Jacob Blake powerful message to the public from his hospital bed

Jacob Blake released this powerful video message from his hospital bed today, reminding everyone just how precious life is.

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#JacobBlake released this powerful video message from his hospital bed today, reminding everyone just how precious life is. (📹:@rellovejones @money_mike_la) #jacobblake #kenosha #kenoshawisconsin Repost: @thegullysquad @wonderwombman

A post shared by Wonder Wombman (@wonderwombman) on Sep 5, 2020 at 5:34pm PDT

New York Letitia AG James Update on Daniel Prude Investigation: Moves to Empanel Grand Jury

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement about her office’s ongoing investigation into the death of Daniel Prude:

“The Prude family and the Rochester community have been through great pain and anguish. My office will immediately move to empanel a grand jury as part of our exhaustive investigation into this matter.”

James first began a probe into Prude’s death in April. Her decision to empanel a grand jury comes after days of unrest in Rochester, N.Y. following the release of new details in the death of Prude, a 41-year-old Black man who died of asphyxiation in March after an encounter with police.

Barack Obama ask Americans to stay safe this Labor Day

Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to ask Americans to stay safe this Labor Day weekend.

Read his comment below:

It might be Labor Day weekend, but let’s all remember that we're still in the middle of a pandemic. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and follow the experts. It’ll save lives.

6.6 Million Viewers Tuned in to Tyler Perry’s New Sitcoms “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living”

BET adds two more hit series to its winning Wednesday line up, with Tyler Perry’s new sitcoms, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living.” Executive Produced by Tyler Perry, BET’s new original series swoops into ratings success on its debut night, grossing 6.6 Million viewers P2+ during premiere night across premieres and encores (simulcast across BET and BET Her on 9/2/20).* “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” grew across every quarter-hour, peaking in the final quarter-hour (.592 P18-49 rating). The two-hour television event delivered the four most social primetime cable comedy episodes of the day on social media.** “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” occupied the #1 and #2 spots for Program social video views (excluding Sports and News & Talk), posting over 4M streams collectively.** New Episodes of “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living.” air Wednesdays starting at 9 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” are executive produced, directed, and written by Tyler Perry. Michelle Sneed serves as Executive Producer of both series for Tyler Perry Studios.

ABOUT “TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE”

The seventh season of the hilarious comedy features retired fire chief Curtis Payne (LaVan Davis) and his lovely wife Ella (Cassi Davis Patton) as they pick up five years later as they continue to navigate the problems of life with their quirky modern-day family. “TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE” airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. #HouseOfPayne

ABOUT “TYLER PERRY’S ASSISTED LIVING”

After losing his job, Jeremy (Na’im Lynn), a patriarch of a young family with teenage children, decides to move to the backwoods of Georgia to help his crazy grandfather. Grandpa Vinny (J. Anthony Brown) has foolishly purchased a terribly run-down home for the elderly and he is in way over his head, but comedy ensues as Mr. Brown (David Mann) and Cora (Tamela Mann) show up at the right time as needy investors. “TYLER PERRY’S ASSISTED LIVING” airs at 9 PM ET/PT. Wednesdays on BET. #AssistedLivingBET

58% of African Americans Say They Won't Take COVID-19 Vaccine

A recent survey on Blackdoctor.org (BDO) revealed a staggering 58% of the respondents wouldn't take a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as it's available. In addition to 58% saying "no" to the vaccine, 22% reported they would take the vaccine, but had "concerns". In total, 80% of respondents either said "no" or had "concerns" regarding taking a COVID-19 vaccine with the majority saying "no" because they "didn't trust the healthcare system". For any vaccine to work and be validated, it needs to create herd immunity, which is a protective effect created by a significant portion of a community being vaccinated. That leads to the question, "How can the results of a vaccine be considered valid without being taken by the population most affected by it?" 

Black Americans represent a disproportionate number of positive cases and deaths associated with coronavirus. These facts make it logical for Black Americans to want to receive a vaccination as soon as it's available. Unfortunately, there is a long history of distrust between Black Americans and the medical community. This distrust gets exacerbated when the government is involved in the research, creation, and dissemination of the vaccine.

BDO recognizes this distrust is real and warranted. From the Tuskegee Experiment, to Henrietta Lacks, to general biases causing misdiagnosis, Black Americans don't use medical care as frequently as mainstream America. This lack of engagement has shown to be consistent, regardless of age or socioeconomic status. To overcome distrust and get more Black Americans to engage in new treatments or vaccinations, BDO recommends the following:

• Information must appear on a trusted platform
• Messaging must be authentic, and the experts should look like them
• Content must also be based on Black Americans' truths

BDO strives to end racial inequities in medicine and disseminate cultural specific information to its vast database. Any illness or condition affecting Black Americans receives full attention based on the Black patient journey, and provides relevant tips and strategies on how to live a happy and healthy life. BDO will effort to show its audience how to protect themselves from COVID-19. For more information, go to Blackdoctor.org.

