Rev. Dr. William Barber says it's time to “reset this whole argument” on voting rights

Rev. Dr. William Barber, Co-Chairman of “The Poor People’s Campaign” and ‘Moral Mondays’ architect, has been leading marches of clergy and voting rights activists, often getting arrested. As the pressure campaign from the public builds, members of Congress are trying to work out some form of ‘compromise.’ But Barber and fellow advocates say a “watered down” voting rights bill isn’t enough. He calls this game a “Washington two-step,” making a bill “so weak it doesn’t deal with the problem.” “We are talking about the greatest attack on voting rights since the Civil War...you shouldn’t be watering it down, you should be strengthening it.”

Baltimore mayor, Brandon Scott reinstates face mask mandate for everyone

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is reinstating a face mask mandate as of 9 a.m. Monday for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Rep. Cori Bush explains her “defund the police" position

In an interview Wednesday on CBSN, Congresswoman Cori Bush explained her position on reforming funding for police departments. She also responded to her conservative critics and explained that she is paying for private security because of security threats to herself and her family.

Allyson Felix Wins 11th Olympic Medal in 4x400 Relay

Allyson Felix won her 11th career Olympic medal Saturday, combining with her American teammates to finish the 4x400-meter relay in 3 minutes, 16.85 seconds for a runaway victory.

The team of Felix, Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad and Athing Mu was never in jeopardy in this one. Poland finished second, 3.68 seconds behind, and Jamaica finished third.

Felix, who became the most-decorated woman in Olympic track history when she won bronze in the 400 the night before, now passes Carl Lewis with the most track medals of any U.S. athlete. Of the 11 medals, seven are gold.

Olympic legend Carl Lewis not happy with US men's 4x100 relay team

American track and field legend Carl Lewis took to Twitter and didn't hold back in his assessment of the US men's 4x100m relay team after the quartet finished sixth in its semifinal on Thursday.

Lewis tweeted:

The USA team did everything wrong in the men's relay. The passing system is wrong, athletes running the wrong legs, and it was clear that there was no leadership. It was a total embarrassment, and completely unacceptable for a USA team to look worse than the AAU kids I saw.

Shontel Brown interview after her victory in Ohio Democratic Primary

Democrat Shontel Brown won a special election primary Tuesday in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. Brown joined MSNBC's Morning Joe to discuss the primary and her win against former state senator Nina Turner. Watch the interview below.

Sydney McLaughlin breaks world record in 400 meter hurdles, wins gold medal

Sydney McLaughlin shattered her own world record to win gold in Tokyo in the women's 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday. Fellow American Dalilah Muhammad broke the world record too en route to a silver medal.

McLaughin ran 51.46, to break her previous WR mark of 51.90. Muhammad ran in 51.58.

“I saw Dalilah ahead of me with one to go,” said McLaughlin. “I just thought: ‘Run your race.’ The race doesn’t really start till hurdle seven. I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had. I’m absolutely delighted.”

McLaughlin also praised her coach Bobby Kersee, who guided the career of Florence Griffith Joyner, having switched to train with him last year. Under Kersee’s direction, McLaughlin focused on her form and running shorter hurdles courses to improve her technique. Training alongside Allyson Felix also helped.

“It’s just about trusting your training, trusting your coach, and that will get you all the way round the track,” she added. “What a great race. I’m just grateful to be out here celebrating that extraordinary race and representing my country.”

Democrat Shontel Brown defeats Nina Turner in primary for open House seat

Shontel Brown, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chair and a county councilwoman, on Tuesday won the Democratic primary in the race for former Rep. Marcia Fudge's seat, after opponent Nina Turner conceded.

Brown will be the overwhelming favorite to win the Nov. 2 general election.

"I am eternally grateful," she told a group of supporters on Tuesday night. "I am completely overwhelmed by all of you that have showed up and showed out on my behalf. This was a collaborative partnership of the community."

She added: "This isn't an all-or-nothing thing. This is about making progress. Sometimes, it takes compromise."

Tamrya Mensah-Stock: 1st Black US woman to win Olympic gold in wrestling

As Tamyra Mensah-Stock celebrated winning her Olympic gold medal, she hoped her victory would encourage Black girls in the United States to consider wrestling.

When she defeated Nigeria’s Blessing Oborududu 4-1 in the women’s 68-kilogram freestyle wrestling final on Tuesday, she became the first American Black woman to win Olympic gold in wrestling and the second American woman overall.

“These young women are going to see themselves in a number of ways and they’re going to look up there and go, I can do that,” she said. “I can see myself.”

Mensah-Stock, the No. 1 seed, blitzed through a formidable field. She defeated Japan's Sara Dosho — a 2016 Olympic gold medalist — 10-0 in the first round.

She beat China’s Feng Zhao 10-0 in the quarterfinals, then beat Ukraine’s Alla Cherkasova — a former world champion — 10-4 in the semifinal.

She finished the dominant run by defeating Oborududu, the No. 2 seed and a three-time Olympian, in the final.

“Well, you’ve got to beat the best to know that you’re the best,” Mensah-Stock said. “And that’s what I keep telling myself. It doesn’t matter the draw. You go out there and you beat whoever is in front of you because that’s how you tell somebody that you were the best. I’m the bad draw.”

Simone Biles wins bronze medal in balance beam

Simone Biles had a successful return to Olympic competition Tuesday, winning the bronze medal on the balance beam.

Competing for the first time since withdrawing from the team competition a week earlier with a case of "the twisties," Biles won seventh career Olympic medal, tying her with Shannon Miller for the most by a U.S. gymnast.

Allyson Felix advances to the semifinals in both the 200 and 400 meter

Five-time Olympian Allyson Felix and world champion Noah Lyles cruised to the semifinals of the women's 400-meter and men's 200-meter, respectively.

Felix, competing in her fifth and final Olympic appearance, moved one step closer to becoming the winningest women's track and field athlete of all time, winning her heat in 50.84 seconds.

"The meaning and motivation is different this time," Felix said when asked if her goals have changed. "But I don't want to limit myself. I'm still going to go out and give everything I have."

Joel Caston, Washington D.C. Jail inmate elected to public office

After nearly three decades behind bars, Joel Caston is seeking redemption through politics.

The 44-year-old felon, convicted of murder as a teenager, became the newest elected public servant in Washington, D.C., this summer, winning a groundbreaking election for neighborhood commissioner on the city's southeast side.

Rep. Maxine Waters vows to fight for renters & landlords after eviction moratorium lapses

In a CNN interview Rep Maxine Waters vowed to fight to extend the eviction moratorium and to help renters and small landlords. Watch her interview below.

Let’s go!! @RepMaxineWaters https://t.co/z2rsQSKg3x

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 1, 2021

Senate passes bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to Willie O'Ree, the first Black NHL player

The US Senate passed legislation this week to grant Congress' highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to Willie O'Ree, the first Black player to compete in the National Hockey League.

The bipartisan measure to honor Willie O'Ree unanimously passed the chamber on Tuesday. It now must be approved by the US House of Representatives for O'Ree to be awarded the medal. Known as "the Jackie Robinson of hockey," O'Ree, 85, broke the NHL's color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins, one of six teams at the time.

The legislation would award O'Ree the nation's highest civilian award that Congress can bestow "in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and commitment to hockey, inclusion, and recreational opportunity."

The bill was first introduced in 2019 by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. They reintroduced the legislation in February.

In a statement, Stabenow called O'Ree a "trailblazer for young people across the country," touting his work on the NHL initiative "Hockey Is For Everyone."

"From the hockey arena to serving young athletes in his community, Willie O'Ree's legacy has inspired generations," Scott said. "Willie's career didn't end on the ice; it was punctuated by the generations of athletes he helped navigate the path he paved."

"I look forward to the House acting quickly on this well-deserved recognition of Willie's historic achievements," the senator added.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush Camps Outside Capitol to Protest End of Eviction Moratorium

U.S. Representative Cori Bush camped outside the Capitol overnight to protest the end of the nationwide eviction moratorium put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'll be sleeping outside the Capitol tonight. We've still got work to do," wrote Bush, who was evicted three times and once lived in her car before the start of her political career.

More than six million Americans could face eviction on Sunday should Congress allow the current moratorium to expire. The Missouri Democrat, 45, protested Friday night into Saturday which she documented via Instagram.

In her first post, Bush called out several of her Democratic colleagues for going on vacation Friday as the House of Representatives adjourned for their August recess "rather than staying to vote to keep people in their homes."

Bush promoted H.R. 4791 — known as the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021 — numerous times to her Instagram story throughout her multi-day effort. The House bill proposed by California Democrat Maxine Waters would extend the eviction moratorium until the end of the 2021 calendar year.

As Bush noted, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously extended the moratorium from June 30 to July 31. The Supreme Court later ruled that it was up to Congress to make the decision moving forward.

"The least our Democratic-controlled government can do is extend protections for people at risk of becoming unhoused. Especially, ESPECIALLY when we already have an unhoused crisis in our country. We need action NOW," Bush stated.

Saturday morning, Bush reiterated her point in another Instagram post begging lawmakers — including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi — to return to Washington, D.C., to immediately address the issue.

To our 7 million neighbors who are facing eviction: we're here, and we aren't going anywhere.

We must extend the eviction moratorium by midnight. pic.twitter.com/tgdBpWmjc9

— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) July 31, 2021

[SOURCE: MSN]

Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee arrested while protesting for voter rights

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) was arrested Thursday afternoon at a voting rights demonstration held outside of the Hart Senate Office Building. The congresswoman discussed her protest and arrest on a video posted to Twitter.

I engaged in civil disobedience today in the spirit of John Lewis in front of the Senate Hart Building and was arrested. #GoodTrouble pic.twitter.com/1CTpfiIQeu

— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 29, 2021

WATCH: Rep. Bennie Thompson’s full opening statement in House investigation of Jan. 6

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., addressed the House select committee appointed to investigate the violent Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol during its first hearing July 27. The chairman of the committee said that part of the goal of the investigation was to understand how the “big lie” that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election festered and continued to spread, ultimately resulting in the deadly attack. Members of the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police testified about the violence and fear they experienced that day, and how the attack has continued to affect them.

Watch his entire statement below. Warning: Video and audio played during this clip contains violence and explicit language.

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union to air Aug 3 at 9:00PM ET on HBO and HBO MAX

Directed by Emmy-winner Peter Kunhardt, Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is a three-part documentary series chronicling the personal and political journey of President Barack Obama as the country grapples with its racial history. Weaving together conversations with colleagues, friends, and critics, and interspersed with his own speeches and news interviews, the series begins with Obama’s childhood and takes us through his perspective as the son of a white mother from Kansas and an African father, his spiritual formation informed by a generation of Black leaders, and his hopes for a more inclusive America.

The documentary series forms a cohesive picture of America under its first Black president. Obama’s presidency was unique in America’s history, but what was a historic step forward for the country also exposed the ever-present need to address issues about race, racial justice and the country’s history. Encapsulating both the man and the president, the documentary highlights the vision he had for the nation shaped by his own experiences and identity. Through today’s lens, the series reflects on the Obama administration with new understanding about the personal obstacles he faced and the challenging pursuit for equality in America.

series provides context, insight and critique from a vast number of insiders including: author Jelani Cobb; Representative John Lewis; political consultant David Axelrod; Rev. Alvin Love; author Michael Eric Dyson; journalist Laura Washington; Rev. Jeremiah Wright; journalist Michele Norris; New Yorker editor David Remnick; Rev. Al Sharpton; professor Cornel West; politician Jesse Jackson; author Ta-Nehisi Coates; NAACP’s Sherrilyn Ifill; political advisor Valerie Jarrett; professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.; actor Keegan-Michael Key; former government official Shirley Sherrod; journalist David Maraniss; professor Ken Mack; speechwriter Jon Favreau; advisor Broderick Johnson; and Representative Bobby Rush.

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is directed by Peter Kunhardt; produced by George Kunhardt, Teddy Kunhardt, Matthew O. Henderson; edited and produced by Maya Mumma, ACE; executive producers are Peter Kunhardt; Andi Bernstein and Mona Sutphen; Jelani Cobb and Jacqueline Glover.

The series is rated TV-14 and will air Tuesday August 3 at 9:00PM ET on HBO and HBO MAX. It will be available on demand August 14.

WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW

Trailer

Former President Barack Obama joins NBA Africa as strategic partner

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that former President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner.

President Obama will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion.  In this capacity, President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture, which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.

NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which held its inaugural season in May featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries.  NBA Africa is focused on expanding the NBA’s presence in priority African markets, deepening the league’s engagement with players and fans across the continent, and continuing to grow Africa’s basketball ecosystem through programs like the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa and NBA Academy Africa.  In addition, NBA Africa has launched several social responsibility initiatives aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and improving the livelihoods of African youth and families.

“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” said President Barack Obama.  “By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.  I’ve been impressed by the league’s commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities.  That’s why I’m proud to join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the youth of so many countries.”

“We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports.  NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”

“We have ambitious growth plans for NBA Africa and having President Obama join our efforts is a recognition that through sport, Africa can take its rightful place on the world stage,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams.  “We look forward to working with President Obama and our strategic investors to use basketball as an economic growth engine across the continent and as a platform to improve the health and wellness of one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.”

Strategic investors in NBA Africa include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group, and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Co-CEO Tope Lawani.  Additional investors in NBA Africa include NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill, Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin), Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Joakim Noah (ties to Cameroon).

The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010.  Since then, the league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through social responsibility, grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the launch of the BAL, and more.

The inaugural BAL season was broadcast to fans in 215 countries and territories in 15 languages.  On Sunday, May 30, Zamalek (Egypt) defeated US Monastir (Tunisia) 76-63 to win the first BAL Championship.  Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Ben Crump, Black women's organization sues Johnson & Johnson over marketing of talcum powder

Attorney Benjamin Crump is among the lawyers who announced a lawsuit on behalf of the National Council of Negro Women against Johnson & Johnson.

A complaint obtained by Insider alleges some members of the nonprofit organization developed ovarian cancer after using the company's powder products. The suit accuses Johnson & Johnson of targeting their products to Black women "knowing that Black women were more likely to use the Powder Products and use them regularly. These Powder Products were not safe, however."

"NCNW has thousands of members who have used J&J's Powder Products. Some of those members have already been injured through the development of ovarian cancer caused by J&J's Powder Products," the suit states. "Others have legitimate reasons to believe that they will develop symptoms and are thus suffering psychological harm while also requiring immediate medical monitoring."Watch his remarks here from a press conference in Washington, D.C.

"NCNW has thousands of members who have used J&J's Powder Products. Some of those members have already been injured through the development of ovarian cancer caused by J&J's Powder Products," the suit states. "Others have legitimate reasons to believe that they will develop symptoms and are thus suffering psychological harm while also requiring immediate medical monitoring."

Watch Attorney Crump's remarks on the lawsuit below: