Maxine Waters statement on replacing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

After the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announcing that hewould make a move soon to bring a Trump nominee to the floor, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA 43rd District) released the following statement reminding us all of Ginsburg's dying wishes:

Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish was that her seat would not be filled until a new president is installed! Senate Democrats, do not back down. You have a tough fight ahead but our future is on the line! No SCOTUS appointment before the election!!!

Rep. Payne, Jr. Introduces Bill to Reimburse Schools for Coronavirus Masks

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced the Masks for Students Act today. The bill would force the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to continue to reimburse local K-12 schools nationwide for the masks purchased to protect in-school students during the coronavirus global pandemic. FEMA officials said recently that the administration would stop reimbursing schools because it defined masks as an operating expense now and not critical emergency equipment during the coronavirus global pandemic. Rep. Payne, Jr. introduced the bill with Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ).

“Schools are under tremendous pressure to continue in-class learning with less financial resources,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. “They need all the help we can give them. Since the country benefits when students are back in the classroom, I wanted to introduce a bill that would continue to give local schools and school districts federal support for the masks they use to keep teachers and students safe. We are still in a national medical emergency and schools should not be punished for keeping students and workers safe.”

Rep. Jim Clyburn statement on Barr’s slavery comments

Rep. Jim Clyburn(D-SC 6th District) has issued a statement after Attorney General William Barr compared stay-at-home orders issued by governors to mitigate the spread of coronavirus to slavery.

Read his statement below:

Attorney General Barr is in need of a history lesson if he thinks coronavirus lockdowns are a violation against civil liberties comparable to slavery.

It is incredibly reckless for the chief law enforcement officer to compare slavery to life-saving advice from health experts.

Tuskegee Airman from N.J. dies at 101

Tuskegee Airmen Malcolm Nettingham, 101, of Scotch Plains, NJ died Monday. He would have been 102 on Oct. 1.

“He said he was not a hero and didn’t do anything special,” his daughter Deborah Nettingham said. “I said ‘dad, you’re living history. You kind of owe it to the younger generation, African Americans and everyone to let us know your story.’"

Nettingham was among a group of African American soldiers selected in 1944 to integrate a radio communication class in the Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and trained as a radio operator/gunner on a B-25 bomber in 1945.

He became part of the important support units for the renowned, trailblazing Black squadron.

He was honorably discharged in 1946 and spent 32 years working for an industrial electronics company until his retirement.

Nettingham was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.

Nettingham was survived by his daughter Deborah, of Scotch Plains, and son, Malcolm V., of Piscataway; six grandchildren and other family members. He was a member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Scotch Plains for the past 96 years where he taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

Al Sharpton Denounces Attacks On Police

Civil rights activist, Al Sharpton said on MSNBC that he prays for the LA County police officers shot in Compton in the same prayer as he does Jacob Blake and George Floyd. He also asked that ALL senseless violence whether it’s committed by police or civilians stop.

"I think that the protesters that have been, for months, out there now, I among them, should be saying we are not anti-police and we are certainly not for killing or shooting police," said Al Sharpton on MSNBC's Morning Joe. "We are there saying that police should not be wrongfully killing or shooting civilians, particularly in the Black community. And for people to try to associate us with murder and ambushing and death is doing more to hurt the cause than anything else. Some, I suspect in my own way of thinking, could be planted in order to hurt us because that is so extreme from our position."

"Let me be real clear, I pray for the lives of those two officers just like I pray for Jacob Blake who was shot in the back seven times in Kenosha, Wisconsin and I pray for the family of George Floyd," Sharpton added. "And I pray for all of them in the same prayer. I don't have separate prayers for police victims and for police that are victimized. The same prayer: that we stop this senseless violence and this senseless lawlessness. This is where we must be. This is Dr. King's tradition. This is what Nietzsche wrote about. John Lewis. Anyone on the other side whether they claim that they're left or right are wrong, that's what they are."

On Friday, September 18, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will reopen to the public.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will begin a gradual, phased reopening for the Museum. The museum will be putting safety first  with new measures in place to protect everyone’s health.  Free,  timed-entry passes will be required for entry. Please review the important information below as you plan your visit.

Learn more about the NMAAHC reopening here: Welcome Back

AFSCME, NAACP LAUNCH HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO MOBILIZE BLACK VOTERS

Partnership kicks off with a joint four-state presidential radio buy on African American radio stations in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina.

WASHINGTON – AFSCME and the NAACP launched on Saturday two radio ads which will run in the Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Detroit, Flint, Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro markets through election day. Both the AFSCME and NAACP ads slam President Trump’s failures to combat COVID-19, while the virus continues to exact a brutal and disproportionate toll on the Black community.

“While Trump lied, Black people died,” says the NAACP ad before urging voters to request a ballot and make a plan to vote. “Trump spends his time golfing, while COVID-19 hits the black community hard,” says the voiceover in the AFSCME ad (paid for by AFSCME’s PAC, AFSCME PEOPLE) contrasting Trump’s record with that of Joe Biden’s to protect health care. The significant ad buys jumpstart a partnership between the two organizations that will focus on Black voter education and mobilization based on what is at stake in November and beyond for communities of color.

The partnership marks a new chapter in the shared activism and close bond between the civil rights community and AFSCME. Together, the NAACP and AFSCME are addressing the deep-seated racial injustices and corrupt incompetence which have forced Black communities across the country to bear the brunt of the health and economic crises facing the nation.

“The Black vote will determine the outcome of this consequential election, and we must ensure that we use this influence to elect leaders who will empower our communities,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. “This historic collaboration is proof that our communities are united during these critical times. From the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 to ongoing police brutality experienced by black people, we must turn out to vote in November — and every election — if we are to achieve the representation and policy changes that will protect our communities. We must ensure that every voice is heard because our lives and future depend on it.”

Listen to the ad here: https://blackvoiceschangelives.org/press/ 

“I can’t recall an election where fundamental issues of racial justice have been more at stake,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “It’s going to take overwhelming turnout among African Americans and communities of color to prevail in November. That’s why AFSCME has entered into this unique partnership with the NAACP. By combining our resources and expertise, we will mobilize voters in targeted states who are tired of leaders who stoke racial resentment and head for the links while Black and brown people die by the thousands. This collaboration — between our two organizations that have done so much to advance civil rights, labor rights and human rights — will help ensure that voters are informed and empowered this November to elect leaders who will invest in all our communities and unite us around shared values.”

Listen to the AFSCME ad here: https://youtu.be/rpWh6P2fGmI

Atlanta Falcons name John Lewis honorary captain for first game of season

The Atlanta Falcons are naming the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) as an honorary captain for their first game of the season on Sunday evening.

Dan Quinn, head coach of the team, confirmed the news over the weekend, according to ESPN, saying: “That's a big deal in terms of the exposure and the impact Congressman Lewis had, not just on Georgia, but on the country overall.”

Falcons safety Ricardo Allen, who is also a captain of the team and helps lead its social justice committee, said in a statement obtained by ESPN that the team thought “it would be best” to start off the season with the move honoring “somebody as legendary as John Lewis,” given the current climate.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax kicks-off campaign for governor

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax kicked-off his campaign for governor Saturday morning at the Old Court House in Fairfax, Va.

Fairfax had announced last Thursday that he is formally entering the governor's race. Virginians will elect a new governor in 2021.

Fairfax was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2017 and is only the second African-American to be elected to statewide office in Virginia.

Before running for office, Fairfax served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria.

[SOURCE: WJLA]

More Black blood donors urgently needed to help sickle cell patients

The American Red Cross is emphasizing the unique role Black blood donors play in the medical treatment of those living with sickle cell disease during Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September. Right now, more Black blood donors are critically needed to help patients battling sickle cell disease as blood drives – especially those at schools, colleges and universities – continue to be canceled at alarming rates.

Last spring, more Black blood donors gave at Red Cross blood drives held at educational institutions than at any other blood drive location type. As drives across the country canceled this spring due to coronavirus concerns, the number of Black blood donors giving at these schools decreased from over 15,000 in 2019 to about 2,700 this year. Drives at educational institutions make up the largest percentage of fall blood drive cancellations, so the need for more Black blood donors for sickle cell patients is expected to remain urgent.

“Sickle cell disease profoundly impacts the quality of life of those living with this inherited blood disorder, and your blood donation could be the donation that helps a patient keep fighting,” said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical director, Red Cross Blood Services. “The pandemic hasn’t stopped the need for transfusions for sickle cell patients. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and share their strength with patients during Sickle Cell Awareness Month.”

More Black blood donors are urged to make a blood donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

How donations from Black blood donors help sickle cell patients

About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African or Latino descent, are living with sickle cell disease, making it the most common genetic blood disease in the country. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be sticky, hard and crescent-shaped instead of soft and round. This makes it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, acute anemia and even strokes.

Blood transfusion helps sickle cell disease patients by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels. Patients with sickle cell disease depend on blood that must be matched very closely – beyond the A, B, O and AB blood types – to reduce the risk of complications. Some of these rare blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups, and because of this, sickle cell disease patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor who is Black.

Get more information about blood and diversity.

Important COVID-19 information for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may qualify to be convalescent plasma donors. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Angela Hill, first African-American woman to headline UFC event

Angela Hill will make history Saturday night.

The UFC strawweight contender will become the first African-American woman to headline a UFC event the moment she sets foot in the octagon when she takes on Michelle Waterson in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 35 in Las Vegas.

It’s a big moment for Hill (12-8 MMA, 6-8 UFC). The 35-year-old competitor feels honored to be making history for African-American women in the world’s premier MMA promotion.

“It’s big, and I didn’t even realize how big it was until (my manager) mentioned it to me,” Hill told reporters during her UFC on ESPN+ 35 virtual media scrum. “I think in a time like this, people need heroes people need someone to look up to, someone to root for. And just the fact that this hasn’t happened yet is indicative of the fact that it is important.

“A lot of people would say, ‘Why does it matter?’ But if it doesn’t matter to you, that’s OK, but it does matter to the fans who see that and they’re like, ‘Finally, finally, we have some representation. Finally we have a face in this sport that we love, and we’ve been waiting for so long.'”

Hill is happy to be making history during these times and bring representation to Black people.

“Its really cool to be a part of the Black Lives Matter movement,” Hill explained. “It’s really important, and I think people try to pretend that it’s not and call it things that it isn’t because it’s hard to look at the violence. It’s hard to say there’s something wrong when you haven’t experienced it yourself.

“I think the reason it’s so important to Black people is because they’ve all had moments where they felt in danger or they felt they weren’t considered as human as their white counterparts, and it’s not something that disappeared when (former President Barack) Obama got elected. It’s not something that disappeared once cops got body cams. It’s something that’s still hurting the community right now. I think with the pandemic that’s going on right now, with just everything just being so divisive, it’s really brought it to light and made people pay attention to how hard the struggles are and the fact there needs to be some change.”

“When people do reach out and say, ‘Hey, my daughter looks up to you. My girlfriend loves you. I hope my daughters can be as strong as you,’ when people reach out and say things like that, it’s always surprising, but it just makes me feel so happy that I didn’t give up,” Hill said. “It gives me that extra push when I just want to be like, ‘F-ck it, this isn’t worth it. It’s too hard,’ because fighting is hard, it’s really hard.

“It’s even harder when every time I’ve lost is on the UFC stage. I’ve never lost outside of the UFC, so having that magnifying glass on every win but also on every failure, people reaching out to me and saying stuff like that, it’s so special and it’s something that you can’t really explain. Representation is such an important thing to so many people.

[SOURCE: MMA JUNKIE]

Breonna Taylor case being presented to a grand jury

A grand jury has been empaneled to investigate the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, two people close to the process told CNN.

The grand jury, which was empaneled this week, "will be hearing other criminal cases first to get their feet wet with the process and then hear the Taylor case," a source close to the investigation told CNN on Wednesday.

Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT and aspiring nurse, was fatally shot after police broke down the door to her apartment while executing a late-night "no-knock" warrant in a narcotics investigation on March 13.

The source told CNN that the grand jury is meeting at an alternate location because of safety concerns due to ongoing protests in Jefferson Square Park, which has been informally renamed as "Breonna Taylor Park."

The grand jury is expected to eventually decide the fate of three officers who opened fire during the incident.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Sickle Cell Disease Association celebrates National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle Cell Disease Association celebrates National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Conferences, advocacy, blood donations and other events held throughout September

HANOVER, Md.—Sickle Cell Disease Association of America will participate in National Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September by holding a series of events and supporting the events of member organizations. National Sickle Cell Awareness Month was designated by Congress to focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.

“Individuals and organizations can join our efforts to bring attention to sickle cell disease by engaging elected officials for proclamations, hosting awareness events, distributing educational information to dispel the myths about sickle cell disease and lighting public spaces, buildings and landmarks red,” said Beverley Francis-Gibson, president and CEO of Sickle Cell Disease Association.

• The 2020 Sickle Cell Disease Therapeutics Conference will take place virtually Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. Hosted by Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. in partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association, the conference provides a forum to discuss the latest advancements and future trends for treating patients with sickle cell disease. Health care companies, opinion leaders, patients, policymakers and others will present at the conference. Learn more and register online.

• A Sickle Cell Awareness Month Twitter Party, an online Twitter conversation hosted by the Sickle Cell Disease Association where participants interact, share, learn and celebrate by posting tweets using the hashtag #SickleCellMatters, will take place Sept. 21, 23 and 25 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Register online.

• Fight sickle cell disease by donating blood to the American Red Cross. Donors can make an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

• Sickle cell groups across the country will hold National Sickle Cell Awareness Month events throughout September, including town halls, webcasts, walks and races, summits and seminars and fundraisers. Learn more online.

Sickle Cell Disease Association invites advocacy organizations, corporate and federal partners and supporters to use the hashtags #SickleCellMatters, #SickleCellAwarenessMonth, #SCDAA2020AwarenessMonth and #SCDSCTMatters in social media posts about sickle cell disease throughout September. More information, including a flyer and fact sheet, is available online. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease causing red blood cells to take a sickle shape, which leads to blockages that prevent blood from reaching parts of the body. As a result, people with sickle cell complications can experience anemia, jaundice, gallstones, stroke, chronic pain, organ damage and premature death. No universal cure exists. (sicklecelldisease.net)

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America advocates for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empowers community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure. The association and more than 50 member organizations support sickle cell research, public and professional health education and patient and community services. (sicklecelldisease.org)

Maryland's HBCUs would get autonomy from state system under new bill

A Maryland delegate wants to give the state's historically Black colleges and universities greater independence by separating their governance from the University System of Maryland.

The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, would grant autonomy to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Bowie State University and Coppin State University.

Delegate Julian Ivey, D-Prince George's County, said his bill would help correct funding disparities among state institutions. The HBCUs would remain publicly funded, but would have greater individual control, he said.

Ivey said his proposal would give Bowie State, Coppin State and UMES their own Boards of Regents, so that university leaders answer to "individuals who have attended HBCUs, who are invested in HBCUs."

"That would make it easier for presidents to advocate effectively for what the university actually needs, rather than just taking what the Board of Regents is willing to give them," Ivey said.

Each of the new Boards of Regents would have diversity goals, including a chair who attended an HBCU, at least five members who attended HBCUs, and a majority of board members who are Black.

Read more: Maryland's HBCUs would get autonomy from state system under new bill

USPS Voices of the Harlem Renaissance Stamps

I know many of you collect stamps in the USPS Black Heritage series and try to stay up to date with new stamp releases. While you may know of the 2020 Gwen Ifill stamp issued before the pandemic you may not have heard of the Voices of the Harlem Renaissance stamps released in May of 2020.

Issued May 21 in a pane of 20, the nondenominated (55¢) forever stamps honor novelist Nella Larsen; bibliophile and historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg; poet Anne Spencer; and writer, philosopher, educator and arts advocate Alain Locke, who is known as the dean of the Harlem Renaissance.

“The stamps feature stylized pastel portraits of the honorees that incorporate African-inspired motifs as background elements,” according to the Postal Service. “The design elements reflect the increased interest in African culture, history, and aesthetics shown by the writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance.”

USPS art director Greg Breeding designed the new Voices of the Harlem Renaissance stamps.

The pane of 20 includes a decorative header which shows a cityscape in silhouette with a sun in its midst. Block lettering spells out the title of the issue, “Voices of the Harlem Renaissance.”

The Voices of the Harlem Renaissance stamps will be sold only in full panes of 20 for $11 at post offices and online here: https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/voices-of-the-harlem-renaissance-S_476404.

Rochester police chief, deputies step down suddenly following protests over death of Daniel Prude

After days of protests against the Rochester Police Department in light of the death of Daniel Prude, Police Chief La'Ron Singletary and his deputy announced Tuesday they are retiring from the force. Along with the police chief, six other department leaders announced they will vacate their roles.

Louisville Mayor names Yvette Gentry as new interim Chief of LMPD

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that interim LMPD Chief Rob Schroeder is retiring from the department, and former LMPD Deputy Chief Yvette Gentry has agreed to serve in the interim role until a new permanent Chief is installed.

Gentry retired from LMPD in 2014 after serving more than 20 years in investigations, strategic planning, budgeting and patrol; she became deputy chief in 2011. A year later, Mayor Fischer named her as the city’s Chief of Community Building, a role she held until 2017. Gentry is taking a leave of absence from her current roles in philanthropy at the Rajon Rondo Foundation and Metro United Way to serve until a permanent LMPD Chief is in place.

Gentry, who will be the first female to ever lead the LMPD in its 200-plus year history, did not apply for the permanent chief position and said she has no interest in serving longer than it takes to give a new chief a successful transition period.