BDO is the leading health and wellness destination for people of color. Since 2005, they have leveraged culture, content and technology to transform people's lives for the better. Editorially, BDO shares culturally relevant tips and strategies on health, wellness, lifestyle and longevity. BDO is where wellness and culture connect!"

Mike Bloomberg donates $32.8 million to Howard Medical School

Howard University and Mike Bloomberg today announced that Bloomberg Philanthropies is making a $32.8 million gift to support scholarships for current College of Medicine students with financial need. The gift is part of a total $100 million awarded to the nation’s four historically Black medical schools over the next four years to help increase the number of Black doctors in the U.S. by significantly reducing the debt burden of approximately 800 medical students, many of whom face increased financial pressure due to COVID-19. The gift marks the largest donation to the College of Medicine in its history. 

“Healthcare disparities exist for a myriad of reasons related to systemic infrastructural issues, not the least of which is the dearth of black doctors. Black doctors with cultural competency are a major part of the solution, but their path is often hampered by a compromised financial situation,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University. “This gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies is the first stone dropped into a calm lake of opportunity and promise. The ripple effects that it will have on the lives of our students and our programs will carry on for generations.”

Currently in the U.S. only five percent of practicing physicians are Black, yet data proves that Black patients -- who are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than white Americans -- have better outcomes when treated by Black doctors. More Black doctors will mean more Black lives saved in America as well as a reduction of the health issues that end up suppressing economic opportunity in Black communities. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ grant to the historically Black medical schools will provide scholarships up to $100,000 to nearly every medical student currently enrolled and receiving financial aid at these schools over the next four years. This is the first investment of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative, a new effort to increase generational wealth among Black families and address systemic underinvestment in Black communities.

Although Black doctors are more likely to serve minority patients, and in medically-underserved areas, the devastating economic impact of the current pandemic threatens to worsen existing disparities potentially preventing current Black medical students with financial need from completing their degrees or by forcing Black medical school graduates to pick specialties that offer higher pay in the interest of paying off their medical school debt. Ultimately, the pandemic could both slow the placement of Black doctors in communities with the most need and significantly limit the ability of historically Black medical schools -- which have produced as many Black medical school graduates over the last 10 years as the top 10 non-HBMSs with the highest number of Black graduates --  to meet increased demand for financial assistance.

“COVID-19 has been especially devastating for the Black community, and the scarcity of Black doctors practicing in Black communities is one reason for it,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP, and three-term mayor of New York City. “More Black doctors will mean more Black lives saved and fewer health problems that limit economic opportunity. But right now, the burden of student debt and lack of financial aid means that the shortage of Black doctors could get even worse. During my campaign for president, I proposed a set of bold policies -- which we called the Greenwood Initiative -- to increase generational wealth among Black families and shrink the racial wealth gap. The commitment Bloomberg Philanthropies is making today is just the first step we will take to bring that work to life.”

With this strategic investment, Bloomberg Philanthropies strives to reduce health and wealth disparities in Black communities by improving health outcomes for Black Americans and accelerating the Black community’s ability to create generational wealth.

“The Bloomberg Philanthropies gift reaffirms that Howard Medicine Matters and this generosity will change the trajectory of our student’s post-medical school career paths,” said Dr. Hugh E. Mighty, dean of the Howard University College of Medicine. “Instead of carrying the burden of thousands of dollars in debt, they will now be able to focus on practicing their craft and fulfilling their purpose. For many students, less debt may create an opportunity to pick a specialty based more on interest and less on which specialties yield high incomes. This is truly a remarkable gift for each student and their entire families.”

Howard University College of Medicine  will determine the eligibility of their students currently enrolled and receiving financial aid for scholarships up to $100,000 ($25,000 for each year of medical school from 2021 through the academic year that ends in 2024). Students currently in years two, three, and four of medical school will receive retro-active scholarships, meaning that they can receive up to $100,000 in support regardless of whether they are graduating in 2021 or 2023. With the goal of reducing debt load, the grants can be used for tuition and fees. Recent data suggests that this support will significantly reduce the debt burden of these medical students. The grant also includes “wrap around” services, such as financial counseling for students and resources to track the program’s success, for each school. 

