recommendations presented to the Seminary’s board. The Board of Trustees also conducted a year-long process of study.  

“From the beginning,” says White, “the Board of Trustees has encouraged a thorough process of understanding our history that would lead to meaningful response.”

With an immediate rollout of the plan and continuation through 2024, the Seminary intends to make meaningful and lasting change with the more than 20 approved initiatives, including: 

• Offering 30 new scholarships, valued at the cost of tuition plus $15,000, for students who are descendants of slaves or from underrepresented groups  
• Hiring a full-time director of the Center for Black Church Studies
• Hiring a new faculty member whose research and teaching will give critical attention to African American experience and ecclesial life
• Changes in the Seminary curriculum, including a required cross-cultural component and integrating into the first-year curriculum for every master’s student sustained academic engagement with the implications of the historical audit
• Designating five doctoral fellowships for students who are descendants of slaves or from underrepresented groups
• Naming the library after Theodore Sedgwick Wright, the first African American to attend and graduate from Princeton Seminary
• Naming the Center for Black Church Studies after Betsey Stockton a prominent African American educator in Princeton during the antebellum North and a Presbyterian missionary in the Sandwich Islands (present-day Hawaii). Prior to gaining freedom, Stockton was owned by the chair of Princeton Seminary’s Board of Trustees.
• Enhancing community partnerships and supporting historically disenfranchised communities in and around Princeton
• Ensuring every member of the Princeton Seminary community understands its history

A committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the plan and will regularly report progress to the board.  The program costs for the responses represent a commitment of more than $1 million annually on an ongoing basis. To sustain this programming in perpetuity, $27.6 million will be reserved in the endowment.

“The Seminary’s ties to slavery are a part of our story. It is important to acknowledge that our founders were entangled with slavery and could not envision a fully integrated society,” says Princeton Seminary President M. Craig Barnes. “We are committed to telling the truth.  We did not want to shy away from the uncomfortable part of our history and the difficult conversations that revealing the truth would produce.”

The historical audit uncovered that the Seminary did not own slaves and its buildings were not constructed with slave labor. Yet, the Seminary benefited from the slave economy, both through investments in Southern banks in the mid-19th century and from donors who profited from slavery. Also, founding faculty and leaders used slave labor at some point in their lives. Several of the first professors and board members were deeply involved in the American Colonization Society, which advocated sending free blacks to Liberia.

“Our response to the historical audit is the beginning of our community’s journey of repair as we seek to redress historic wrongs and to help the Seminary be more faithful to our mission as a school of the church, both now and in the years to come,” says Barnes. “We are taking tangible action to write a new chapter in our story.”

Claressa Shields named 2019 Sportswoman of the Year

For the second time in four years, Claressa Shields of Flint has been named the Sportswoman of the Year by the Woman’s Sports Foundation.

Shields won the award Wednesday night in New York City, topping a field of 10 finalists that included American gymnast Simone Biles. She won the award for individual sports.

"I’m honored to be the winner of the @womenssportsfoundation individual Sports woman of the year for the 2nd time!," Shields said in an Instagram post. "I love coming to the gala and seeing all of the other strong women! Shout to all the finalists! And congrats to all the award winners -yours truly GWOAT."

Shields (9-0-0, 2 KOs) also won the individual sports award in 2016.

Shields, 24, only fought once in 2019 but she recorded a unanimous decision over Germany’s Christina Hammer in April to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

The Woman’s Sports Foundation was founded by tennis great Billie Jean King. This was the 40th year the Sportswoman of the Year awards were handed out.

Previous winners of the Sportswoman of the Year Award for individual sports include Biles, tennis player Serena Williams, gymnast Gabby Douglas, golfers Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam, skaters Michelle Kwan and Bonnie Blair, and jockey Julie Krone.

[SOURCE: MLIVE]

Help register new voters with the NAACP 2019 POWER OF FIVE initative

POWER OF FIVE

The NAACP is organizing supporters all across the country to fight for policies that respect and improve our communities. Five Minutes, Five Hours, Five Days, Five Months … Can all be used to change our Nation for the better!

The Power of 5 campaign charges voters to take leadership of their own spheres of influence. The charge is simple: register 5 new voters before the deadline, ensure 5 people get to the polls, and volunteer 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days to make sure we have the highest turn out ever.

Learn more and sign up to support this NAACP initiative here: https://www.naacp.org/mobilize-your-five/

New Emmett Till bullet proof marker dedicated to replace vandalized sign

A new bulletproof memorial to Emmett Till was dedicated Saturday in Mississippi after previous historical markers were repeatedly vandalized.

Patrick Weems, executive director of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission, said the new marker was dedicated Saturday.

Members of Till's family, including two of Till's cousins, attended the ceremony at the site where the teen's body was pulled from the Tallahatchie River.

This is the fourth historical marker at the site. Previous ones became a target for vandals.

The first historical marker was placed in 2008. Someone tossed it in the river. The second and third signs were shot at and left riddled with bullet holes.

The new 500-pound (225-kilogram) steel sign has a glass bulletproof front, Weems said.

A new, bulletproof memorial for Emmett Till was erected on the shore of the Tallahatchie River today, after vandals’ repeated attempts to erase his memory here. pic.twitter.com/25hTobCfWl

— Ja'han Jones (@_Jahan) October 19, 2019

[SOURCE: AP]

Baltimore mayor looks to rename courthouse after Elijah Cummings

Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young (D) said Friday that he wants to rename a downtown courthouse building after the late Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.).

Young will reportedly file legislation “as quickly as possible” with the Baltimore City Council to rename the Courthouse East building after the congressman, who represented Maryland’s 7th congressional district that includes roughly half of the city, The Baltimore Sun reported.

If it passes, the city-run building would become the Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse.

“It is most fitting that this building, in which Congressman Cummings fought for justice for his fellow citizens early in his career as an attorney, be named in his honor," Young told the Sun in a statement. "It will stand in perpetuity as a monument to Cummings’ service to the common man, the rule of law in our society, and his commitment to economic justice for all.”

Young said the decision came about after a meeting with local officials and other community members that focused on how to honor the longtime lawmaker, who he praised as one of Baltimore’s “greatest voices and staunchest advocates.”

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes and Philadelphia eagles Malik Jackson to pay for funeral of Atatiana Jefferson

Atatiana Jefferson’s funeral will be paid for by former Dallas Maverick Harrison Barnes and Malik Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jefferson family attorney Lee Merritt.

Barnes is paying for more than half of it while Jackson will cover the rest of the cost.

Elijah Cummings to lie in state at US Capitol

Funeral arrangements have been set for 12-term Maryland U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died early Thursday morning.

On Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Cummings will lie in state in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol on Oct. 24.

A formal memorial ceremony for members of Congress, the Cummings family and invited guests will be held Thursday morning, followed by a public viewing, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. More details will be announced later.

“In the House, Elijah was our North Star. He was a leader of towering character and integrity, whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and country to rise always to a higher purpose. His principled leadership as chair of the committee on Oversight and Reform was the perfect testament to his commitment to restoring honesty and honor to government, and leaves a powerful legacy for years to come," Pelosi said.

Cummings will be laid to rest next week. Funeral services will take place Oct. 25 at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore. A viewing will begin at 8 a.m. following with the service at 10 a.m.

[SOURCE: WBAL]

Sen.Cory Booker statement on the passing of Elijah Cummings

NJ Senator Cory Booker released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings.

Today our country lost a true leader. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a friend, a passionate fighter for justice, and a powerful voice of moral conscience in our government who served his country for decades with dignity and integrity. I’m blessed to have known him. #RIPElijah

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 17, 2019

Whitney Houston & Notorious B.I.G nominated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Sixteen musical artists have the chance to go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2020. Among those 16 artist are the late Whitney Houston and the late Notorious B.I.G.

Fans can now vote for their top five favorite artists on the list here: Rock & Roll Hall Of fame Voting

The official inductee ceremony will take place May 2, 2020, at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. An "induction week" to celebrate the hall of fame newbies will precede the grand ceremony.

The nominees are selected by a nominating committee and sent to "1,000 historians, members of the music industry and artists—including every living Rock Hall inductee—and the five performers receiving the most votes become that year's induction class."

Rep. Maxine Waters Statement on the Death of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement on the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-7), Chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee:

“There are no words that are sufficient in describing the immense sorrow I feel following the passing of my dear colleague and friend, Chairman Elijah Cummings.

“I have known Chairman Cummings for more than two decades. He considered me a mentor since his time as a freshman member, and I considered him a brother and cherished friend. While there are so many fond memories that I have of Chairman Cummings, what I loved and admired most about him was his dignified and courageous leadership, and his fierce and unflinching advocacy for justice, civil rights, and equality. He loved his family, his community, and this nation deeply, and fought with ‘every breath in his body’ to protect them — no matter the cost.

“Chairman Cummings was the son of sharecroppers, and rose from humble beginnings to unprecedented heights in his 68 years of life. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Howard University, and earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He was the first African American to serve as the Speaker Pro Tem of the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years. In the U.S. Congress, he has provided strong leadership of the Oversight and Reform Committee, and has absolutely sacrificed in order to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

“Elijah Cummings fought the good fight, and his legacy represents an unwavering love for his community and a tireless commitment to public service. He was and always will be remembered as a beacon of truth and light in the face of unprecedented lies and corruption.

“There is perhaps no other Member of Congress who is so respected, admired, and loved by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle as the one and only Elijah Cummings. He was a true patriot and a giant among men. His absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts and the halls of Congress. I love him, I will miss him, and my deepest condolences and prayers are with his loving wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, his family, his beloved hometown of Baltimore, and all those who loved him.”

Barack Obama statement on the passing of Elijah Cummings.

Former U.S. President, Barack Obama released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings:

Rep. Elijah Cummings dead at 68

The office of Elijah Cummings has released a statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the wife of Elijah Cummings has released the following statement on the death of her husband:

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE ACQUIRES ITEMS FROM THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

On Friday, Oct. 11, ABFF Ventures, LLC., announced that objects, photographs, documents and other memorabilia from The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) archives have been acquired by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The items will join the museums’ permanent collection and commemorate the ABFF’s rich 24-year history.

The American Black Film Festival (formerly Acapulco Black Film Festival), was first held in June 1997 by its originalfounders, Jeff Friday, Byron E. Lewis and Warrington Hudlin. In 2002, the Festival moved stateside to continue its commitment to community, providing a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers of color and bringing together creatives in appreciation of one another’s work, to challenge, encourage and uplift each other.  ABFF is dedicated to recognizing black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent, and continues to be a vehicle to strengthen the black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration.

Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”), Stephen Caple, Jr. (“Creed II”), Will Packer (“Girls Trip”), Issa Rae (“Insecure”), Omari Hardwick (“Power”) and Kevin Hart (“Night School”), are among the beneficiaries of ABFF’s unique and prestigious talent pipeline programs designed to identify, introduce and showcase artists — including directors, actors, writers and other content creators — to the industry at large.

The museum has selected 10 American Black Film Festival artifacts to join its historical collection:

• Awards: ABFF Wood Trophy/Award designed by fine artist and sculptor Cheryl R. Riley, presented to Bill Duke in 1997 for Distinguished Career Achievement as a Filmmaker

• Documents:  1997 ABFF Program Guide, 1997 ABFF All Access Pass and VIP Pass, “Hav Plenty” VHS video tape (1997)

• Photographs:  A collection of six (6) photographs of celebrity attendees by photographer Karl Crutchfield. Celebrities include Bill Duke, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington.

• Objects: Watch, Sterling Silver Necklace, Sterling Silver Bracelet. Items given to VIP attendees at the 1997 Festival. Recipients included: Debbie Allen, Morgan Freemen, Halle Berry and more.

These items were donated by Nicole and Jeff Friday.

“Recognizing the cultural significance and historical import of the long-standing American Black Film Festival, it is thrilling to have objects from ABFF join the museum’s permanent collection. For nearly a quarter century, ABFF has been at the forefront of celebrating the history and cultural value of African American storytelling and image-making, so receiving objects that highlight the vision and creative spirit of ABFF was deeply important,” said Rhea Combs, Supervisory Museum Curator of Photography & Film, Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Being a part of the NMAAHC’s prestigious collection of historical artifacts is an amazing honor and significant milestone for the ABFF.  It brings a great sense of pride and excitement that ABFF’s legacy is recognized as an important piece of African American history and culture,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures CEO.

The American Black Film Festival has been helmed a “top Festival” by reputable media outlets, including One of the Coolest Festivals in the World by MovieMake Magazine; 10 Best Film Festivals by USA Today; Top 100 Events in Miami by BizBash Magazine and One of the Best Events Around the World by PROHBTD.

ABFF Ventures continues to expand the Festival programming initiatives and will grow its brand year-round to include the About Women Conference, ABFF Global Series (ABFF London debuted September 2019), ABFF Fit (Health and Wellness series) and ABFF Honors (annual awards show honoring Hollywood creatives).

Police officer who shot Atatiana Jefferson charged with murder

The Fort Worth officer who fatally shot 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson in her home this weekend was jailed on a murder charge Monday.

Aaron Dean, 34, was booked Monday evening into the Tarrant County Jail, where his bail was set at $200,000. He had resigned from the Fort Worth Police Department earlier in the day.

Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus said he had intended to fire Dean, who was set to be interviewed Monday morning, but Dean quit first. His record will reflect a dishonorable discharge.

[SOURCE: DALLAS NEWS]

Aretha Franklin 'Amazing Grace' documentary nabs 2 Critic's Choice documentary Awards

Amazing Grace, a documentary about Aretha Franklin recording her gospel album Amazing Grace live at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972 has been nominated for two Critic Choice documentary awards.

The awards honor documentaries released in theaters, on TV and on major digital platforms, as determined by the voting of qualified CCA members.

The film was nominated in the categories for Music Documentary and Archival Documentary.

Amazing Grace is a 2018 concert film directed by Sydney Pollack and later realized by producer Alan Elliott. The film features Aretha Franklin recording her 1972 live album of the same name. It co-stars: James Cleveland, C. L. Franklin, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Clara Ward, with cameos by Mick Jagger, Sydney Pollack, and Charlie Watts. The film was produced by Joe Boyd, Franklin, Elliott, Rob Johnson, Spike Lee, Sabrina V. Owens, Angie Seegers, Tirrell D. Whittley, and Joseph Woolf under the banner of Al's Records And Tapes, in association with Time, 40 Acres and a Mule, Rampant, and Sundial Pictures.

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