Deborah Archer To Become First African American To Lead ACLU Board of Directors

The American Civil Liberties Union announced today that its national board elected Deborah Archer as its new president. Archer replaces Susan Herman, who stepped down after serving 12 years leading the organization’s board through watershed moments, including the Trump administration and the emergence of civil liberties and privacy concerns in the digital age.

An established civil rights lawyer, scholar, and teacher, Archer began her career as the Marvin M. Karpatkin Legal Fellow at the ACLU. She has been a member of the ACLU board since 2009, and a general counsel and member of the executive committee of the board since 2017. She also serves on the board of directors of the New York Civil Liberties Union. In this new role, she brings with her a wealth of experience on racial justice and constitutional matters. The election of Deborah Archer marks the first time a Black person will lead the ACLU’s board of directors.

“After beginning my career as an ACLU fellow, it is an honor to come full circle and now lead the organization as board president,” said Deborah Archer. “The ACLU has proven itself as an invaluable voice in the fight for civil rights in the last four years of the Trump era, and we are better positioned than ever to face the work ahead. This organization has been part of every important battle for civil liberties during our first century, and we are committed to continuing that legacy as we enter our second. I could not be more excited to get to work.”

The board met virtually on Saturday to cast the vote for its next president. The ACLU National Board is made up of 69 members, including 51 directly elected by ACLU affiliate boards as their representatives, and 18 elected by all affiliate and national board members. The ACLU National Board votes to set matters of organizational policy and substantive civil liberties policies. It also oversees issues related to general financial management and the relationship between the national ACLU and its affiliates, including the provision of resources and support to the affiliates, as well as other responsibilities.

“As the country enters the post-Trump era, it is essential that those in leadership intimately understand the history that brought us to this inflection point, and the work ahead,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU. “There is no one better equipped, who best personifies or is more capable to helm the future battles for civil rights, civil liberties, and systemic equality than Deborah Archer.”

For both the country as a whole and the ACLU, 2020 was a watershed year. The country struggled with its history of white supremacy and racism, a protest movement that rivaled only by the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s, the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the highest turnout elections in history. The ACLU celebrated its centennial year, filed its 413th legal action against the Trump administration, took over 100 legal actions in response to the pandemic, continued its work to protect protestors, and filed more than 37 lawsuits to ensure access to the polls.

Deborah Archer is a tenured professor of clinical law and director of the Civil Rights Clinic at New York University School of Law, and co-faculty director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU Law. Professor Archer previously served as the inaugural dean of diversity and inclusion and as associate dean for academic affairs and student engagement at New York Law School. She has served as chair of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, and on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Legal Aid Society and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. In recognition of her work, the New York Law Journal named her one of its 2016 Top Women in Law. Previously, Archer was assistant counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and an associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.

Stacey Abrams nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

U.S. voting rights activist and Democratic Party politician Stacey Abrams has been nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her work to promote nonviolent change via the ballot box, a Norwegian lawmaker said on Monday.

“Abrams’ work follows in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps in the fight for equality before the law and for civil rights,” said Lars Haltbrekken, a Socialist Party member of Norway’s parliament.

“Abrams’ efforts to complete King’s work are crucial if the United States of America shall succeed in its effort to create fraternity between all its peoples and a peaceful and just society,” Haltbrekken said.

Thousands of people, from members of parliaments worldwide to former winners, are eligible to propose candidates, and a nomination does not imply endorsement from the Nobel committee in Oslo.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, but nominators can choose to reveal their picks.

The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

[SOURCE: REUTERS]

Jackie Taylor Holsten: First African-American woman to receive Medal of Excellence from Loyola School of Law

Jackie Taylor Holsten has been awarded the Medal of Excellence by the Law School of Loyola University, Chicago. She is the 5th woman to receive the award since it was first introduced in 1964, and is the first African-American female to receive this award. The Medal of Excellence is given annually by the Law Alumni Association to an alumnus/a or faculty member for distinguished service to the legal profession and for loyalty and service to the School of Law. Award winners have demonstrated privately and professionally the quality of character, intellect, and social or professional responsibility that the School of Law nurtures. Ms. Holsten is a longtime member of the board of trustees of Loyola University -- Chicago.

Jackie Taylor Holsten is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation, where she spearheads its property management and administration divisions. She also is Board Chair and Executive Director of HHCD, a not-for-profit social service agency providing social services to over 3,000 residents of twelve sites throughout Metropolitan Chicago. It is through her commitments to Holsten and Loyola University as a trustee, that she has found her purpose in serving people and building communities.

[SOURCE: DAILY HERALD]

High school principal works overnight at Walmart to help students in need

Henry Darby has been giving back to others since he was a child. So when he learned that students at his North Charleston High School were in need, he picked up an overnight job at Walmart to help.

Black Lives Matter movement nominated for Nobel peace prize

The Black Lives Matter movement has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel peace prize for the way its call for systemic change has spread around the world.

In his nomination papers, the Norwegian MP Petter Eide said the movement had forced countries outside the US to grapple with racism within their own societies.

“I find that one of the key challenges we have seen in America, but also in Europe and Asia, is the kind of increasing conflict based on inequality,” Eide said. “Black Lives Matter has become a very important worldwide movement to fight racial injustice.

“They have had a tremendous achievement in raising global awareness and consciousness about racial injustice.”

Eide, who has previously nominated human rights activists from Russia and China for the prize, said one other thing that impressed him about the Black Lives Matter movement was the way “they have been able to mobilise people from all groups of society, not just African-Americans, not just oppressed people, it has been a broad movement, in a way which has been different from their predecessors.”

Nominations for the Nobel peace prize are accepted from any politician serving at a national level, and they are allowed just 2,000 words to state their case. The deadline for this year’s submission is 1 February, and by the end of March the committee prepares a shortlist. The winner is chosen in October and the award ceremony is scheduled for 10 December.

[SOURCE: THE GAURDIAN]

John Lewis memorial to replace Confederate monument in Georgia

A DeKalb County, Ga., Confederate monument will be replaced with a monument honoring the late civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.).

The monument on the grounds of the Historic DeKalb County Courthouse was removed last January, a period where numerous other statues were also removed by both local governments and protesters. County commissioners approved the resolution to install the Lewis memorial Jan. 26,

Several residents requested such a memorial after Lewis's death on July 17, although it remains unclear what the proposed monument will look like.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Amanda Gorman To Perform During The Super Bowl

Amanda Gorman, the young poet who grabbed the national spotlight at President Joe Biden's inauguration with her inspirational and powerful reading, will recite more of her work at Super Bowl LV.

According to an NFL list of past performances during Super Bowl half-time and pre-game shows, she will be the first poet ever to perform at the event, which is one of the most watched broadcasts in television.

On Wednesday, the NFL announced the Los Angeles poet will recite a new poem before the official coin toss to recognize an educator, a nurse, and a veteran for helping their communities during the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 425,000 people in the US so far.

The poem will be broadcast to a national audience on CBS, the NFL announced.

The new poem will honor Trimaine Davis, an educator who worked to secure electronic equipment for students, Suzie Dorner, an ICU nurse manager in Tampa, and James Martin, a Marine veteran who has worked to support fellow vets and high school athletes.

[SOURCE: BUZZFEED]

National Board of Review Names ‘Da 5 Bloods’ Best Picture

Spike Lee's “Da 5 Bloods” won three awards from the National Board of Review.

The movie won awards for best film and ensemble. Lee also won the prize for directing, becoming only the second Black director to receive the honor, following Barry Jenkins for 2016’s “Moonlight.”

Since 1909, the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of cinema as both art and entertainment. Each year, this select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals and academics of varying ages and backgrounds watches over 250 films and participates in illuminating discussions with directors, actors, producers and screenwriters before announcing their selections for the best work of the year in late November prior to an annual ceremony in January.

Walgreens picks Rosalind Brewer as next CEO

Walgreens Boots Alliance has hired Starbucks Corp. operating chief Rosalind Brewer as its next chief executive, the drugstore chain confirmed Tuesday night.

Brewer will replace Stefano Pessina as the global drugstore chain’s top executive, effective March 15. Brewer will also join Walgreens board of directors.

In tapping Brewer, Walgreens will be getting a seasoned executive with two decades of retail and consumer experience. Brewer, who was also elevated to the Starbucks board of directors in March 2017, was president and CEO of Walmart’s Sam’s Club prior to her stint at the coffee chain.

[SOURCE: FORBES]

Congresswoman Barbara Lee to Chair Powerful Foreign Affairs Subcommittee

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, has been named the new Chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS).

Chairwoman Lee will be the first African American Member of Congress to serve as Chair of the subcommittee, which funds many of the nondefense international affairs activities of the United States. The subcommittee funds the State Department and other Foreign Operations accounts and is one of the 12 annual appropriations acts that fund the federal government each fiscal year.

Of the 12 distinct appropriations measures used to fund federal programs and activities, the SFOPS subcommittee has jurisdiction over funding U.S. diplomatic activities, cultural exchanges, development and security assistance, and participation in multilateral organizations, among other international activities.

“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee,” said Chairwoman Lee. “This is a critical time for global investment and cooperation as we fight back a global pandemic, and we have much work to do.”

“Among my top priorities on this committee will be investing in diplomacy, foreign assistance, and development programs, which must be at the forefront of our approach, leaving behind the military first approach of the last 4 years. It’s also critical that we reinvest in the State Department and work to ensure our diplomatic corps and all aspects of our international affairs reflect the diversity of the country.

“We must take bold action in tackling the existential threat of climate change. We must use UN sustainable development goals as a guide to address pivotal issues such as global poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, reproductive justice, economic inequality and much more.

“I plan to use my experiences and understanding of global health security to address this challenging time as we fight a global health pandemic. We are part of the global family, and what affects one, affects all. I’m pleased President Biden issued an Executive Order to re-enter the World Health Organization (WHO), and I plan to be a strong partner with the new administration in re-engaging with WHO to tackle this pandemic and ensure longstanding collaboration.

“Finally, I will lead and legislate as I always have on this committee and my entire career in Congress: through a lens of racial equity, which is needed now more than ever. I’m honored to serve in this critical moment to confront this global pandemic, put America’s priorities at the center of our funding initiatives, while respecting sovereignty of other nations, and help renew our global leadership in the world.”

Chairwoman Lee served on the International Relations Committee (later known as the Foreign Affairs committee) for a total of ten years, from 107th Congress through the 111th Congress. Chairwoman Lee has served on Appropriations Committee and the SFOPS Subcommittee since 110th Congress for a total of 14 years and served as Vice Chair of the subcommittee in the 116th Congress.

Chairwoman Lee also served as U.S. Congressional Representative to the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, in addition to serving in 2013, 2015, and 2017. She brings with her to the committee a level of global health expertise, having been a staunch advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment. Since entering Congress, she has authored or co-authored every major piece of HIV/AIDS legislation including the legislative frameworks for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Rep. Lee also authored the law creating the Special Advisor for Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to better coordinate and provide assistance in support of basic care and treatment for HIV-infected children.

The Chairwoman has made it a mission of her time in Congress to promote global stability and welfare for the people of all countries. Over the years, Chairwoman Lee has engaged on a number of issues at the UN, particularly around fighting HIV and AIDS, finding peaceful solutions to conflict, fighting for human rights, and seeking to dismantle racist structures and systems.

Chairwoman Lee has long been focused on promoting and explaining the Sustainable Development Goals to her Congressional colleagues. Most recently, Chairwoman Lee has been active in working to promote the value of the United States working with and supporting multilateral institutions like the UN and its related agencies, particularly in the effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden moving forward with placing Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill

President Joe Biden will move forward with a plan announced five years ago and stalled by the Trump administration to place abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.

"The Treasury Department is taking steps to resume efforts to put Harriet Tubman on the front of the new $20 notes," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. She said it is important that the country’s money "reflect the history and diversity of our country, and Harriet Tubman’s image gracing the new $20 note would certainly reflect that."

If the change is made, Tubman would be the first Black person to be placed on U.S. currency. The initial decision to place Tubman on the bill was made after a 10-month review by the Obama administration, which solicited suggestions from the public on who should be on the face of a newly redesigned $20 bill.

[SOURCE: NBC NEWS]

Yetunde Adeniyi is Missing

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials are continuing to search for an at-risk missing woman who was last seen a week ago on Jan. 15.

Yetunde Adeniyi, of Los Angeles, is described as 5’2″ and 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

No further information was immediately available about where she was last seen.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call the LASD’s Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.

Sionjae Williams is Missing

Police in Baltimore are searching for a missing homeless woman who is known to frequent the city’s downtown.

Sionjae Williams, 32, was last seen in the 2200 block of Maryland Avenue, the Baltimore Police Department said. She’s five-foot-seven and weighs around 108 pounds.

Anyone who sees her should call police at 443-384-7385 or 911.

Breonna Taylor grand jurors file petition to impeach Attorney General Daniel Cameron

Three grand jurors in the Breonna Taylor case filed a petition with the state House of Representatives on Friday, objecting to the conduct of Attorney General Daniel Cameron and calling for his impeachment.

A press release indicated the attorney for three of the grand jurors in the Taylor case signed onto the petition on their behalf in order to protect their identities.

The petition alleges Cameron breached public trust and failed to comply with his duties by misrepresenting the findings of the grand jury in the Taylor case.

“The Grand Jurors did not choose this battle,” stated Kevin Glogower, the attorney for the three grand jurors. “This battle chose them."

"These are randomly selected citizens who were compelled to sit on a grand jury and were terribly misused by the most powerful law enforcement official in Kentucky. It is truly a testament to the Kentucky Constitution that they are able to be here today and to expose injustice and demand public accountability.”

House Speaker David Osborne confirmed lawmakers had "received notice of another petition for impeachment," but said in a statement he would "reserve further comment until our attorneys review it and the committee on committees has an opportunity to act."

The Committee on Committees will determine what committee will consider the petition. Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, who chairs the impeachment committee, said Friday he assumed his committee would get it once it's officially filed, which cannot happen until legislators return to Frankfort on Feb. 2.

[SOURCE: COURIER JOURNAL]

Barry Bonds statement on the death of Hank Aaron

Barry Bonds, who surpassed Hank Aaron as the all-time home run leader in baseball history, released the following statement on the passing of the baseball and civil rights icon:

"I want to send my heartfelt and warmest condolences to the Aaron family on their loss today. I was lucky enough to spend time with Hank on several occasions during my career and have always had the deepest respect and admiration for all that he did both on and off the field. He is an icon, a legend and a true hero to so many, who will forever be missed,"

UNCF Remembers Baseball Legend Hank Aaron

Today, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) mourns the passing of a great human, husband, father and quiet activist, who made tremendous accomplishments both on the field of baseball and in the game of life. Hank Aaron passed away at home surrounded by his family and beloved wife, Billye, UNCF’s former vice president of the Southern region.

Together, the Aarons graciously and consistently used their star power, wealth and gifts bestowed upon them to lift others to greatness through the work of UNCF, donating time, treasure and impact to help sway the public and press, drawing attention and support to our cause. We thank them for that from the bottom of our collective heart.

Over the years, the Aarons’ support has been substantial. Hank appeared in UNCF public service announcements. Together, they appeared on the nationally televised UNCF An Evening of Stars®. They donated millions of dollars to UNCF and to our member historically Black colleges and universities. They set up and funded a scholarship. They introduced UNCF team members to other interested business partners and supporters. The Aarons moved mountains and made a difference—all to help others that needed them.

“Hank and Billye Aaron’s sincere belief in our motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”®, led them to co-found with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young the first-ever Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball,” said Maurice Jenkins, UNCF Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “The Mayor’s Masked Ball has become an annual fundraising tradition in Atlanta for more than 30 years, drawing ever-larger crowds each year and breaking the million-dollar mark several years in a row. The Mayor’s Masked Ball has now been franchised across the United States to several other cities to help UNCF raise money in other locations because of its model of success—all thanks to the passion and ingenuity of Hank and Billye Aaron.”

Just two weeks ago, Hank was still doing his part to help better the lives of others by getting his COVID vaccine publicly at the UNCF-supported Morehouse College of Medicine, doing his best to let the Black community know how important it is that education and science lead in overcoming the current pandemic.

In his passing today, Hank Aaron has made a mark that counts not only in the sports world, but also in American education and American life in general—by opening doors of opportunity that would have otherwise remained closed. Hank’s philanthropy mattered, making a difference for untold thousands of students of color. He will be missed.

University of Dayton names building to honor Jessie Hathcock, first African-American woman graduate

The University of Dayton on Jan. 22 announced that its newly renovated computer science academic building will be named in honor of Jessie Hathcock ‘30, the first African American woman to graduate from the University, a noted educator and humanitarian in the Dayton community.

"Jessie Hathcock's life includes an extraordinary record as an educator and community leader, achieving success through courage and perseverance," said President Eric F. Spina. "She was a true pioneer and dedicated to serving others with empathy and compassion.

"Jessie S. Hathcock Hall will be an exciting educational facility, housing our fastest growing academic program, equipped to offer students the classroom and experiential learning opportunities they need for success in this dynamic field," Spina said. "It is a fitting tribute to a quintessential educator and truly distinguished UD alumna.

"Naming the building for this trailblazing woman will make her life and her story visible to generations of UD students, inspiring them to continue her legacy of educational excellence, humanitarianism and community activism," Spina said.

Hathcock graduated from UD with a bachelor's degree in education in 1930. She taught in Dayton public schools for 34 years, and was Dean of Girls and an English teacher at Dunbar High School. At Dunbar, she touched the lives of thousands of students, organizing the Dunbar PTA, and serving for many years as faculty sponsor of the student council, Junior Council on World Affairs, and the Junior Red Cross.

In addition to serving the Dayton community through education, she worked with the City Beautiful Council, the Wegerzyn Garden Board and the American Association of University Women. A global citizen, she traveled the world extensively, was active in the Dayton Council on World Affairs, and founded the Dayton and Miami Valley Committee for UNICEF.

She also was a charter member of Beta Eta Omega, Dayton, Ohio, chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and served as its first president in 1934. Selected as one of the Ten Top Women in Dayton in 1966 for her humanitarian efforts and civic pride, she was a longtime member of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Dayton.

In 1978, she received an honorary doctorate in humanities from the University of Dayton, the first African American woman to be so honored. In her words of thanks to the university, she stated, “May the University of Dayton continue to grow in influence for the betterment of our city and may its doors of learning be forever open to all races, creeds and nationalities, for the Glory of God, who taught us the meaning of brotherhood and the oneness of mankind.”Hathcock's family — granddaughter Beverly Hathcock Robinson and her husband, Leonard, grandson Lloyd Hathcock and his wife, Barbara — said the entire family, including many cousins, are pleased and honored.

"We are simply delighted and thrilled. As an educator for many years, our grandmother would be particularly pleased that the building named in her honor is a place of learning," the family said.

The Jessie V. Scott Hathcock Memorial Scholarship was established in her honor in 2004 to assist either traditional or non-traditional students, with first preference given to female, African American students majoring in education or English, with a preference for residents from the City of Dayton. Candidates must represent the qualities of leadership and service illustrated by Hathcock's life. Click here for information on the scholarship or to make a gift.

The University also announced the department chair office suite will be named to honor Father Thomas Schoen, S.M., who helped found the University's computer science program in 1961, one of the first such programs in the nation.

As a Marianist brother, Schoen led the development of the computer science department as chair from 1961 to 1978, Although he had a successful ministry as a teaching brother at UD, he always felt called to the priesthood. After his ordination in 1987, he returned to UD to teach computer science until 2006. In 2009, Fr. Thomas was named professor emeritus for his instrumental role in bringing UD into the computer age, after serving the University for more than 50 years.

Hathcock Hall, the former Music/Theatre Building, will be the new home for the growing Department of Computer Science. The 58,000-square-foot project includes new classroom, laboratory and office spaces, as well as an enclosed walkway to connect the facility to Kettering Labs. View a video about the building and how it will support computer science learning.

A formal dedication and blessing will be held in the fall, should pandemic conditions permit.

Transcript of Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem: The Hill We Climb

Amanda Gorman has received well deserved praise after reciting her poem, "The Hill We Climb" during the presidential inauguration.

Read the full transcript of her poem below:

When day comes we ask ourselves,

where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

The loss we carry,

a sea we must wade.

We've braved the belly of the beast,

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace,

and the norms and notions

of what just is

isn't always just-ice.

And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it.

Somehow we do it.

Somehow we've weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn't broken,

but simply unfinished.

We the successors of a country and a time

where a skinny Black girl

descended from slaves and raised by a single mother

can dream of becoming president

only to find herself reciting for one.

And yes we are far from polished.

Far from pristine.

But that doesn't mean we are

striving to form a union that is perfect.

We are striving to forge a union with purpose,

to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and

conditions of man.

And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us,

but what stands before us.

We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,

we must first put our differences aside.

We lay down our arms

so we can reach out our arms

to one another.

We seek harm to none and harmony for all.

Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true,

that even as we grieved, we grew,

that even as we hurt, we hoped,

that even as we tired, we tried,

that we'll forever be tied together, victorious.

Not because we will never again know defeat,

but because we will never again sow division.

Scripture tells us to envision

that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree

and no one shall make them afraid.

If we're to live up to our own time,

then victory won't lie in the blade.

But in all the bridges we've made,

that is the promise to glade,

the hill we climb.

If only we dare.

It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit,

it's the past we step into

and how we repair it.

We've seen a force that would shatter our nation

rather than share it.

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed,

it can never be permanently defeated.

In this truth,

in this faith we trust.

For while we have our eyes on the future,

history has its eyes on us.

This is the era of just redemption

we feared at its inception.

We did not feel prepared to be the heirs

of such a terrifying hour

but within it we found the power

to author a new chapter.

To offer hope and laughter to ourselves.

So while once we asked,

how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?

Now we assert,

How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?

We will not march back to what was,

but move to what shall be.

A country that is bruised but whole,

benevolent but bold,

fierce and free.

We will not be turned around

or interrupted by intimidation,

because we know our inaction and inertia

will be the inheritance of the next generation.

Our blunders become their burdens.

But one thing is certain,

If we merge mercy with might,

and might with right,

then love becomes our legacy,

and change our children's birthright.

So let us leave behind a country

better than the one we were left with.

Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest,

we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.

We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west.

We will rise from the windswept northeast,

where our forefathers first realized revolution.

We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states.

We will rise from the sunbaked south.

We will rebuild, reconcile and recover.

And every known nook of our nation and

every corner called our country,

our people diverse and beautiful will emerge,

battered and beautiful.

When day comes we step out of the shade,

aflame and unafraid,

the new dawn blooms as we free it.

For there is always light,

if only we're brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough to be it.

Lloyd Austin sworn in as nation's first African American Secretary of Defense

Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin was sworn in as Secretary of Defense on Friday, making him the first African American head of the Pentagon in U.S. history.

"I am honored to have this chance to serve again and to do so alongside you and your families," Austin said in a statement to the force after he was sworn in by Tom Muir, acting director of Washington Headquarters Services.

"My wife, Charlene, and I know all too well the sacrifices you make to keep this country safe. That safety is job one, and I promise to work as hard as you do at it."

The Senate earlier on Friday confirmed Austin in a 93-2 vote, giving Biden his second Cabinet member two days after his inauguration. Avril Haines was confirmed as director of national intelligence on Wednesday.

"It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as our country’s 28th Secretary of Defense, and I’m especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position," Austin tweeted after he was confirmed. "Let’s get to work."

Barbie Honors Dr. Maya Angelou as Latest Inspiring Women Doll

This month, Barbie® is continuing its commitment to inspire girls to dream big by welcoming writer, author, activist, and teacher Dr. Maya Angelou to the Barbie® Inspiring Women™ series, which pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time.

“We are so proud to include Dr. Maya Angelou in the Barbie Inspiring Women line. As a powerful writer and activist, her extraordinary life and unforgettable legacy is exactly what we hope this collection inspires in the next generation,” said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel. "By introducing children to Dr. Maya Angelou’s courageous story and written works through doll play, our goal is to spark conversation and awareness with children and their families.”<:p>

Dr. Maya Angelou received numerous awards and accolades including over 50 honorary doctorates. Her 1970 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was nominated for the National Book Award and continues to move readers today. In 1993, she became the first African American and female poet to speak at a U.S. Presidential inauguration.

Sculpted to her likeness, Dr. Angelou’s BarbieInspiring Women Doll holds a miniature replica of her prolific autobiography, while wearing a head wrap and floor-length dress with floral print.

Barbie’s Inspiring Women series, which began in 2018, has celebrated nine courageous women who took risks, changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. Last year, the series paid tribute to Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, and Susan B. Anthony who made history by making the world a better place for future generations of girls. Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks and Sally Ride have also been honored as part of the series.