“This transformative gift is part of a continuing trend of increased giving to Howard University as aligned with our strategic plan to keep moving Howard Forward. The Bloomberg Philanthropies investment will allow Howard University to further its mission of training culturally competent physicians who will utilize their skills to make a profound impact in diverse communities all across the country. This gift positions our future caregivers to keep their eyes on the prize of completing school so they can help solve the health disparity issues that currently plague our society,” said David. P. Bennett, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations.  

This is the first investment by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative, born out of a commitment Mike Bloomberg made earlier this year during his campaign for U.S. President to help accelerate the pace of wealth accumulation for Black individuals and families and to address decades of underinvestment in Black communities nationwide. Bloomberg Philanthropies will partner with leaders and organizations across the country to implement, scale, and advocate for efforts that increase economic and social mobility -- and ultimately create intergenerational wealth for Black people in America. 

As a business owner, mayor, and philanthropist, Mike Bloomberg has a long-standing commitment to reducing health disparities, addressing the most complex public health crises, and improving access to quality K-12 and higher education for lower income students. 

School named for Maine's first African American legislator

An elementary school in Maine's largest city has been named for the state's first African-American legislator. The former Riverton School formally became the Gerald E. Talbot Community School during a ceremony on Monday.

Talbot is an educator, veteran, civil rights activist and founding president of Portland’s NAACP branch. He became the the first African American to be elected to the Maine Legislature in 1972 and also served as chair the Maine State Board of Education.

Talbot, 89, said he was humbled by the honor. He talked to students about the value of education, and urged all people to help others to show that “we all matter.”

“Whether you’re black or white, or green or red, we’re all people and we all need the same thing — equality,” he said.

[SOURCE: NEWS TIMES]

Katherine Johnson scholarship aids African American students

A new scholarship created as a tribute to NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson will benefit African American students studying math or science within West Virginia University’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Inspired by the movie “Hidden Figures,” alumna Deborah Miller established the endowed Katherine Johnson Math Scholarship to honor the late mathematician, who died Feb. 24.

The scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students within the Eberly College, with first preference given to African American students in the Department of Mathematics. If no math students qualify, students pursuing degrees in physics, astronomy and statistics will be considered.

Miller’s $50,000 gift supports efforts by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to boost scholarship aid for students from underrepresented groups as part of the WVU Foundation’s “We Are Stronger Together” fundraising initiative.

Miller said she wanted to show her gratitude for Johnson’s groundbreaking work and encourage students with a similar gift for numbers.

“Katherine is my hero,” Miller said. “I’m so glad there was such a woman who could inspire us.”

[SOURCE: REGISTER HERALD]

Breonna Taylor's boyfriend files civil complaint against Louisville police

Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor who allegedly opened fire at the officers who shot and killed her, announced Tuesday he's suing the city of Louisville, its police and others, for immunity against his actions that night under Kentucky's "stand your ground" law.

Walker, 27, and a licensed gun owner, was initially charged with attempted murder and assault following the March 13 incident, but those charges were dropped. Kentucky's attorney general and the FBI are still investigating Taylor's shooting, and Walker said the suit would prevent officials from re-arresting and charging him for any crime related to the incident.

In addition to preventing future prosecution, Walker is seeking damages in part for the gross negligence of the police "for the trauma, humiliation, indignity, physical pain, mental suffering, or mental anguish he suffered," the suit said.

[SOURCE: ABC NEWS]

Chadwick Boseman’s ’42’ Getting Re-Released in Theaters

AMC Theatres will pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the “Black Panther” star who died last week of colon cancer at the age of 43, by screening “42.”

Starting Thursday, September 3rd, movie will play in more than 300 AMC locations across the United States. Tickets for the movie will be discounted at $5.

The baseball drama featured Boseman as Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers infielder who broke the color line when he became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues.

Michael B. Jordan’s tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Michael B. Jordan has shared a touching tribute to his “Black Panther” co-star Chadwick Boseman, following the actor’s shocking death due to colon cancer on Aug. 28. 

Read Jordan’s full tribute to Boseman below.

I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.

I wish we had more time.

One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with “All My Children” when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.

I wish we had more time.

Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.

I wish we had more time.

I’m more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes. He. Is! Rest In Power Brother.

NJ Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Criminalizing a False 9-1-1 Call Based on Race

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation (A1906), which would amend current law to include false incrimination and filing a false police report as a form of bias intimidation. The bill also establishes crime of false 9-1-1 call with purpose to intimidate or harass based on race or other protected class. 

