Sen. Cory Booker to receive NNPA Leadership Award

Sen. Booker, who served two terms as Newark mayor before his election to the Senate, will receive the 2021 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) National Leadership Award for excellence and innovative leadership in Black America.

The NNPA, the trade association of more than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies.

"I’m humbled and honored to be honored by the National Newspaper Publishers Association,” Sen. Booker remarked.

“The members of the NNPA provide an invaluable service to their communities, shining a light on issues that affect Black Americans and our families.

“I stand with the NNPA and its membership in their efforts to inform, educate, and advance their mission of promoting a more just, equal society.”

[SOURCE: AMSTERDAM NEWS

Sterling K. Brown wins Creative Arts Emmy

Sterling K. Brown has won an Creative Arts Emmy for "Outstanding Narrator" during the Sunday afternoon Creative Arts Emmys ceremony. He won for his work in Lincoln: Divided We Stand, episode 5 "The Dogs Of War".

Brown has now won three Emmys. He won two others, one for "Best Actor" in a Drama Series for his role as Randall Pearson in "This is US", and another for "Best Supporting Actor" in a miniseries or movie for his role as Christopher Darden in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

Lincoln Divided We Stand is an CNN Original Series produced by Glass Entertainment Group.

Maia Chaka becomes first Black female official in NFL history

Maia Chaka made history on Sunday, as she became the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game.

Officiating in Sunday's New York Jets at Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chaka is the third on-field female official in the NFL, joining Sarah Thomas, the first permanent female game official, and Shannon Eastin, who was the first woman to officiate an NFL game.

Chaka, a health and physical education teacher, spent time as a referee in the NCAA's Pac-12 conference and Conference USA, as well as in the short-lived Alliance of American Football in 2019.

She entered the NFL's Officiating Development Program in 2014, a program designed to offer top officiating prospects in the collegiate ranks "exposure to in-game experiences that NFL officials face, to determine if they have the ability to succeed," according to the NFL.

Democrats near a compromise on a federal voting rights bill

Rep. Terri Sewell discussed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and her belief that Democrats are near a deal on Jonathan Capehart's MSNBC show, The Sunday Show.

Watch that segment below.

Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Rev. Al Sharpton will visit Capitol Hill and Meet With Lawmakers

On Monday, September 13th, 2021 Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Rev. Al Sharpton will visit Capitol Hill to urge congressional leaders to pass federal voting rights legislation and deliver an open letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell requesting a meeting to discuss the necessity of passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Restoration Act, the For The People Act, and the Washington, D.C. Admission Act.

During the visit, the Kings and Rev. Sharpton will meet with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. This visit comes as a follow-up to the August 28th March on For Voting Rights, which brought together 250 partners to hold 101 marches and activations nationwide, uniting tens of thousands of people in the fight against voter suppression. #VotingRightsMarch reached over 100 million people online.

At 2:45p.m., following the meeting with Sen. Schumer, the Kings and Rev. Sharpton will hand-deliver a letter to Senate Minority Leader McConnell before holding a press conference outside of the U.S. Capitol.

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Hampton University

Vice President Kamala Harris stopped in Hampton Friday. She visited Hampton University to discuss the administration’s efforts to invest in strengthening historically Black colleges and universities and to recognize minorities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Democrat Kenyatte Hassell wins election to fill vacancy in Alabama House of Representatives

Democrat Kenyatte Hassell is the newest member of Alabama's House of Representatives.

Hassell won the vacant District 78 seat in an election Tuesday, garnering 1,028 votes — or 80.1% — in unofficial returns posted on the Alabama Secretary of State's website. Hassell's opponent, Republican Loretta Grant, received 254 votes — or 19.8%, the website said.

Turnout for the election was 4.8%.

Hassell fills the seat that became vacant earlier this year when then-Rep. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, won election to the Alabama Senate. He served as a campaign manager and strategist for Hatcher and has consulted with other campaigns. He's also a member of the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee.

In a speech streamed on his Facebook page, Kenyatte Hassell thanked his family and said he hoped “to help people” in his time in the House, The Montgomery Advertiser reported. During the campaign, Hassell spoke of focusing on economic development and improving local schools.

Hassell is a native of Montgomery and has lived in the district, which encompasses north and west Montgomery, his entire life. He will fill the remainder of Hatcher's term before facing voters again in the 2022 election.

[SOURCE: MACON.COM]

Vice President Kamala Harris speech on 9/11 anniversary honoring United Airlines Flight 93 heroes

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech in Shanksville, Pa., honoring the heroes of United Airlines Flight 93 on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Watch her entire speech below:

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Appointed Democratic Congressional Representative to the United Nations

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today announced her appointment to serve as Congressional Representative of the United States to the Seventy-Sixth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. This is the fifth time Congresswoman Lee has been appointed to this position. Congresswoman Lee will continue to represent the 13th Congressional District of California while she assumes the duties of a Representative to the United Nations.

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to represent my colleagues at the United Nations. I’d like to personally thank President Biden for this appointment and Speaker Pelosi for her support. This year’s General Assembly theme, ‘Building resilience through hope’ underscores the importance of Congress’s work with the United Nations to recover from COVID-19, promote sustainability, respond to the climate crisis, and uphold the rights of all people.

“In this role and as Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, I will continue to support diplomacy, foreign assistance, and development programs and will use the UN Sustainable Development goals as a guide to address global poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, and reproductive rights. As we recover from a global pandemic that has once again shown us the painful legacy of systemic racism and discrimination, I will also focus on the specific challenges experienced by people of African descent around the globe.

“I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to engage with the United Nations as we reaffirm our commitment to peace, security, and lifting up marginalized communities.”

Breonna Taylor’s Vanity Fair Portrait Now Hangs In National Museum of African American History and Culture

Breonna Taylor‘s likeness and image have been kept alive and circulating widely on t-shirts and on murals thanks to the striking portrait by famed artist Amy Sherald.

On Friday, Taylor’s famous portrait that graced the cover of the September 2020 issue of Vanity Fair will now hang in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which is part of the Smithsonian, in a new exhibition called “Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience.”

The graceful portrait, which is now co-owned by the NMAAHC in Washington, D.C. and The Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, depicts Taylor in a flowing turquoise gown, beaming with statuesque beauty and an engagement ring on her finger — a nod to the married life that was to come before her life was tragically cut short.

“I am honored and proud of the work the museum has accomplished over the past five years to share African American history and culture with the world,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Taylor’s display is part of the the Black Lives Matter movement installation.

Barack Obama makes campaign ad in support of Newsom ahead of California recall

Former President Obama is appearing in a TV ad backing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) as part of his campaign's final efforts to boost Democratic turnout in next Tuesday's recall election.

Watch that ad below:

Here it is: the ad Obama just cut for the Gavin Newsom anti-recall campaign. Focuses on covid, specifically vaccines mandates, and hits Elder for being close to Trump.

"Protect California by voting NO on the Republican Recall." pic.twitter.com/OsCc2YGIHr

— Jacob Rubashkin (@JacobRubashkin) September 8, 2021

Brian Benjamin Sworn In As Lieutenant Governor Of New York

Brian Benjamin was sworn in Thursday as the new lieutenant governor of New York.

Benjamin, with family at his side, promised to ensure fairness and accountability in government.

Vice President Kamala Harris makes campaign speech for Governor Newsom in recall fight

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in California on Wednesday for Governor Gavin Newsom, who is facing a recall election. "They're thinking if they can get this done in California, they can go around the country and do this," Harris said about Republicans. She also took the time to speak about against the Texas Governor, Greg abbot and the recently passed Texas abortion law. Watch her entire speech below:

American Express and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Launch ByBlack Certification Program for Black-Owned Businesses

American Express (NYSE: AXP) and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) announced the expansion of ByBlack with the first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation. First created as a directory of Black-owned businesses, the no-cost, digital platform will now unlock more ways to reach new customers and secure contracts for Black-owned businesses across the country. ByBlack provides businesses an approved accreditation trusted by customers and enables consumers and other companies to easily find U.S.-based Black-owned businesses. Businesses can begin the ByBlack certification process or create a directory profile here: https://usblackchambers.org/certification. 

Ron Busby, president, USBC says: “The success of Black-owned businesses benefits the communities they anchor and in turn, the country at large. The Black business community generates more than $150 billion in revenue but has even larger potential. Working with American Express, we are continuing to expand ByBlack across the U.S. to help further propel the growth of Black-owned businesses by creating unparalleled access, visibility and opportunities.”

According to the Shop Small Summer Study from American Express, 44% of consumers seek out Black-owned businesses, and 55% say they would be likely to use an official, easy-to-access digital database that certifies a business as being Black-owned.

 Emmy-nominated actor, writer, producer and entrepreneur Issa Rae recently certified her business Sienna Naturals with the hopes of reaching more customers and encouraging other Black business owners to do the same.

Issa Rae says: “We have only scratched the surface of the collective power of Black businesses, so I am excited to join American Express and the USBC to shine a light on the opportunities ByBlack presents. ByBlack is a powerful platform that connects Black business owners with new revenue streams and helps all of us find and shop at standout businesses. Together we can spread the word to support small Black businesses.”

The certification program also benefits large corporations, which can use ByBlack to find diverse suppliers to fulfill their business needs and deliver on pledges to diversity spending with Black-owned businesses.

Jessica Ling, senior vice president, Global B2B Marketing, American Express says: “American Express is committed to increasing our spending with Black-owned suppliers to at least $100 million annually by the end of 2024, and we will use the ByBlack platform to help achieve this goal. We encourage other corporations to join us in leveraging the ByBlack platform to find certified Black-owned businesses and to enhance their supplier diversity programs.”

Other companies now recognizing the ByBlack certification include Uber and Verizon.

The no-cost certification process is quick and simple. To start the process, businesses need to provide proof of identification, that their business is 51% Black-owned, and is controlled by a Black business owner. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the online application which will be processed and certified in about 30 days. Businesses can also register on the ByBlack directory by creating a profile. The directory enables Black-owned businesses to network, partner with others in the community, increase their visibility and expand revenue opportunities.

ByBlack also provides education and resources specifically for Black-owned businesses, including access to USBC and American Express sponsored events, grantmaking and funding programs, local chambers of commerce in their community, networking opportunities and more.

This initiative is part of the USBC and American Express’ broader efforts to support Black-owned businesses.

As the national voice of Black business, the USBC is committed to a set of principles and programs that lay out a vision and committed action for policymakers and business leaders to empower the Black business community, prepare the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and bolster the American economy.

As part of its $1 billion action plan to enhance diverse representation and promote equal opportunities, American Express is committed to providing access to capital and financial education to at least 250,000 Black-owned small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. by the end of 2024. Additional information about American Express’ support for Black-owned businesses can be found in a detailed fact sheet here.

Additional 9/11 Victims Identified Almost 20 Years After Attacks

Dorothy Morgan

Just days before we mark 20 years since 9/11, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner has identified two more victims of the World Trade Center attacks.

One victim has been identified as Dorothy Morgan, of Hempstead.

The second victim’s name is not being released at the request of the family.

“Twenty years ago, we made a promise to the families of World Trade Center victims to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to identify their loved ones, and with these two new identifications, we continue to fulfill that sacred obligation,” Dr. Barbara A. Sampson, Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York, said in a statement. “No matter how much time passes since September 11, 2001, we will never forget, and we pledge to use all the tools at our disposal to make sure all those who were lost can be reunited with their families.”

Morgan and the unnamed man are the first victims to be identified since October 2019.

About 40% of those who died in the World Trade Center attacks remain unidentified.

[SOURCE: CBS NEWS]

Lawsuit Filed Challenging New Texas Law Targeting Voting Rights

Today, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), Reed Smith LLP, and The Arc filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Houston Area Urban League, Houston Justice, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Arc of Texas challenging S.B. 1, a new Texas law targeting voting rights.  S.B. 1 includes a series of suppressive voting-related provisions that will make it much harder for Texas residents to vote and disenfranchise some altogether, particularly Black and Latino voters and voters with disabilities.The lawsuit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, argues that S.B. 1 violates the First, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by intentionally targeting and burdening methods and means of voting used by voters of color.

The Plaintiffs also claim that the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act by imposing voting barriers that will discriminate against voters with disabilities and deny people with disabilities full and equal opportunities to participate in the state’s voting programs.

The lawsuit challenges multiple provisions in SB 1, including:

• Limitations on early voting hours and a ban on 24-hour voting.
• The elimination of drive-thru voting centers.
• The prohibition of mail-in ballot drop-boxes.
• Limitations on the distribution of mail-in ballot applications.
• Limitations and possible penalties for voter assistants, including criminal felonies.

Read the lawsuit challenging S.B. 1.

“Despite Texas legislators’ repeated and disingenuous attempts to cite ‘voter fraud’ as their reasoning for implementing S.B. 1, it is clear as day that this law was created to suppress votes,” said LDF Assistant Counsel Georgina Yeomans. “Rather than expand voting access, elected officials are making it harder for Texans to vote – especially voters of color, who will be disproportionately burdened. S.B. 1 was intentionally designed to have that effect.”

“Democracy should make it easier for eligible voters to vote, not harder,” said Ken Broughton, managing partner of Reed Smith’s Houston office. “Democracy should also increase voter turnout, not inhibit it. This legislation will prevent many qualified voters from voting because these laws are anti-voter.”

“Voter suppression is a disability rights issue. People with disabilities have the fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy, but this right has too often been denied. S.B. 1 disenfranchises voters with disabilities and denies them equal access to voting in violation of federal disability rights laws,” said Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director, Legal Advocacy & General Counsel at The Arc.

“The Houston Area Urban League a long history of supporting the disenfranchised. Any law that makes it harder for them to have their voices heard under the cloak of rampant voter fraud is disingenuous and contrary to our democracy,” said Houston Area Urban League President and CEO Judson Robinson III.

“The law at its core is anti-democratic and clearly designed to suppress the vote,” said Tina Kingshill, Coordinating Director of Houston Justice. “It will further hinder voting rights of low-income, pre-trial defendants of color unable to post bail who comprise over 70% of local and county jail populations. By prohibiting the expenditure of public funds to facilitate third-party distribution of applications to vote by mail, the law burdens non-profit voter outreach organizations with funding the printing costs of the applications. Many organizations will not have the funds for printing, so essentially the right to request and cast a ballot while incarcerated is taken away.”

“Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been fighting for the rights of all U.S. citizens to vote for 108 years.  It is our honor and responsibility to continue the fight against oppressive voting laws started by our Founders,” said Delta Sigma Theta President and CEO Beverly E. Smith. “S.B. 1 directly threatens the right to vote of over 20,000 members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and their family and friends in Texas, and we are committed to fight against S.B. 1 on their behalf.”

“Texas voters with disabilities are proud to participate in the democratic process and deserve equitable access to the polls, not more barriers,” said The Arc of Texas CEO Jennifer Martinez. “Unfortunately, these same Texans are accustomed to fighting for their civil rights and must continue to do so against the latest voter-suppression measures passed by the Texas Legislature.”

Texas is among more than 40 other states that have enacted legislative efforts to substantially restrict voting access.  LDF and The Arc are also involved in litigation challenging Georgia’s restrictive voting law that also discriminates against voters of color and voters with disabilities. Read more here.

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Children’s Book Author Tackles Skin Color and Self Care in "You're Going to Like Me, Grumble! Grumble!"

According to the National Center for Education, nearly 1 out of 4 kids say they are bullied each year. While millions of school kids head back to in-person learning after a year on lockdown, the last thing they should be worried about is being different. In “You’re Going to Like Me, Grumble! Grumble!” school children learn positive ways to deal with social differences. The inventive tale, brainchild of child advocate Tiffani Staten, shows little ones, age 5-8 years old, how to cope with difficult situations. The Hampton grad, with a heart for change, weaves a whimsical story of an unlikely hero who finds the answer to peer pressure by accepting himself. Ernest's journey is symbolic of every child who has a challenge like a disability, gender bias or the sound of a new dialect, language or tongue.

Meet Ernest Floofer, a brown, hairy being, with a kind heart and gentle soul. Ernest is just like any other Quarkian, until his family uproots and moves him to Weetown, the land of bright-colored beings. In “You’re Going to Like Me, Grumble! Grumble!” Ernest sticks out like a sore thumb and his brown color is not at all like a Weebly. The classmates laugh and jeer at him, so he tries every trick in the book to fit in, but soon Ernest learns to feel good in his own skin. He finds that his deep mocha hue is just as beautiful as the emerald greens, bright blues, or precious purples of the Weeblies. He is special on the inside and that is what counts. Staten knows this need for acceptance all too well. The brown skinned beauty was often the only African American in her classroom. It was there that she suffered from the "Imposter Syndrome" - always changing her appearance or personality to fit in with the crowd. Now, Staten stands tall just like Ernest and she teaches others to embrace their "quirkiness".

Tiffani Staten

The book, lovingly illustrated by Zachary Gladwin, shows the complexity of the skin color issue in a way only kids can understand. This gentle account of Ernest’s woes helps young readers move through the steps of self-actualization to build confidence in their appearance, as well as their innate abilities. Ernest is more than his brown, hairy covering. He “likes to draw, build things, and play outside.” It teaches youngsters that being different does not have to be “weird” or negative — it is just different from what you are used to.

“You’re Going to Like Me, Grumble! Grumble!” takes the issue a step further by showing kids how to evaluate genuine beauty. In a pilot study conducted by CNN, they found both Black and white children to hold biases against people of differing races. White children labeled Black children as dumb, and Black kids thought white kids were ugly — all because of their skin tone. This groundbreaking book helps to right this systemic wrong by bringing awareness to the underlying pigment issue that separates Americans

This timely tale of self-care and self-confidence is the perfect addition to any library, and can be found at Target, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON

Howard University Installs Chadwick Boseman's Name on College of Fine Arts Building

Howard University has renamed its College of Fine Arts after late actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last year at age 43 following a four-year battle with colon cancer.

The historically Black university shared a time-lapse video showing the installation of the new letters on the school’s building, which is now the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.

Aisha Francis Is the New President of the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston

Aisha Francis has been appointed as president of Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston. She is the first woman president in the college’s more than 100-year history.

The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology enrolls just over 600 students, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 35 percent of the student body.

Previously, Dr. Francis was the college’s chief executive officer at the institute overseeing the day-to-day operations of the college. Earlier, she served as chief of staff to the institute’s president. Prior to joining BFIT, she served as the managing director of development for Harvard Medical School, raising funds to support medical student scholarships as well as diversity and inclusion programs.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Francis completed her undergraduate education at Fisk University, then earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in English literature from Vanderbilt University.

24-year-old Maxwell Frost is running for Congress

Maxwell Frost, a 24-year-old Orlando activist, is running to fill Rep. Val Demings’ House seat while she runs for Senate instead. If elected, he will be one of the first members of Gen Z to be elected to Congress. Watch him explain why he is running below: