House passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

The House late Wednesday night gave the green light to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in a 220-212 vote.

The sweeping police reform bill received no Republican votes.

As it currently reads, the police reform bill would overhaul national policing standards on several levels.

Racial profiling at every level of law enforcement would be prohibited; chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants would be banned at the federal level; qualified immunity for officers would be overhauled and a national police misconduct registry would be created so officers who were fired for such discretions could not be hired by another police department.

Although the bill would not technically mandate the prohibition of certain reforms such as chokeholds at a state and local level, it would tie in the new federal standards as thresholds for police departments to meet if they wanted to continue receiving federal aid.

The bill faces a tough road in the Senate, where GOP lawmakers are already bashing it as overly partisan.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Vice President Kamala Harris is Keynote Speaker at NOBLE Annual Executive Symposium

NOBLE, an organization at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement issues and concerns, excitedly announces Vice President Kamala Harris as the keynote speaker for its 2021 William R. Bracey Winter CEO Symposium. Vice President Harris joins a distinguished lineup of law enforcement leaders and experts set to engage on urgent topics surrounding policing such as Reimaging Public Safety, Recruitment and Retention, Community Policing, and others. The international virtual gathering will be held March 8-9 and registration information is available online at: http://bit.ly/NOBLECEOSymposium2021.

“Now, more than ever, this conference is needed in our fight for justice and fair judicial outcomes for every community in America. We eagerly await the outcomes this event will have for generations to come,” said National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) National President Lynda R. Williams. “We are equally enthused to have Vice President Harris join as we continue to partner with the administration on several key matters, particularly as it relates to safer civilian and law enforcement interactions.”

The schedule and speaker lineup for the two-day event include:

Monday, March 8: Reimagining Public Safety Roundtable

 

• Panelists: Dr. RaShall M. Brackney, Chief of Police, Charlottesville Police Department
• Dr. Cedric Alexander, Former Deputy Mayor, Rochester Police Department
• Clarence E. Cox, III, Former Director of Safety and Security, Clayton County Public Schools
• Cassandra M. Chandler, Former Assistant Director, FBI

Tuesday, March 9: The Female Law Enforcement CEO: 21st Century Emerging Trends

• Moderator: Glenda Hatchett, Founder, The Hatchett Firm, P.C.
• Panelists: Carmen Best, Former Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department
• Renee Hall, Former Chief of Police, Dallas Police Department
• Danielle Outlaw, Commissioner, Philadelphia Police Department

Media interested in covering this event should contact Kendra Cummings by phone at 813.321.3312 or by email at Kendra@ConsultVistra.com.

About the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

Since 1976, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) has served as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. NOBLE represents over 3,000 members internationally, who are primarily African American chief executive officers of law enforcement agencies at federal, state, county and municipal levels, other law enforcement administrators, and criminal justice practitioners. For more information, visit www.NOBLENational.org.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries reintroduces the Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act

U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), the National Action Network and Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, announced the reintroduction of the Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act, legislation to make the chokehold and other strangulation tactics illegal under federal civil rights law. The bill, originally introduced by Rep. Jeffries in 2015, is included in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which will be considered in the House later this week.

“There are good men and women in police departments across the nation, and there are brutal ones. Instances of police violence have undermined the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color throughout America, including in New York City. George Floyd and Eric Garner are just two examples of the deadly effects of the epidemic of police brutality, and it is time to prohibit the use of chokeholds and other brutal restraints that apply pressure to the neck and result in asphyxiation. Their use is an unreasonable measure, an unnecessary measure, an uncivilized measure–and under the Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act–it would be an unlawful measure,” said Congressman Jeffries.

“As our country reckons with its long legacy of institutional and systemic racism, especially in our criminal justice system, we must demand justice and accountability. I am proud to introduce the Eric Garner Excessive Force Prevention Act in the Senate to make the use of chokeholds by law enforcement a federal civil rights violation. We cannot erase the pain that communities of color have suffered due to these killings, but I will continue to fight alongside Congressman Jeffries and my colleagues to prevent these senseless tragedies,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who will introduce companion legislation in the Senate.

“From the onset National Action Network has never been anti-police; we are, however, anti-police brutality. I’ve spent days and nights with grieving families who wanted nothing more but justice for their loved one who has been killed by excessive use of force. You can feel the pain and heartache. The Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act takes steps to address this national crisis. This issue is a priority for us, and we came out in record numbers in the Election and during the March on Washington last August for legislative change. Congress must act NOW on police reform, for justice too long delayed, as Dr. King reminded us, is justice denied,” said Reverend Al Sharpton, President and founder of the National Action Network (NAN).

“Most people cannot comprehend how difficult it is to suddenly lose a loved one and then have to fight for years to get an ounce of accountability. Police should never use chokeholds, and we must have a federal policy to enforce this so that no other family endures the travesty of injustice that we have. It’s not enough to talk about police reform; we must do something about it. Not all cops are bad, but to keep the good ones and sanction those who misuse their authority, we need to have federal laws in place, and it starts with the Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act,” said Gwen Carr.

Eric Garner, a father of six, died in Staten Island as a result of a chokehold administered by Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 17, 2014. Despite pleading for his life on eleven different occasions, not a single officer came to his aid. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide. Although a bystander captured the entire encounter on videotape, a Staten Island Grand Jury failed to indict Officer Pantaleo on a single charge.

The deployment of a chokehold has been banned by the New York Police Department for more than twenty years. Presently, several major police departments throughout the country prohibit, limit or discourage chokehold use. In addition to New York, these cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. However, there is no national standard on the excessive use of force, as guidance in restraining a suspect has traditionally been left to local law enforcement officials and municipalities.

The “Eric Garner Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2021,” seeks to forbid the use of chokeholds by law enforcement under 18 U.S.C. § 242, “Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.” It would classify “the application of any pressure to the throat or windpipe, use of maneuvers that restrict blood or oxygen flow to the brain, or carotid artery restraints which prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air,” as a “punishment, pain, or penalty.”

Barack Obama statement on the passing of Vernon Jordan

Former U.S. President, Barack Obama released the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon Vernon Jordan:

Like so many others, Michelle and I benefited from Vernon Jordan's wise counsel and warm friendship—and deeply admired his tireless fight for civil rights. We hope the memory of his extraordinary presence and the legacy of his work bring comfort to Ann, Vickee, and his family.

NAACP PRESIDENT AND CEO, DERRICK JOHNSON, RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON, VERNON JORDAN

NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement on the passing on civil rights icon Vernon Jordan:

“Today, the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics, Vernon Jordan. An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled. In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of social justice activism. Vernon started his career as Georgia Field Secretary for the NAACP in the 1950s. He served along with Medgar Evers, in Mississippi; Robert Saunders in Florida; and I. DeQuincey Newman in South Carolina during the period after Brown v. Board of Education. He went on to become a courageous leader within the National Urban League and a stalwart in the Movement. He was an NAACP giant and a mover and shaker in the legal and political world. His influence and his inspiration will be missed. His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all those who seek truth and justice for all people.”

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First Black secretary of U.S. Senate sworn in

Sonceria “Ann” Berry was sworn in as the Senate’s new secretary Monday afternoon, becoming the first Black American and eighth woman to hold the appointed position.

A veteran Senate aide, Berry most recently served as deputy chief of staff for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who swore her in for her new role.

“We begin this week on a joyful note welcoming an upstanding individual to serve as the new Secretary of the Senate,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said following Berry’s swearing in. Schumer named her to the position in February.

Schumer added that Berry’s elevation to the position was a “testament to her outstanding career as a public servant of the highest caliber over her 40 years in Washington.”

The Secretary of the Senate has existed since 1789, when Congress was still in its infancy. Per the Senate website, the upper chamber’s secretary is responsible for a wide array of “legislative, financial and administrative functions” in support of the legislative body’s “day-to-day operations.”

[SOURCE: THE HILL

NBA star, Russell Westbrook to open new middle and high school in Los Angeles area

NBA star, Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards has announced that he is launching a new middle school and high school called the Russell Westbrook Why Not Academy in the Los Angeles area.

I am excited to announce my @WhyNotFdn is partnering with @LAPromiseFund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy. Creating & supporting educational opportunities for underserved youth has always been my passion & now it is coming to life...this is just the beginning pic.twitter.com/w5ERsDqbSW

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) February 24, 2021

Watch: Rev. Al Sharpton's exclusive interview with VP Kamala Harris

Rev. Al Sharpton is joined by Vice President Kamala Harris in an exclusive interview. The female first talks the significance of Black History Month, the impact of coronavirus on communities of color, and the safety of getting the vaccine. During the interview Harris implores Black Americans to get Covid vaccines despite 'righteous skepticism'

Watch the interview below:

Pamela A. Smith is now the first African-American woman to be US Park Police chief

Pamela A. Smith, a 23-year veteran of the United States Park Police (USPP), is the first African American woman to lead the 230-year-old agency.

During her decorated law enforcement career, Smith has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, canine handler, academy instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, executive lieutenant to the chief of police, assistant commander of the San Francisco Field Office, commander of the New York Field Office, acting deputy chief of the Homeland Security Division, and deputy chief for the Field Operations Division. She was also the first woman to lead the New York Field Office as its Major.

Smith has received many awards and honors, including the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Public Service Award, United States Marshal Service Distinguished Law Enforcement Career and the National Park Service Equal Employment Opportunity Program Recognition of Outstanding Excellence. In many of her leadership roles, on and off the Force, Smith serves as a mentor and an advocate for personal and professional development. She is an active member of her church, has volunteered as a youth mentor and has coached youth sports.Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 265) and a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and International Association of Chiefs of Police. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Rodney Harrison selected to be next NYPD Chief

NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan announced his retirement Thursday to take on a public safety advisory role as the city looks to recover from the COVID crisis. Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison was selected to take over the Chief of Department position.

"[Harrison] makes that uniform proud...and he is going to make this city proud," Monahan said. "Rodney, you couldn't be a better person for this job. With Rodney taking the helm and Commissioner [Dermot] Shea at the helm the NYPD couldn't be in any better hands."

Harrison is a Queens native and the first Black man to serve as the NYPD's Chief of Detectives.

Harrison said that he wants to continue focusing on community policing, "which is absolutely what this city needs."

"For the men and women of this police department, I want to make sure I make this very clear, I'm going to support you, I want to make sure we get through what was a very difficult time in 2020, but I can reassure everyone here that is listening that I have your back and we will get through this together," Harrison said.

"For the residents of New York City, I'm here to protect you. I'm here to serve you," Harrison went on to say. "I'm going to be knocking on your door, I'm going to be coming to your churches, I'm going to be coming to your community meetings. You may get tired of seeing me, but in order for me to be successful, in order to make this city safe, we have to work together. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

[SOURCE: NBC NEW YORK]

VP Kamala Harris meets with Congressional Black Caucus for first time

Vice President Harris held her first meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in her ceremonial office this week.

The caucus tweeted a photo of Harris, an alum of the caucus, seated at a table in the office on Wednesday with Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), chair of the caucus, along with Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.).

The caucus, which was founded in 1971, has 58 members in the current Congress, a record high for the group.

The group is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and recently unveiled an "100 Day Plan" that details the some of its legislative priorities for the first few months of Biden presidency.

Those priorities include the creation of an internal domestic policy leadership team that Beatty spearhead with other members, as well as passing legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Milwaukee Fire Department's Sharon Purifoy makes history as first African-American female Deputy Chief

The promotion of Sharon Purifoy signals change in the Milwaukee Fire Department. For the first time in its history, Milwaukee has an African-American female deputy chief.

School District Is First In New Jersey To Require Students To Take African American History To Graduate

The Cherry Hill School District is now the first in New Jersey to require students to take African American history in order to graduate. The school board approved the move Tuesday night.

Students had lobbied for the course to become mandatory. The charge was led by seventh-grader Ebele Azikiwe, of Beck Middle School. Watch the full story beow.

Senate confirms Linda Thomas-Greenfield as United Nations ambassador

The Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s choice to lead U.S. diplomacy at the United Nations today. Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s confirmation reflected the Biden administration’s determination to reengage with the world body and former President Donald Trump’s diplomacy that often left the U.S. isolated internationally.

Senators voted 78-20 to confirm Thomas-Greenfield to the post, which will be a Cabinet-level position.

Thomas-Greenfield, a retired 35-year veteran of the foreign service who resigned during the Trump administration, will be the third African American, and the second African American woman, to hold the job. Her confirmation was hailed by Democrats and advocates of the United Nations, who had lamented the Trump administration’s unilateral approach to international affairs.

“This confirmation sends a message that the United States is back and that our foreign service is back,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., who chairs a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa, global health and global human rights. “We as a country and as a world are safer with Linda Thomas-Greenfield serving as the United States ambassador to the United Nations.”

“We can count on Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield to work with international partners to confront our collective challenges head on, and play an active role in ensuring the U.N. evolves with the demands of our era as an essential forum for collective problem-solving and catalyst for global progress,” said Elizabeth Cousens, president of the United Nations Foundation, a private group that supports the world body’s endeavors. “Hers is the leadership America needs at the UN at this critical moment for the U.S. and world.”

California African American Museum names Cameron Shaw as executive director

The California African American Museum board of directors unanimously voted Monday to name Cameron Shaw as the institution’s new executive director.

Since September 2019, Shaw has served as CAAM’s deputy director and chief curator, overseeing curatorial affairs, education and public programming and communications and marketing efforts. Shaw’s appointment follows the retirement of George O. Davis, who was the executive director since 2015.

As deputy director and chief curator at the state museum, Shaw secured major support including a $300,000 Art Museum Futures grant from the Mellon Foundation and a $120,000 Getty Pacific Standard Time 2024 research grant for “World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project,” which she is co-curating.

As CAAM’s executive director, Shaw said, she will continue building on her previous work, including invigorating the museum’s publishing program, which features original essays from staff.

[SOURCE: LA TIMES]

Former Student Gives Morgan State University $20 Million, Ensuring Access to College for Generations of Students

Morgan State University today announced receipt of a $20 million commitment from alumnus and philanthropist Calvin E. Tyler Jr. and his wife, Tina, increasing an endowed scholarship fund previously established in the Tylers’ name. The monumental gift is the largest private donation from an alumnus in University history and is believed to be the largest contribution of its kind to any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) nationwide from an alum.

In 2016, the Tylers made a commitment of $5 million to the University— at the time the largest in Morgan’s history—bolstering the Calvin and Tina Tyler Endowed Scholarship Fund established in 2002 to provide full tuition scholarships for select need-based students residing in the Tylers’ hometown of Baltimore. In light of the financial hardships and challenges a number of students and their families are facing as a result of the current pandemic, the Tylers were compelled to expand their giving. Once exclusive to students from Baltimore, the endowed scholarship is now national in scope and will benefit generations of future Morgan students seeking a college education. To date, the endowed fund has supported 222 Morgan students by way of 46 full-tuition and 176 partial scholarships, with the promise of benefiting more ‘Tyler Scholars’ with the increased multimillion-dollar pledge and expanded scope.

“Morgan is so proud to call this son and daughter of the great City of Baltimore our own, and through their historic giving, the doors of higher education will most certainly be kept open for generations of aspiring leaders whose financial shortfalls may have kept them from realizing their academic dreams,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “For public institutions, like Morgan, our charitable alumni are testaments to the legacy we collectively uphold, and the Tylers’ generosity over the years, culminating with this transformative commitment, is a remarkable example of altruism with great purpose. We are forever indebted to the Tylers.”

Calvin Tyler enrolled at Morgan State College in 1961 to study business administration. The first of his family to attend college, he later interrupted his matriculation in 1963 due to lack of funding and eventually took on a job as one of the first 10 UPS drivers in Baltimore in 1964. At UPS, he would then work his way up, climbing the corporate ladder, ultimately ending up as senior vice president of operations before his retirement in 1998, and joining the company’s board of directors. Through his 34-year career at the multinational package delivery company, Tyler never lost sight of his own humble beginnings, committing with his wife Tina to support those who, like him, encountered hardships and financial insecurities while pursuing their college degree.

“My wife and I have become keenly aware of the effect that the pandemic has had on a number of young people trying to get an education [and] we have the resources to help a lot of young people,” Tyler shared. “This is why we are increasing our commitment at Morgan; we want to have more full tuition scholarships offered to young people so that they can graduate from college and enter the next stage of their life debt free.”

Students attending Morgan come from diverse backgrounds, often with unique circumstances, and a myriad of financial needs with 90% of students receiving financial aid. Students applying for the Tyler Scholarship must meet certain financial criteria and maintain a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.

“Endowed scholarships and other gifts have far-reaching implications for any institution, but for a public, urban university like Morgan, with students from a broad spectrum of academic, social and economic backgrounds, the need is especially great,” said Donna Howard, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We are forever grateful to the Tylers for their unrelenting charity to alma mater. The impact of their generosity will have a prevailing effect fostering Morgan-made leaders for generations.”

Fulfillment of the Tylers’ $20 million pledge will be executed for years to come, ensuring an enduring support for Morgan students facing extenuating financial circumstances. Through this commitment and the recently constructed student services building bearing their name—Tyler Hall—their connection to Morgan and their legacy of philanthropic giving will be forever cemented.

“We’re trying to help young people succeed and this goal is aligned with Morgan’s mission; it’s such a perfect fit. We believe that Morgan State happens to be the best institution to use these resources,” added Mr. Tyler.

The $20-million commitment from the Tylers comes to Morgan amid a span of unprecedented and transformative giving to the University that will serve Morgan students—in the immediate and distant future—including an historic gift of $40 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest in the University history. The Tylers’ gift now marks the second largest to be received.

Expressing the importance of giving and supporting institutions of higher education, Tyler contends that “reliance on government loans is just not the answer. Debt can be extremely crippling to someone trying to get ahead in life [and] we just want to help as many young people as we can [to] get an education.”

New evidence in Malcolm X assassination points to possible conspiracy

Fifty-six years after the death of Malcolm X, lawyers revealed what they called new evidence of a conspiracy, perpetrated by the NYPD and the FBI to assassinate the Civil Rights activist in Harlem.

Ray Wood was an undercover police officer at the time - his family and their attorney now claim Wood wrote a letter on his deathbed confessing the NYPD and the FBI conspired to kill the Civil Rights activist.

Watch more on thi story below:

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee's response when asked about Ted Cruz's trip to Mexico

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX 18th District) had a thoughtful and reassuring reponse for Texas reisdents when asked by a local television reporter about Senator Ted Cruz's ill timed trip to Cancun during an extreme weather emergency in Texas that has killed dozens. Watch her response below:

"I'm present and accounted for," said Congresswoman @JacksonLeeTX18 when asked about #TedCruz & his trip to Mexico. "I do think in time of crisis the place & the only place I want to be is with the people I represent." She is in Houston at a water distribution site. #abc13 pic.twitter.com/AGQuZCB8fu

— Steve Campion (@SteveABC13) February 18, 2021

Rosetta Ellis-Pilie Named ESPN Vice President, Talent Development and Negotiations

Accomplished ESPN executive Rosetta Ellis-Pilie has been named ESPN Vice President, Talent Development and Negotiations, effective May 1, it was announced today by Norby Williamson, ESPN Executive Vice President, Production and Executive Editor. In that role, Ellis-Pilie will lead the day-to-day efforts of ESPN’s Talent Office, which is responsible for hiring, developing and guiding ESPN’s commentator team, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with many ESPN departments and external contacts on all matters related to commentator roles and responsibilities. She will report to Williamson.

Ellis-Pilie, who joined ESPN in 2011, has worked in its Legal Department for nearly a decade, most recently as ESPN’s Vice President and Assistant Chief Counsel. As part of that wide-ranging role, she has been instrumental in developing, negotiating and finalizing hundreds of agreements related to ESPN’s rights, content, and on-air commentators. Recent examples include her direct involvement in ESPN’s groundbreaking agreement with UFC, Stephen A Smith’s contract extension, and legal management of the multi-faceted sports and entertainment elements of the ESPYS and ESPN Radio.

“Rosetta is well respected at ESPN and throughout our industry,” Williamson said. “She brings relevant experience, strong leadership traits and a fresh perspective to this pivotal role. ESPN has the most skilled, diverse talent team, and Rosetta will undoubtedly drive continued success through a focus on fostering growth and hiring the best people.”

Ellis-Pilie, who is currently on maternity leave until her scheduled May 1 return, added, “This is an exceptional opportunity, particularly given its importance to ESPN’s connection with sports fans and our overall business. I am truly excited to continue to interact with colleagues across the company as well as outside contacts, many of whom I have worked closely with on projects over the past decade. Our talent lineup is the forward-facing cornerstone of ESPN and I look forward to joining forces with them directly when I start this exciting new chapter in May.”

Prior to assuming her Assistant Chief Counsel role, Ellis-Pilie had served as Assistant Counsel, Associate Principal Counsel and Principal Counsel at ESPN. Overall, her ESPN work has included: providing legal guidance on labor and employment matters related to ESPN’s dozens of business entities; drafting and negotiating numerous on-air and behind-the-scenes personnel agreements; negotiating major rights deals including with UFC and Top Rank Boxing, managing the legal elements for the ESPYS such as celebrity hosts, musical performances, venue, sponsors and footage rights; and overseeing legal aspects for ESPN Radio and its hundreds of affiliates.

Ellis-Pilie served in the United States Army and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. She has received numerous awards for excellence and her stationed sites included Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. She participated in The Walt Disney Company’s “Heroes Work Here” campaign, which helps hire, train and support military veterans entering the civilian workforce. She was featured in the program’s national ad campaign, moderated a related panel, and appeared on The View during its Salute to Military episode.

Ellis-Pilie has also represented ESPN and The Walt Disney Company on various industry initiatives and panels, including Disney Lawyers of Color Career Information panel, Georgetown Law School Sports, Entertainment and Media Law symposium’s “Representation of Content Creators” panel, and served as a final round judge for the Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition. Among her honors, Ellis-Pilie was recognized in 2016 by Savoy Magazine as one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Corporate America.

Before joining ESPN, Ellis-Pilie led the domestic and international labor and employment law practice for Sun Chemical Corporation and was a Labor and Employment Associate at McDermott, Will & Emery and at Proskauer Rose LLP.

A graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration, the New Jersey-native earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. While there, she served as a member of the Virginia Law Review, the Virginia Journal of Social Policy & Law, and on the inaugural Managing Board of the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Journal.

Ten-Year-Old African American Author, Makenzie Lee Foster, Pens Second Book

At only ten years old, child author Makenzie Lee Foster is breaking molds. She wrote her first award winning children's book, Kickin' it with Kenzi - What's Meant For Me Will Be at only 8 years old. The book teaches children to follow their dreams and that nothing will come easy, it all takes work. The book won a Moonbeam Award and was a finalist in the Indie Book Awards alongside Kobe Bryant's 2 books. Makenzie's first book can be purchased via her website and on Amazon.

Makenzie recalls her initial experience as an author "I wanted to write a story that put out a positive message for children. I started bugging my Mom to write my own book when I was 4 or 5. After my first book came out, I was able to visit classrooms and read to other children that may not see many African American people. I live in a very small community and only 1% of the town is African American (Clayton, CA). It's very hard to be an African American author because I feel like we are expected to write books about certain things/topics. Many assume my book is about African American hair confidence or something like that. I love books like that, but I wanted to make books that connect with issues that all children face. I wanted to show that I am the same as them…I didn't want to continue to separate myself. I am human just like everyone else."

Luckily My Luck Is Me is the second book in Makenzie's series and centers around young Kenzie finding a coin which has special powers that bring her luck. As the story progresses, she somehow loses the coin and fears that her luck is gone forever. She sets out on a journey with her dog, Josie, to figure out what the real source of her luck could be now that the coin is gone. The book will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BookBaby on February 23rd.

Makenzie has more books planned in the series which she plans to release later this year. She would love to release a new inspirational children's book every year.

When asked about her future plans, she shared, "I want to be and do so many things. I feel like as long as I am doing something that I love and that I have control over, I will be happy with whatever I end up doing in the future. I don't want my future happiness to be based off of someone else's dreams and I hope that other children think the same way. I hope that I can continue to do something that makes children smile and feel confident."

Makenzie is also an actress who has had a recurring role on NBC's popular show This Is Us as well as a regular role in season one of Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab. She is currently part of a commercial campaign for Rocket Mortgage which premiered during the Superbowl.

CHECK OUT MAKENZIE'S FIRST BOOK