“Using the threat of a 9-1-1 call or police report as an intimidation tactic against people of color is an unacceptable, abhorrent form of discrimination,” said Governor Murphy. “This irresponsible misuse of our 9-1-1 system places victims in a potentially dangerous situation, and can erode trust between Black and Brown New Jerseyans and law enforcement. Individuals who choose to weaponize this form of intimidation should held be accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

"Over the past two years we've worked hard to build and strengthen trust between communities and law enforcement, and this law will help us further racial justice while keeping our residents safe," said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. "Not only is falsely calling 911 a form of intimidation against people of color that places its victims in danger, it interferes with 911 emergency operators trying to save lives and puts law enforcement at risk. This law demonstrates New Jersey takes addressing racial bias incidents seriously."

In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly, Yvonne Lopez, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Cleopatra Tucker said:

"With the ongoing protests further highlighting the turbulent relationship between police officers and the black community, the insidious threat of a false 9-1-1 call or police report has never been clearer. We cannot allow anyone to call the police or file a report against someone simply because they do not like the victim’s race, gender, religion or some other identifier. The police are not personal enforcers to be called whenever someone’s identity offends you – they are to be called in the event of a true emergency. Today, our state makes it clear that this intimidation will not be tolerated here.”

"Calling the police when no crime has occurred can be incredibly dangerous for victims of this attempt at bias intimidation, since officers have wide latitude to detain people in ways that can quickly escalate into life and death situations,” said Senator Nia Gill. "The adoption of this law moves us one step closer to ensuring that New Jersey’s police are not weaponized for purposes of bias intimidation, and those who attempt to do so will be held accountable under this law."

“As our country finds itself in the grips of racial and social unrest, those who seek to weaponize and enflame these tensions should be held accountable,“ said Senator Troy Singleton. “Not only are false 9-1-1 calls a waste of resources, but when they are used to harass or intimidate someone based on their race, religion, sexuality or other protected classes, they risk escalating it into a potentially deadly situation. Under this new law, anyone who files a false police report will be subject to criminal penalty.”

“We have seen, time and time again, the immense physical and emotional impact of weaponizing the police against Black and brown individuals. No one should fear having the police called on them simply because they are walking their dog, barbequing with friends or asking a fellow New Yorker to follow the law," said Senator Shirley Turner. "I am grateful Governor Murphy saw the value in criminalizing this dangerous tactic and I hope other states will follow suit."

Troy University to name building after Congressman John Lewis

The Troy University Board of Trustees voted to rename historic Bibb Graves Hall at the Troy, Alabama, campus in honor of U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis.

The name change is effective immediately, and the building will now bear the name John Robert Lewis Hall.

“John Lewis is a towering figure in American history, whose leadership and advocacy for non-violent change have left a lasting legacy for us all,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Although Rep. Lewis once sought admission to then Troy State College as a young man and was sadly ignored, I am pleased to say that he became a friend to the University. He visited our campuses several times and was a profound influence on many of us. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for choosing to honor this Pike County native with this name change.”

Lewis was born the son of sharecroppers on February 21, 1940, outside of Troy, Alabama. He grew up on his family’s farm and attended segregated public schools in Pike County. As a young boy, he was inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., which he heard on radio broadcasts. In those pivotal moments, he made a decision to become a part of the Civil Rights Movement and he rapidly emerged as a leader in the vanguard of progressive social movements and the human rights struggle in the United States.

“We are honored that Troy University Board of Trustees and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. saw it fit to rename one of its signature buildings John Robert Lewis Hall,” the Lewis family said in a statement. “We are so proud of this distinction.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the change and honor the longtime congressman.

“I am proud of my fellow Board members for unanimously approving the resolution to honor Congressman John Lewis,” said Gibson Vance, President Pro Tempore of the TROY Board of Trustees. “John Lewis’ character, spirit and selflessness reflect the values we strive to embrace every day at Troy University.”

Troy University previously honored Lewis with an honorary doctorate in 1989 and the Hall-Waters Prize in 2006 for his memoir “Walking with the Wind.” He was also the keynote speaker in 2018 during the annual Leadership Conference Celebrating African American History Month, which has since been renamed the Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference.

“Naming this building in honor of Congressman Lewis is a great testament to the legacy of a man whose blood, sweat and tears continue to make Alabama and America a better place for all people,” said Lamar P. Higgins, Vice President Pro-Tempore.

Planning is under way for a ceremony to dedicate John Robert Lewis Hall, with details to be announced soon.

NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps Joins First Operational Boeing Crew Mission to Space Station

NASA has assigned astronaut Jeanette Epps to NASA’s Boeing Starliner-1 mission, the first operational crewed flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on a mission to the International Space Station.

Epps will join NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Josh Cassada for a six-month expedition planned for a launch in 2021 to the orbiting space laboratory. The flight will follow NASA certification after a successful uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-2 and Crew Flight Test with astronauts.

The spaceflight will be the first for Epps, who earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1992 from LeMoyne College in her hometown of Syracuse, New York. She completed a master’s degree in science in 1994 and a doctorate in aerospace engineering in 2000, both from the University of Maryland, College Park.

While earning her doctorate, Epps was a NASA Graduate Student Researchers Project fellow, authoring several journal and conference articles on her research. After completing graduate school, she worked in a research laboratory for more than two years, co-authoring several patents, before the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited her. She spent seven years as a CIA technical intelligence officer before her selection as a member of the 2009 astronaut class.

NASA assigned Williams and Cassada to the Starliner-1 mission in August 2018. The spaceflight will be the first for Cassada and third for Williams, who spent long-duration stays aboard the space station on Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is working with the American aerospace industry as companies develop and operate a new generation of spacecraft and launch systems capable of carrying crews to low-Earth orbit and to the space station. Commercial transportation to and from the station will provide expanded utility, additional research time and broader opportunities for discovery on the orbital outpost.

For nearly 20 years, the station has served as a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight. As commercial companies focus on providing man transportation services to and from low-Earth orbit, NASA will concentrate its focus on building spacecraft and rockets for deep-space missions.

The Congressional Black Caucus Calls on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to Hold an Immediate Vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

The blatant disregard for human life, especially Black lives, is on display once again in our country’s police departments. This time in Kenosha, Wisconsin and Lafayette, Louisiana. Both men were shot in the back by police officers. Jacob Blake is paralyzed from the waist down and Trayford Pellerin is dead. 

The shootings of Jacob Blake and Trayford Pellerin are yet again two tragic incidents of police brutality against Black people in America.

In the letter, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), urged Leader McConnell to heed the calls of the American people for urgent reform in our police departments.

“On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, the millions of Americans we represent, and the countless more who demand justice and peace, I write today to implore you to bring the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to the floor of the Senate for a vote,” said Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA). “How many more mothers and fathers must mourn the loss of a child to police violence? How many more children must be raised without a parent lost to police violence? How many more videos must we watch before you will act? Enough is enough.”

Over two months ago, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. This transformative legislation would hold police officers accountable and ensure the culture and training of law enforcement is grounded in protecting and serving all communities. The Congressional Black Caucus championed the passage of this bill in the House and has long fought for policing reform as part of our broader criminal justice reform efforts. This is evident in the policies included in the Justice in Policing Act that were originally championed by our founding members. 

While the House has answered the public outcry against police brutality, Leader McConnell has refused to hold a vote on this critical bill. He and President Trump seem more concerned with vilifying outraged communities than addressing the root causes of their real and legitimate frustration: state-sanctioned violence, fear, and grief. Since the murder of George Floyd, we have witnessed several instances of police brutality across our country: Rayshard Brooks, Trayford Pellerin, Jacob Blake, and too many more. Meanwhile, Breonna Taylor’s murderers are still free. Black Americans continue to be shot and brutally injured at the hands of law enforcement with complete impunity. 

We call on Leader McConnell to stand with us on the right side of history and advance meaningful policing reform through the Senate. The time is long overdue to finally put an end to police violence in Black communities in America.

Read the full letter here.

SC Governor orders state house flags to half-staff in honor of Chadwick Boseman

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has ordered the flags atop the State House to be lowered to half-staff Sunday in memory of South Carolina native Chadwick Boseman.

Gov. McMaster says the flags will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset, and will then be presented to Boseman's family at the appropriate time.

Gov. McMaster said the flags will be lowered, "to honor the life, contributions and memory of a truly extraordinary son of South Carolina."

[SOURCE: WYFF4]

Barack Obama statement on the passing of Chadwick Boseman

Barack Obama released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of Chadwick Boseman:

Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.

Chadwick Boseman dead at 43 from colon cancer

Chadwick Boseman, who was the star of the enormously successful Marvel film Black Panther, has died of colon cancer at age 43.

He kept his diagnosis and four-year struggle against the disease quiet from the public. Boseman died Friday at home in Los Angeles with his wife and family present, according to his publicist.

Boseman also played the roles of baseball icon Jackie Robinson and music superstar James Brown during his career. But his role as the Black Panther, the king of the mythical African land of Wakanda, took his stardom to the stratosphere.

Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement.

[SOURCE: DEADLINE]

Kamala Harris statement on death of Chadwick Boseman

Kamala Harris released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of her friend and fellow Howard University alum, Chadwick Boseman:

Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.

Chadwick Boseman’s Family Statement On His Death

Chadwick Boseman’s family released the following statement on the passing of the Black Panther star. He passed away at the age of 43 after his battle with colon cancer.

“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement continues. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”