 “I am taking a pause from positions that have provided me time to heal and enjoy my family,” Gentry said. “I am returning to the high-stress law-enforcement field in large part to help lead a call to action for those willing to do the work it takes to heal our city – and provide truth so we can have reconciliation, and create a system of justice rooted in equity.”

The Mayor noted that Chief Schroeder had agreed to take the interim role for four months, and is moving on to prioritize his family and his health, and complete his doctorate.

“Many, many thanks to Chief Schroeder for stepping in during a tumultuous time for our city,” Mayor Fischer said. “Rob came into this role as a reformer and innovator, having led the implementation of police body cameras and the creation of the Real Time Crime Center, and continued that path of reform as interim Chief – helping implement Breonna’s Law, new rules on duty to intervene, restrictions on use of force and tear gas, and moving to more quickly clear a backlog of internal investigations.

“I greatly appreciate Rob’s commitment to our city,” the Mayor added, “and I know some city will be very lucky to have him as police chief when he is ready to pursue that role on a permanent basis.”

Chief Schroeder said: “I am grateful to have had this opportunity to serve the city and the police department that I love. I am deeply proud of the men and women of LMPD, and how committed they are to keeping our city and our residents safe.”

The Mayor said he’s also deeply appreciative of Gentry’s willingness to take on this interim role.

“Yvette brings the unparalleled experience and strong community relationships needed to lead LMPD until a permanent Chief is in place,” the Mayor said, “and she is passionate about working to help her city address systemic racism and reimagine public safety. She has never been shy about offering her advice, and I look forward to having her on the team as we move forward in selecting a permanent Chief.”

Gentry will report on Sept. 14th and will work with Chief Schroeder to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement begins on Oct. 1 and she becomes interim Chief.

The Mayor noted today that more than 20 people applied by the Aug. 31 application deadline for the permanent Chief role, and “we continue to follow the process that we laid out earlier this summer for selecting a new chief, which began with community engagement.”

The search is being conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization acclaimed for guiding cities across the country on issues such as reducing police use of force; developing community policing and problem-oriented policing; using technology to deliver police services to the community; and evaluating crime reduction strategies. For 30 years, PERF has identified the most skilled professionals in the field and assisted cities in recruiting and selecting well-qualified candidates.

Before posting the job description and soliciting applications, the city and PERF received input from more than 10,000 people who responded to an online survey about qualities a new chief should have, as well as input that came through nearly two dozen listening sessions with focus groups throughout the community. These meetings, held both in person and virtually, included a variety of constituencies: Metro Council and other elected officials, the business community, faith leaders, the international community, activist groups, LMPD, and others. 

Next steps in the hiring process include working with PERF to review, vet and sort the applicants, based on how their qualifications line up with those that the community helped create. A small group will then convene to review the list, narrow it, conduct interviews, and identify top candidates who appear best suited to lead the LMPD. That process will also involve the community and LMPD by incorporating the input previously collected, as well as an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. Anyone interested in suggesting interview questions can email them to:LouisvilleChiefQuestions@policeforum.org.

Mayor Fischer is expected to name the new permanent Chief by the end of the year.

Kamala Harris meets with Jacob Blake's family during visit to Wisconsin

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) on Monday privately met with the family of Jacob Blake, the Black man who was shot several times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wis., last month.

Harris met with members of the Blake family as she made her first appearance in Wisconsin since being selected as Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's running mate. Harris met with the family and members of Blake's legal team at a private airport in Milwaukee, a Biden campaign official said, adding that Harris spoke with Blake by phone during the meeting.

Benjamin Crump, an attorney representing the Blake family, said in a statement that Harris spoke with the family about how they’re handling the trauma of the shooting. She also addressed the Biden campaign’s policy goals, including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill focusing on police practices and law enforcement accountability.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Kamala Harris says she won't trust Trump's word alone on a vaccine

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris cast doubt during a CNN exclusive interview on a potential coronavirus vaccine pushed by President Donald Trump, who has frequently touted a coming cure for the raging pandemic.

Anita Hill says she will vote for Joe Biden

Nearly 30 years after Anita Hill testified before a now-infamous Senate Judiciary hearing led by Joe Biden, she says she wants the Democratic presidential candidate to get elected this November.

Hill testified in 1991 before the Senate Judiciary Committee that then-U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her. Biden chaired that all-male committee, which questioned her character, and came off to many as not taking Hill seriously.

But between Biden and President Donald Trump, Hill says she picks Biden.

Watch her comments below: