Wanjiku Gatheru Named University of Connecticut’s First Rhodes Scholar

Wanjiku (Wawa) Gatheru, a highly accomplished student leader whose academic achievements have garnered national recognition, has been selected as the University of Connecticut’s first Rhodes Scholar.

Gatheru ’20 (CAHNR), a senior majoring in environmental studies with minors in global studies and urban and community studies, is among 32 people nationwide elected to the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2020 to continue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in England.

The highly prestigious program counts presidents, ambassadors, business leaders, and many other prominent Americans among its alumni, and is among the world’s most selective academic programs. It announced its 2020 class late Saturday, making special note of Gatheru’s achievement as UConn’s first Rhodes Scholar.

“As I reflect on my journey, it is extremely clear to me that my accomplishments – my story – is not my own,” she said Sunday. “I stand on the sturdy shoulders of the many people that have supported me along the way. My family, my mentors, and friends. The Rhodes application is particularly strenuous, with a total of eight letters of recommendation required. So I quite literally would have not been in this position if I didn’t have professors and mentors who believed in me. And I am so thankful for them.”

Gatheru’s academic and service endeavors had been widely recognized even before the Rhodes Scholar announcement. She was a 2019 Truman Scholar and a 2019 Udall Scholar, the first student in UConn’s history to win those illustrious honors in the same year. She has also received several other prominent plaudits during her time as a UConn student, including the McCullough Leadership award, the University’s highest student leadership award.

“Wawa is a rare talent who in her three years at UConn has built a legacy that will endure long after she has graduated,” President Thomas C. Katsouleas said. “She has demonstrated not only a superior intellect, but a depth of character and an unbridled energy that compel her to take action. In addition to being academically gifted, she has played a leading role on critical issues, including environmental sustainability, the inclusiveness of our environment, and food insecurity on our campuses and in our state.

“Please join me in congratulating Wawa and in wishing her all the best during her time studying at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar,” he said in an announcement about her honor to the UConn community. “We are incredibly happy for her and so proud that she is a Husky!”

On campus, Gatheru also served as vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and as the student co-chair of the 2019 University-wide Metanoia, pursuing the theme of “Youth for Change.”

As co-founder of the UConn Access to Food Effort (UCAFE), she helped launch the first assessment of food insecurity on a public institution of higher education in the state. UCAFE’s research has since been cited by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and referenced in the creation of both state and federal legislation.

Gatheru is a 2018 UC Santa Cruz Doris Duke Conservation Scholar and a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow, and is motivated to connect grassroots movements to institutions of power. She was a lead organizer in Connecticut’s first Youth Climate Lobby Day, a United Nations Global Health Fellow, a delegate at the 2017 U.N. Climate Change Discussions, a founding member of the President’s Council on Race and Diversity at UConn, and played a critical role in the successful implementation of UConn’s environmental literacy general education requirement.

Read more about Wawa here: https://today.uconn.edu/2019/11/student-leader-wanjiku-wawa-gatheru-named-uconns-first-rhodes-scholar/

Human remains in Alabama believed to be those of missing college student Aniah Blanchard

Skeletal remains found in Alabama on Monday are believed to be those of Aniah Haley Blanchard, the teenage stepdaughter of UFC fighter Walt Harris. Blanchard was last seen outside a convenience story on Oct. 23.

The remains were found at approximately 10:45 a.m. in a wooded area in Mason County, near Shorter, Alabama, authorities said.

The district attorney in Lee County, Brandon Hughes, told NBC News that his office had "good reason to believe they are that" of Blanchard.

Blanchard, 19, a student at Southern Union College, was last seen in Auburn, Alabama. Her damaged car was recovered two days after her disappearance about 60 miles away in Montgomery, Alabama.

Authorities had initially said they did not suspect Blanchard was the victim of foul play, but changed their position after the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences examined evidence from her 2017 Honda CR-V.

Police have arrested Antwain Fisher, 35, and Ibraheem Yazeed, 29 on first-degree kidnapping charges in the disappearance of Blanchard.

[SOURCE: NBC NEWS]

Congreswoman Lucy McBath's letter to her deceased son, Jordan Davis

Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA 6th District) has written a letter to her deceased son, Jordan Davis who was shot and killed in 2012 following an argument at a gas station in Florida about loud music.

Read her heart breaking and at the same time uplifting message to continue the fight against gun violence to her son below.

From Lucy McBath:

Today marks seven years after my son, Jordan, was shot for playing his music.

This is always the hardest day of the year for me. So this year, I want to share a letter I wrote to my son.

Dear Jordan:

Seven years ago today, it was Black Friday in 2012. I was relaxing with our family at home after Thanksgiving.

That afternoon, you were headed to the mall to buy presents for your friends.

You and your friends were at a gas station, putting gas into your car.

Without warning, a man confronted you and opened fire. He shot 10 rounds into the car, and sped away.

I didn’t get to hug and kiss you goodbye. You were 17 years old. My heart is still broken.

In the aftermath of your death, I did not know how to deal with my grief.

I prayed for guidance to find a new path forward.

Then, I knew what I had to do. I knew what WE had to do.

We would fight to make sure no other families would have to suffer this pain.

Jordan, I want you to know I am working to carry out your legacy.

We thought you would one day fight for change -- and now, together, we are carrying out that vision.

Seven years later, you still inspire me every single day. I miss you. I love you so much.

- Mom

RIP Sheriff Big John Williams

Authorities say an Alabama sheriff has been fatally shot while answering a call at a convenience store.

Sheriff “Big John” Williams of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office was killed Saturday night. Authorities say the shooting happened about 8:15 p.m. and that investigators were headed to an area near a convenience store.

"I'm saddened to hear about Sheriff Big John Williams, who was tragically killed this evening in the line of duty," Governor Kay Ivey tweeted Saturday night. "Through his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps and his many years working in law enforcement, he dedicated his life to keeping other people safe. He will be remembered as a consummate professional and pillar of his community. I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to his family and to the men and women of the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department.

Williams who grew up in Lowndes County started volunteering in 1978 as a reserve deputy under then Sheriff John Hulett.

From 1984 through 1987, Williams worked for the Hayneville Police Department until he began working full time with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. He not only worked full time with the Sheriff’s Office, but continued his employment with Hayneville Police Department.

From 1987 to 1990, Williams served as a deputy. In 1990, he was appointed by Sheriff John Hulett to chief deputy and served in this capacity until leaving the department in 2009.

In 2010, he successfully ran for sheriff and was reelected again in 2014 was once again elected.

Williams leaves behind a wife and two adult children – a son and a daughter.

The suspect in the shooting, William Chase Johnson has been taken into custody.

Sean Combs upset with Comcast over Byron Allen US Supreme Court case

In the Byron Allen vs. Comcast case, Comcast has been using Sean Combs channel, Revolt as an example of inclusion when it comes to carrying African American cable stations. Unfortunately for Comcast, Sean Combs has released a statement which clearly states that he sees the inclusion situation differently. He also believes that Comcast has taken an approach that can weaken civil rights protections. Read his statement below.

My name and my network, REVOLT, have been mentioned recently by Comcast in reference to the Comcast/Byron Allen US Supreme Court case as an example of Comcast’s inclusive practices with respect to African American owned cable networks. While it is true that we are in business with Comcast, it is not accurate to use my name or my network as an example of inclusion. I do not want my name to be used inaccurately so I must speak my truth. I also want to make clear that this case is now about much more than cable distribution. It’s about the civil rights of millions of African Americans and other minorities.

First, it’s important that people really understand what’s at stake. In its efforts to get the lawsuit filed by Byron Allen dismissed, Comcast has taken a legal approach that could weaken fundamental civil rights protections. I have a problem with this. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 section 1981 was designed to ensure Black people are able to do business in this country and not be denied because of race. Comcast is arguing that this law only applies if racial discrimination is the only factor that leads to a refusal to do business, which would be extremely hard to prove. If they are successful, it will become much harder for any victim of discrimination to seek justice in court. By taking this stance in the Supreme Court, Comcast has put its legal tactics ahead of the rights of millions of Americans to be heard. This is not OK.

Above anything else, my goal has always been to achieve true economic inclusion for Black people. How can Comcast suggest that it champions diversity and inclusion if it attacks the laws that provide the foundation for economic inclusion? What good are any of their efforts if they are fighting to make it harder for victims of discrimination to be heard in court? Comcast has made this about much more than Byron Allen, and now the civil rights of my children and my community are at stake. To be clear, anything that makes it harder to fight against discrimination is wrong. Comcast is choosing to be on the wrong side of history.

On REVOLT, I can only share the truth of my experience. Starting an independent cable network is incredibly difficult and capital intensive. The start we received from Comcast, which was a condition of the United States government approval for Comcast to acquire NBCUniversal, was important, but it is not the level of support needed to build a successful African American owned network. Not even close. Since that launch our relationship has not grown, and REVOLT is still not carried by Comcast in the most affordable packages nor is REVOLT available in all of the markets that would enable us to serve our target audience. Comcast spends billions of dollars on content networks every year, but just a few million go to African American owned networks like REVOLT. That is unacceptable.

Supporting diversity and economic inclusion requires a real partnership. The only way Black owned networks grow and thrive is with meaningful and consistent economic support. Otherwise they are set up to fail. REVOLT has never been in a position to truly compete on a fair playing field because it has not received the economic and distribution support necessary for real economic inclusion. Our relationship with Comcast is the illusion of economic inclusion.

Rather than using this case to diminish the civil rights protections of millions of Americans, Comcast should use this as an opportunity to listen to a community it relies on and, above all, do better.

Kamala Harris, Maxine Waters Introduce Bill to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis

Amid shortage of affordable housing options, Sen. Harris and Rep. Waters’ legislation proposes over $100 billion investment in affordable housing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, on Thursday introduced the Housing is Infrastructure Act, comprehensive legislation to confront the nation’s affordable housing crisis, including public housing and low- and mixed-income housing through infrastructure investments.

“Too many Americans are fighting tooth and nail to keep a roof over their heads as our nation continues to face a housing affordability and homelessness crisis,” said Senator Harris. “It will take a comprehensive and serious investment to confront this issue head on, and the Housing is Infrastructure Act is our best chance to get it done. I am proud to work with Chairwoman Waters on this bill, which would empower our local communities to make affordable housing available for all. Housing is a human right, and we must act now to tackle the affordable housing crisis and ensure everyone has a safe and accessible home.”

“We are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis across the country, caused in part by the lack of affordable and available rental units, rising rents, gentrification, and dilapidated public housing,” said Chairwoman Waters. “For example, 10,000 units of public housing are lost each year as a result of disinvestment, and it would take $70 billion to address the capital needs. I convened a House Financial Services Committee hearing in April to assess the infrastructure needs of America’s housing stock, and today, I have introduced the Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019. Studies have shown that neglecting our housing infrastructure will only hurt our economy, so I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to make the necessary investments in rural, suburban and urban housing markets, and ensure all future conversations around infrastructure investments include affordable housing.”

For the last generation, while most Americans have not seen their real earnings rise significantly, the cost of living has continued to rise. Housing costs in particular have strained the budgets of working families, depriving them of the security and dignity that comes with stable living conditions. Housing is a human right—yet affordable housing remains out of reach for too many.The housing shortage is a primary driver of the affordable housing crisis. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a housing shortage of 7.2 million rental housing units affordable to low-income families. Additionally, America’s public housing system, which houses 2.6 million Americans, is also in need of investment to repair essentials like roofs and elevators. The public housing capital fund has a need of $70 billion to rehabilitate these homes. As a result of this disinvestment, there are around 10,000 units lost each year.

The Housing is Infrastructure Act will tackle America’s affordable housing crisis head on by investing over $100 billion in the construction of new affordable housing units, maintenance of existing subsidized housing, and support for rural housing through infrastructure investments.

Specifically, the bill makes the following investments to construct new affordable housing:

$70 billion to the Public Housing Capital Fund, which will aid in building, modernizing, and rehabilitating public housing;

$6 billion dedicated to building housing for elderly households, persons with disabilities, and Native Americans living on tribal lands;

$5 billion to the National Housing Trust Fund for the construction of hundreds of thousands of new rental units that would be affordable for the lowest income households;

$1 billion to the Rural Multi-Family Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration program of the Rural Housing Service, which is estimated to fully address the backlog of capital needs for the Section 515 and 514 rural housing stock;

$10 billion to expand Community Development Block Grant funding set-aside to incentivize states and cities to eliminate impact fees and responsibly streamline the process for development of new affordable housing;

$2.5 billion for the Capital Magnet Fund, which will help fund hundreds of thousands of affordable housing solutions for low-income families; and $5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, which will help build and rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership for low-income families.

The bill also sets procurement and hiring goals for women- and minority-owned businesses, including developers and construction owners. Additionally, the bill prioritizes water and energy efficiency projects and other strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public housing infrastructure.

The Housing is Infrastructure Act follows the Ending Homelessness Act, legislation introduced by Harris and Waters earlier this year to invest over $13 billion in mandatory emergency relief funding to critical federal housing programs, including construction of new affordable housing units, to address the shortage of affordable housing and combat homelessness. Harris also introduced the Rent Relief Act to create a new, refundable tax credit for renters paying more than 30 percent of their income in rent and utilities. The Housing is Infrastructure Act addresses another aspect of the housing and homelessness crisis – the lack of housing infrastructure.

The Housing is Infrastructure Act is supported by the Capital Magnet Fund Coalition, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Council of State Community Development Agencies, Enterprise Community Partners, LeadingAge, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, National Apartment Association, National Association of Counties, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, National Community Development Association, National Housing Conference, National Housing Trust, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Multifamily Housing Council, Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, and Up for Growth Action.

“On behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, I applaud Senator Harris and Chairwoman Waters for introducing legislation to make robust infrastructure investments in affordable housing solutions, including the National Housing Trust Fund and resources to repair our nation’s public housing stock,” stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “The connection between affordable homes and infrastructure is clear: like roads and bridges, affordable homes are a long-term asset that helps communities and the lowest-income families thrive. It is critical that any infrastructure package includes significant resources to build and preserve homes affordable to our nation’s poorest seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals.”

For full bill text, click https://www.harris.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Housing%20is%20Infrastructure%20Act.pdf.

Plaza in NYC named for Tuskegee Airman Captain Roscoe Brown

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Former New York City Mayor David Norman Dinkins; Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.; City Council Member Fernando Cabrera; Community Board 5 District Manager Kenneth Brown; President of Bronx Community College Dr. Thomas Isekenegbe; Dr. Roscoe Brown’s son Dr. Dennis Brown; and community members to cut the ribbon on renovations to the former M.L.K. Plaza, and officially rename it Captain Roscoe Brown, Ph. D. Plaza.

“Dr. Roscoe Brown was a remarkable person, and it gives me great pleasure to not only unveil this beautifully renovated plaza, but to name it in his honor as well,” said Parks Commissioner Silver. “Dr. Brown dedicated his life to service, education, and civil rights advocacy, and I hope that all that enjoy this new plaza are reminded of him and his commitment to the community for years to come.”

"Roscoe Brown was an internationally recognized trailblazer in the fields of military service, community service and education. This new plaza will help us remember his impact on our borough, our city and our nation, and I am proud to have contributed $333,000 from my own capital budget towards its completion. Roscoe Brown was a dear friend to so many in our borough, and it is important that we keep his memory alive for generations to come," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a hero and a Bronx icon,” said Council Member Cabrera. “Leading Bronx Community College as president for 16 years, Dr. Brown opened countless doors and created invaluable opportunities for students and this community. Shortly after his death I approached the Parks Department about naming the plaza at Hall of Fame Terrace and University Avenue in his honor. I also submitted legislation to co-name University Avenue from Hall of Fame Terrace to W. 180th Street for Dr. Brown. I am extremely pleased that we are celebrating the completion of these two projects today.”

The Aqueduct Walk Plaza Reconstruction project reconfigured the original plaza with new paths and seating to better utilize the space for community gatherings and to maximize pedestrian circulation throughout the site. New fencing, lighting, and landscape improvements have also been incorporated for both beautification and safety.

The plaza has also been renamed in honor of Captain Roscoe Brown, Ph. D. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was a decorated Air Force Veteran and member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen who served during World War II. Following his military service, Brown completed his Master’s degree in 1949 and a Ph.D. in 1951, both from New York University. He continued his life of service and civil rights advocacy with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Libraries for the Future, and the National Park Service. Roscoe Brown also became a prominent academic figure in New York City, becoming president of Bronx Community College in 1977, holding the post for sixteen years.

The $2.9 million project was jointly funded by a $2 million allocation from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $600,000 from City Council Member Fernando Cabrera, and $333,000 from Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.

Brooklyn teacher wins Milken Educator Award

Princess Francois, a Brooklyn, NY teacher, arrived to work Wednesday to learn she had won a very prestigious and exclusive award and the $25,000 check that comes with it.

For 30 years, the Milken Educator Awards, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards. Watch more on this story below.

South Carolina Baptist Convention elects first African American president

The 759 registered messengers to the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s (SCBC) 199th Annual Meeting made history Nov. 12 by electing a Simpsonville pastor as the first African American to serve as president.

In this year’s balloting, Alex Sands, pastor of Kingdom Life Church in Simpsonville, was elected by acclamation as president-elect. The president-elect automatically becomes president following a year of service.

Sands was nominated as president-elect by Charleston First Baptist pastor Marshall Blalock, a past president of the state convention. Sands has been serving as first vice president. His church, which was planted in 2003, joined the SCBC in 2005. He has served on the SCBC Executive Board and was vice chairman of the executive-director search committee.

Cory Booker among winners at November 20 Democratic Debate

It’s no secret that Cory Booker has been lagging behind the front runners in recent polls as he seems stuck at 2 to 3% support among would be voters.

But at last night’s Democratic Debate at Tyler Perry Studios Booker showed some sparks of life and definitely was one of the nights winners.

Per Dylan Matthews at Vox.com

For about 1 hour and 40 minutes, Cory Booker had a fairly standard, uneventful debate. He got in a good line about being the other Rhodes Scholar mayor on the stage, a light jab at Pete Buttigieg that didn’t land with much force. He had a confusing and forgettable exchange with Elizabeth Warren critiquing her wealth tax plan on technical grounds — a fair hit, but one better reserved for a policy paper than the debate stage.

Then the topic came to the black vote, and Booker broke through.

One of the many challenges facing his campaign so far — and Sen. Kamala Harris’s — has been his failure to break through with black voters nationwide and in South Carolina (where black voters make up a big part of the Democratic primary electorate). Former Vice President Joe Biden’s name recognition and connection to the Obama presidency have apparently been sufficient to swamp any arguments Booker and Harris have tried to make for themselves as superior champions of black voters’ interests.

So Booker decided to fight the fight directly. He first brushed off Buttigieg’s attempts to cater to black voters by noting he’s “been one since I turned 18,” and didn’t “need a focus group” to tell him what black voters think and value — a nice move that subtly undermined the implicit premise behind the question that there’s a monolithic “black vote” to be won en masse.

But then he turned to Joe Biden, and turned an electability question about race into a concrete policy disagreement, noting Joe Biden’s opposition to nationwide marijuana legalization, underlining how devastating marijuana criminalization has been to black men and black communities, and pushing Biden into an embarrassing, fumbling answer in which he claimed the support of the “the only African American woman who’s been elected to the Senate” — to which Booker simply replied, “No, the other one is here,” pointing to Harris.

To break into Biden’s base of black support, Booker needed to draw out clear policy differences with Biden and also to challenge Biden’s claims to respect and revere the black community. He didn’t even need to do the latter himself — he just put an obstacle in front of Biden and just watched as Biden tripped over it.

Charles Barkley apologizes to Axios reporter Alexi McCammond for 'hit women' comment

Axios political reporter Alexi McCammond made it known via Twitter that during an off the record discussion about politics that NBA great Charles Barkley had made a very inappropriate comment about hitting women to her.

Just FYI Charles Barkley told me tonight “I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you,” and then when I objected to that he told me I “couldn’t take a joke.”

— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019

Charles Barkley has issued an apology for his comments to the Axios political reporte through the Turner Sports Pr Department:

Statement on behalf of Charles Barkley in response to tweet by Axios reporter Alexi McCammond:

“My comment was inappropriate and unacceptable. It was an attempted joke that wasn’t funny at all. There’s no excuse for it and I apologize.”

— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) November 20, 2019

Lisa C. Willis: First female assistant coach in NY Knicks team history

The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, and first-year head coach Derrick Alston, announced the hiring of Lisa C. Willis as an assistant coach. Willis becomes the first female coach in the NY Knicks organization.

“The Westchester Knicks continue to be a vital part of our player development program at the New York Knicks,” said Steve Mills, President, New York Knicks. “Today, we’ve added a talented coach who will improve our players’ skills both on and off the court.”

Willis comes to the Knicks following the completion of the NBA’s Assistant Coaches Program (ACP), a program formed by the NBA G League’s Player Development department, providing an educational conduit for former NBA, WNBA and NBA G League players to coaching and front office opportunities. Current Westchester assistant, Keith Bogans, is also a product of this initiative.

A former fifth overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, Willis played her first two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks before spending time with the New York Liberty (2007-08). At UCLA (2002-06), the Long Beach, Calif. native was recognized as the nation’s best defender by ESPN’s Nancy Lieberman. She later graduated as the Bruins’ all-time three-point leader and second all-time in then-PAC-10 history and ranked ninth all-time in scoring.

“I am very excited to welcome Lisa to our Westchester Knicks family,” head coach Derrick Alston began. “Lisa has had the benefit of playing professionally and winning at the highest levels. Given Lisa’s acumen for the game, there is no doubt in my mind that her transition to the sideline will be seamless.”

16-year-old girl arrested for plan to attack predominantly black church

Police have arrested a teen girl at Gainesville High School after she allegedly threatened to attack members of a predominantly black church.

On November 15, resource officers at Gainesville High School were informed by school administration that a 16 year-old white female threatened to cause harm to multiple people at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

School administrators verified the threat and the investigation was turned over to Gainesville Police. The juvenile was later arrested. It's unclear if she is a student at the school. “This is an active investigation and a prime example of how strong relationships between the student body, school administration, and law enforcement can intercept a potentially horrific incident.” said Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish.

The girl is charged with criminal attempt to commit murder.

Black voters file federal lawsuit against Mississippi prosecutor

Four black voters and a branch of the NAACP are suing a Mississippi prosecutor, asking a federal judge to order him to stop excluding African Americans from juries.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Greenville, alleges District Attorney Doug Evans excludes black citizens from juries at a rate disproportionate to whites.

The suit builds off an analysis of strikes by Evans’ office in a seven-county rural district in north Mississippi. That analysis by American Public Media’s “In the Dark” podcast was part of a series of episodes questioning the guilt of Curtis Flowers.

The U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned Flowers’ conviction in the killing of four people in a Winona furniture store in 1996, finding racial bias in jury selection. Evans has tried Flowers six times.

November 20th Democratic Debate to be held at Tyler Perry Studios

The fifth Democratic presidential debate, hosted by MSNBC and The Washington Post, will be held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta on Nov. 20.

The debate will be feature four moderators, all of whom are women: Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show"; Andrea Mitchell, host of MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports" and NBC News' chief foreign affairs correspondent; Kristen Welker, NBC News' White House correspondent; and Ashley Parker, a White House reporter for The Washington Post.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Byron Allen Wins Two Big Federal Court Victories Against Comcast And Charter Communications

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Rejects First Amendment Right to Discriminate.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios (ES) and the National Association of African-American Owned Media (NAAAOM) – plaintiffs in federal lawsuits filed against Comcast and Charter Communications – are pleased to announce two decisions issued today by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The lawsuits were filed against two of the largest cable television carriers in the country—$20 billion against Comcast and $10 billion against Charter—for violating the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, prohibiting racial discrimination in contracting. For years, Entertainment Studios has been requesting that Comcast and Charter carry its networks, which are distributed by Comcast and Charter's competitors, including Verizon, DirecTV, AT&T, DISH, and many other carriers, to millions of people around the country.

Both Comcast and Charter, however, rebuffed all of Allen's requests for network carriage. Accordingly, Allen filed lawsuits in federal district court in Los Angeles. The cases are entitled National Association of African American-Owned Media, et al. v. Comcast Corporation, Case No. 2:15-cv-01239-TJH-MAN (C.D. Cal.) and National Association of African American-Owned Media, et al. v. Charter Communications, Case No. 2:16-cv-00609-GW-FFM (C.D. Cal.).

In two historically significant decisions, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected Comcast and Charter's attempts to dismiss the cases before trial. The Court upheld Entertainment Studios' Section 1981 claims against both Comcast and Charter; and instead ruled that both cases could proceed in the trial courts to discovery and trial.

"These two decisions against Comcast and Charter are very significant, unprecedented, and historic," said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Entertainment Studios. "The lack of true economic inclusion for African Americans will end with me, and these rulings show that I am unwavering in my commitment to achieving this long overdue goal."

"The Court's rulings overwhelmingly reflect the Ninth Circuit's rejection of the Defendants' positions and arguments," said Mark DeVitre, President of plaintiff, NAAAOM. "I look forward to quickly moving into discovery where we expect much more evidence to surface."

"These decisions are hugely important in terms of opening the courts to African American-owned media. The Court paved the way to our eventual success at trial by ensuring that the proper 'mixed motive' standard for our claims – a lower standard of proof than the 'but for' standard argued by Comcast and Charter – applies," said Entertainment Studios' attorney, Skip Miller, partner in Miller Barondess. "Additionally, the Court dismissed Charter's and Comcast's attempts to use the First Amendment as a shield for their alleged discrimination. I very much look forward to trying these cases. And I give Mr. Allen tremendous credit for having the will and the constitution to invest the capital and resources to pursue them relentlessly."

About Entertainment Studios / Allen Media LLC

Chairman and CEO Byron Allen founded Entertainment Studios in 1993. Headquartered in Los Angeles, it has offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Raleigh. Entertainment Studios owns eight 24-hour HD television networks serving nearly 160 million subscribers: THE WEATHER CHANNEL, PETS.TV, COMEDY.TV, RECIPE.TV, CARS.TV, ES.TV, MYDESTINATION.TV, and JUSTICE CENTRAL.TV. The company also produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 41 television programs, making it one of the largest independent producers/distributors of first-run syndicated television programming for broadcast television stations. With a library of over 5,000 hours of owned content across multiple genres, Entertainment Studios provides video content to broadcast television stations, cable television networks, mobile devices, multimedia platforms, and the World Wide Web. Our mission is to provide excellent programming to our viewers, online users, and Fortune 500 advertising partners.

Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures is a full-service, theatrical motion picture distribution company specializing in wide release commercial content. ESMP released 2017's highest-grossing independent movie, the shark thriller 47 METERS DOWN, which grossed over $44.3 million. In 2018, ESMP also released the critically-acclaimed and commercially successful Western HOSTILES and the historic mystery-thriller CHAPPAQUIDDICK. Upcoming releases include the Keanu Reeves sci-fi thriller REPLICAS, the John Krasinski/Emily Blunt-starring animated feature ANIMAL CRACKERS, and Joe Carnahan's Mel Gibson/Naomi Watts starring action-thriller BOSS LEVEL. The digital distribution unit of Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures, Freestyle Digital Media, is a premiere multi-platform distributor with direct partnerships across all major cable, digital and streaming platforms. Capitalizing on a robust infrastructure, proven track record and a veteran sales team, Freestyle Digital Media is a true home for independent films.

In 2016, Entertainment Studios purchased TheGrio, a digital video-centric news community platform devoted to providing African-Americans with compelling stories and perspectives currently underrepresented in existing national news outlets. TheGrio features aggregated and original video packages, news articles and opinion pieces on topics that include breaking news, politics, health, business and entertainment. Originally launched in 2009, the platform was then purchased by NBC News in 2010. The digital platform remains focused on curating exciting digital content and currently has more than 20 million annual visitors.

Black owned Industrial Bank expands into NJ and NY

Since 1934, Industrial Bank has played a pivotal role in the growth and economic development of the Washington, DC metropolitan area through its essential products and services, customer care and community service. Today, the Bank announced it has acquired City National Bank of New Jersey, with two branches in New Jersey and one branch in Harlem, New York.

“We’re excited about welcoming City National Bank’s customers and teammates to the Industrial Bank family.” stated Industrial Bank President and CEO B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr.. “This acquisition will allow us to expand our footprint into the northeast region and deepen our commitment to impacting economic development in various communities”.

Much like Industrial Bank, City National Bank was started to fill a great economic void within the African American community whose access to credit and banking services was historically limited. We consider this more of a partnership than an acquisition as we have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with City National Bank and its great team of bankers who share our common values and commitment to community service.

On top of loan awards and financial services, as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Industrial Bank reinvests over 60% of its assets back into the community every year and continues to activate and support community programs. Bank President B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr., as did his father and grandfather before him, still believes in the importance and power of financial education, entrepreneurship and homeownership.

On August 20th, Industrial Bank celebrated its 85th anniversary and remains committed to giving back to any community that it calls home.

ABOUT INDUSTRIAL BANK: Industrial Bank is one of the largest African American owned banks in the United States. Since 1934, Industrial Bank has been a strong partner for small and large businesses, homeowners, and personal banking account customers in the Washington, DC and surrounding metropolitan areas.>/p>

Colin Kaepernick's tells NFL that he's ready after his workout

After an impressive workout in front of 8 scouts from NFL teams Colin Kaepernick let NFL owners know that he was ready to play and that the ball was in their court. Watch his comments below.

Texas appeals court blocks Rodney Reed execution

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday blocked the execution of Rodney Reed.

Reed was sentenced to death more than 20 years ago for the 1996 assault, rape and strangling of 19-year-old Stacey Stites.

But the inmate and attorneys with the Innocence Project say they have evidence that exonerates him and instead implicates Stites' fiancée at the time, Jimmy Fennell, who was a police officer.

The case has united lawmakers, religious leaders, celebrities, and more than 2.9 million people who have signed a petition on freerodneyreed.com asking Abbott to halt the execution.

The court granted Reed's motion to stay the execution and sent the case back to a lower court to consider his claims that the state presented false testimony in violation of due process and that he is innocent.

Reed was scheduled to be executed November 20.

[SOURCE: CNN]

NJ state legislators introduce bill to form ‘New Jersey Reparations Task Force’

Trenton – Senator Ronald Rice, Senator Sandra B. Cunningham, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake and the Legislative Black Caucus introduced legislation today, which would establish the “New Jersey Reparations Task Force.” The task force would conduct research and develop proposals and recommendations to address the generational harms caused by the state’s role in the institution of slavery and its legacy of systemic racial discrimination.

“The existence and history of slavery in the United States is the greatest evil our country ever committed. The continuation of systemic and institutional racism spanning from the emancipation of slaves to the present continues the darkest part of history,” said Senator Rice (D-Essex). “I believe the country is ready to have a conversation on the history of slavery and racism in this country, giving us a special opportunity to research New Jersey’s role in slavery and develop reparations proposals for African Americans in New Jersey.”

“This is an incredible first step in righting our country’s greatest wrong. We will never see true equality if we do not take responsibility for the many ways slavery has shaped the socioeconomics of our country,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “I hope this legislation will inspire other states to take action as well. The institution of slavery has impacted every aspect of our democracy since this nation’s founding and it is time we finally take a good hard look at the damage it has done.”

“New Jersey was not removed from the harm and ill effects of slavery. Slavery was not just a southern institution. In the 17th Century there were laws on the books that grossly impacted Africans which effects may still be felt today,” said Assemblywoman Sumter (D-Bergen/Passaic). “Among the disparities experienced by African Americans include curfew laws, economic injustices, redlining for home purchases, inferior public education and health inequities with environmental injustices. We are seeking to have the brightest minds serve on the Task Force to identify the impacts of slavery and the opportunities for restorative justice.”

“We can see the impact of slavery and how we have been disenfranchised long after the impacts of slavery,” said Assemblywoman Timberlake (D-Essex/Passaic). “This bill serves to explore how reparations in our modern world would look through education, through housing, and other fitting options that mirror the times we live in today. Through the creation of this legislation, we hope to restore and repair communities that have been systematically broken.”

The task force would be made up of members appointed by the Governor, Legislative leaders, as well as four public members recommended by organizations concerned with the issues of civil rights, human rights, racial, social and economic justice and equality, reparations and other issues concerning the African American community.

The task force would examine the role New Jersey played in slavery and study the lingering negative effects of slavery on African Americans and society. They would also research methods and materials for facilitating education, community dialogue, symbolic acknowledgement and other formal actions. Ultimately they would recommend reparation remedies to achieve a sense of social and economic justice among the descendants of enslaved African people in New Jersey.

When the final report is issued, the task force would disband.