Eddie Bernice Johnson endorses Jasmine Crockett for her House seat

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) endorsed Texas state House Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D) for the House seat she has held for decades.

Crockett announced her candidacy soon after Johnson said she would be retiring.

"A vibrant congressional district like TX-30 needs a representative in Washington with high energy, a passion to fight for us, shrewd intelligence, leadership, and an incessant drive," Johnson said in a statement soon after Crockett announced her run, The Dallas Morning News reported.

"After proudly serving the City of Dallas and Southern sector for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, I firmly believe that Texas State Representative Jasmine Crockett is just the person we need in Congress at this critical time," she added.

Crockett said in a statement, "The Congresswoman was one or the first Black women elected to the Texas House and I am the most recent - this responsibility has not been lost on me."

"I intend to honor their service by continuing their legacy of coalition building, fierce bravery, and relentless tenacity in the halls of Congress," she added.

President Biden nominates Shalanda Young for OMB director

President Joe Biden has nominated Shalanda Young to serve as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, giving her an opportunity to officially take on the role she has been serving in as acting director for the past eight months.

Young received bipartisan support with a 63-37 vote when she was confirmed to the deputy director position in March, and if confirmed as budget director, she would become the first Black woman to hold the post.

"In her eight months as acting director of OMB, she's continued to impress me and congressional leaders as well," Biden said in a pre-recorded video announcing the nomination on Wednesday.

Young previously served as the staff director for Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, where Biden says she "earned the trust, respect and admiration of Democrats and Republicans alike."

Young has over 14 years of combined experience in various roles with the House Appropriations Committee, oversaw $1.4 trillion in annual federal funding and played a key role in shaping coronavirus relief legislation.

The Office of Management and Budget is the largest office within the Executive Office of the President of the United States. OMB's most prominent function is to produce the president's budget, but it also examines agency programs, policies, and procedures to see whether they comply with the president's policies and coordinates inter-agency policy initiatives.

Sen. Raphael Warnock statement on Ahmaud Arbery verdict

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga) released the following statement today after Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan Jr. were found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.

This verdict upholds a sense of accountability, but not true justice.

True justice looks like a Black man not having to worry about being harmed—or killed—while on a jog, while sleeping in his bed, while living what should be a very long life.

Ahmaud should be with us today.

Congressional Black Caucus statement on Ahmaud Arbery verdict

The Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the McMichael and Bryan Trial Verdict:

“This story — although devastating — is not new; we’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Vigilantes acting with racial animus take the lives of Black men and boys, and claim self-defense when confronted with the consequences of their actions. Travis McMichael; his father, Gregory McMichael; and William Bryan are criminals who deserve to be punished for their role(s) in murdering 25-year-old, Mr. Ahmaud Arbery,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “Simply put, none of these criminals had any concrete knowledge Mr. Arbery committed any crime on the day they murdered him. Further, the vitriol and racist tropes invoked by the defense to justify their client(s) illegally detaining, filming, and committing murder were applauding and extremely offensive.”

Beatty continued: Additionally, this heinous crime was captured on video, and the facts are there. Justice has been served. However, there is still much to work to be done. The Congressional Black Caucus will continue to champion criminal justice reform and common-sense gun control measures because vigilante justice has no place in our society. Our thoughts and our prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Mr. Arbery.”

“For more than a year, Americans have demanded justice for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed in cold blood while jogging unarmed. To our relief, the jury has held his killers responsible for their heinous actions,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “In the aftermath of this horrific episode, Congress has a moral obligation to make our nation fairer and safer for all Americans. There must be accountability for hate, there must be criminal justice reform, and there must be common-sense gun reform. To honor Ahmaud Arbery and his family, we must act.”

“Anyone who saw the video of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder knows this is the correct verdict. I have been guilty of looking around a new construction being built. Automatically, a Black man must be stealing from the property rather than just being inquisitive. But even with this verdict, we still need to make the changes to society that would stop such senseless killings of African Americans nationwide. My condolences and prayers continue to go out to Mr. Arbery’s family and friends for their loss. But today, they know that justice was served and his killers will go to prison, ” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.

“Ahmaud Arbery should still be here today. People who murder others must be held accountable. Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan unjustly killed Ahmaud Arbery after they racially profiled him and deserve to be punished. Too many people have attempted to slander and victim-blame a young man whose only crime was jogging while Black. One day I hope that we are a nation where Black people can jog, play, protest, and exist without fear of hatred or violence. I will not stop fighting until that day is a reality. Today’s verdict was a step toward accountability and a justice system that extends equal protection under law to every American,” said Congressman Troy Carter.

NAACP President & CEO Releases Statement on Guilty Verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery Trial

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson released the following statement today after Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan Jr. were found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.

The verdict in the trial over the killing of Ahmaud Arbery is long overdue. Ahmaud Arbery's death was unnecessary and fueled by racist ideologies deeply engrained into the fabric of this nation. Generations of Black people have seen this time and time again, with the murder of Emmett Till, Trayvon Martin, and many others. The actions and events perpetrated by the McMichaels and William Bryan leading up to Ahmaud's death reflect a growing and deepening rift in America that will be its undoing if not addressed on a systemic level. We must fix what is genuinely harming our nation: white supremacy. To address and begin to repair the harm and trauma caused by centuries of racism, violence, and murder, we need stronger federal and state actions to address and eliminate outdated racist policies, like citizens' arrest.

Although we still grieve the senseless murder of Ahmaud, today, we stand in solidarity with the family and Brunswick community and celebrate the guilty verdict that will bring some comfort and sense of justice to Mr. Arbery's family, friends, and community.

Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on Ahmaud Arbery verdict

Vice President Kamala Harris released the following statement today after Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan Jr. were found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.

Today, the jury rendered its verdicts and the three defendants were found guilty of murdering Ahmaud Arbery. Still, we feel the weight of grief. Ahmaud Arbery should be alive, and nothing can take away the pain that his mother Wanda Cooper-Jones, his father Marcus Arbery, and the entire Arbery family and community feel today. I share in that pain.

These verdicts send an important message, but the fact remains that we still have work to do. The defense counsel chose to set a tone that cast the attendance of ministers at the trial as intimidation and dehumanized a young Black man with racist tropes. The jury arrived at its verdicts despite these tactics.

Ahmaud Arbery was a son. He was a brother. He was a friend. His life had meaning. We will not forget him. We honor him best by continuing the fight for justice.

Congressmen want to honor civil rights pioneer with congressional gold medal

In celebration of Veterans Day, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, introduced H.R. 5922, the Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act. This bill honors Sarah Keys Evans, a veteran and pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.

In 1952, before Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, Sarah Keys Evans, a Private First-Class in the Women’s Army Corps, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on an interstate bus from New Jersey to North Carolina. Although not the first civil rights figure to refuse to give up their seat, the Keys Evans’s court case laid the foundation for civil rights advocates in the years to come.

“Before Rosa Parks, there was Sarah Keys. The story of North Carolina’s own is one of courage and conviction, and I am proud to introduce a bill to ensure she will be a hidden figure no more. Sarah Keys Evans’s fortitude and determination to stand up for the rights of Black Americans and fight for what is right is an example to all of us. With this bill, we honor this North Carolina veteran for her tremendous contributions to the civil rights movement and the fight to end segregation,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield.

“Over the course of her life, Sarah Keys Evans has exemplified what it means to be an American hero and stand for what’s right. She not only fought for our country in the Women’s Army Corps, but she also fought for civil rights and the end of segregation during a dark chapter in our nation’s history. This Veterans Day, I am proud to cosponsor a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Sarah Keys Evans to thank her for her service and all that she’s done for the betterment of America. We are a better place today because of the courage, bravery, and sacrifice of Private First-Class Keys and all those who followed in her footsteps,” said Chairman Mark Takano.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress. Only 163 have been awarded since 1776, the first going to President George Washington.

The Hampton University Marching Force to perform in 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Hampton University Marching Force will perform in a spectacle like no other when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® returns this Thanksgiving to usher in the start of the holiday season as performers from across the country take to the streets of New York City. On Thursday, November 25 at 9:00 A.M., the 95th march of the world-famous Parade of Magic will bring the nation together in celebration featuring Macy’s signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, incredible marching bands, jubilant performance groups, whimsical clowns, music stars and the one-and-only Santa Claus.

“For more than nine decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has brought joy to millions who gather with friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration along the streets of New York City and in homes nationwide,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember, featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers. We can’t wait to help New York City and the nation kick-off the holiday season with the return of this cherished tradition.”

Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, as well as musical and marching abilities, to captivate millions of spectators in New York City and across the country. Hampton was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine selected bands to march in the 94th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. Unfortunately, that invitation was deferred to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will mark the first Parade appearance by the Marching Force, which will also represent the state of Virginia.

“Rooted in tradition and with explosive energy, the Hampton University Marching Force delivers outstanding, entertaining shows that time and time again bring the crowd to their feet,” said Wesley Whatley, creative producer Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We look forward to introducing the talented students of Hampton University to our Parade audience for the band’s debut in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!”

“‘The Marching Force is an elite group of talented, young musicians and dancers who are academically accomplished. This opportunity will allow Hampton University to once again shine on the world-wide stage in front of the millions in attendance and others watching from across the globe,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “Under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jones, The Marching Forcecontinues to uphold THE Standard of Excellence as being one of the best marching bands in the nation.”

The Hampton University Marching Force has spent a significant amount of time planning for its Parade appearance. In addition to rehearsing, they have hosted creative fundraising events that not only brought the school and the community closer, but also prepared the students for the march of a lifetime.

For more than ninety years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has given thanks to what Macy’s values most –- its loyal fans. More than 5,000 Macy’s employees and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a spectacular event that entertains the cheerful crowds and provides joy to millions at home watching on Thanksgiving Day. Stretching down a more than two-mile-long route in New York City, the spectacle is alive with gleaming color, music and smiles.

Performing at the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade is the latest accolade for The Marching Force. The band performed in the 2020 Rome New Year’s Day Parade in Rome, Italy. The Marching Force drumline performed in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, prior to the Rose Bowl. In 2018, The Marching Force performed at the 16th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands while over 62,000 fans filled the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Marching Force also performed in President Obama’s Inauguration Parade in 2009.

“In a normal year, preparing a band for the Macy’s Parade is stressful and daunting. To do so in the midst of a global pandemic—the challenge is insurmountable. Despite that, we are prepared to not only meet that challenge head-on, but to also excel and make our Hampton University family proud. It is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff, through the support of our fellow faculty and administrators under Dr. Harvey’s unwavering leadership and commitment to excellence," said Hampton University Director of Bands, Dr. Thomas Jones.

Pepsi Stronger Together – the Brand’s series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming support to communities across the country – is helping to bring Hampton University’s award-winning band to NYC to perform in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Through a $100,000 donation, Pepsi Stronger Together is providing transportation to and from NYC and practice uniforms for the band.

"I'm so excited Pepsi Stronger Together was able to help make this journey happen for the incredibly talented Hampton Marching Force as they head to perform at this iconic stage," said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA). "From our 'She Got Now' internship program to other HBCU-specific donations, and as a Hampton alum myself, I'm so proud to see another piece of PepsiCo's commitment to supporting HBCUs come to life."

Malikah Shabazz: Malcolm X's daughter found dead

Malikah Shabazz, a daughter of Malcolm X, was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home Monday.

Shabazz, 56, was found by her daughter just before 5 p.m. ET.

The death does not appear suspicious at this time.

Oakland chooses African-American group to develop Coliseum

The Oakland City Council just approved a deal to allow one group to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum site.

The council unanimously voted to move forward with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group.

The group now has 12 months to work out a deal to either buy or lease 50% of the city's share of the Coliseum site.

The group says it wants to transform the property into a complex containing housing, and sports facilities for a Black-owned NFL team -- and potentially a WNBA team.

Rep. Lucy McBath to run in neighboring district

Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) is set to run in Georgia's 7th Congressional District after her own district was redrawn, setting up a potential Democratic primary matchup between her and fellow Democratic incumbent Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux.

The change in districts for McBath comes after Georgia Republicans redrew her seat in the 6th Congressional District to lean heavily Republican. The Georgia state legislature approved the new congressional map on Monday.

The 6th District originally included parts of Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb and Forsyth counties in Atlanta's suburbs. However, the new map moves the seat north to more rural Cherokee and Dawson counties.

“I refuse to let (Gov.) Brian Kemp, the (National Rifle Association) and the Republican Party keep me from fighting,” McBath said in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “They are not going to have the last word.”

McBath was first elected in 2018 and has been targeted by Republicans looking to unseat her.

[SOURCE:THE HILL]

Six Black students chosen as 2022 Rhodes Scholars

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2022 was announced. Of the 32 outstanding students chosen six of them are Black. They will commence their studies at Oxford in October 2022.

Congratualtions to all of those chosen and especially to those Black students listed below.

Sydni A. Scott

Sydni A. Scott, Unionville, is a senior at Columbia University majoring in Political Science. She has done significant work on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, including developing training for dozens of universities participating in The Women’s Network. Sydni also founded The Amendment Project, an organization mobilizing high school students around the issue of reparations, and worked to help secure passage of a local reparations resolution in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a Division I track and field athlete at Columbia, competing in the long jump and triple jump. While at Oxford, she plans to pursue an MPhil in Politics (Comparative Government).

Tawreak J. Gamble-Eddington

Tawreak J. Gamble-Eddington, Springfield, Massachusetts, graduated in 2021 from Union College with honors in both History and Political Science. He is currently completing an MPhil in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict at Trinity College Dublin, where he is a Mitchell Scholar. Ty was a campus leader at Union College, serving as President of both the Black Student Union and Union Pride and helping found a My Brother’s Keeper program. He was also named to the steering committee for the Presidential Initiative on Race, Power, and Privilege and awarded the university’s top prizes for service to the college, contributions to campus diversity, and accomplishments in political science. At Oxford, he proposes to complete the MPhil in Politics (Comparative Government).

Samantha C.W. O’Sullivan

Samantha C.W. O’Sullivan, Washington, DC, is a senior at Harvard College, where she majors in Physics and African-American Studies. Sam founded and led a student organization that promotes activism related to the legacy of slavery and has published articles on dress codes and bias against Black girls. She has done advanced research in plasma physics at Princeton and nanoscale systems at Harvard and the University of Maryland, and astrophysics at the Carnegie Institute of Astrophysics. She is fascinated by how different languages, including the language of the African diaspora, Gullah, provide insights into different perceptions of the physical universe. Sam will do the MSt in Philosophy of Physics and the MSc in Applied Linguistics at Oxford.

Elvin N. Irihamye

Elvin N. Irihamye, Sammamish, Washington, is a senior at Indiana University majoring in Neuroscience and where he is a Herman B. Wells Scholar. In Bloomington, he co-founded and is president of a charitable corporation using industry and academic partnerships to strengthen the pipeline of Black, Latinx and Native American talent into the workforce. He is also active in a start-up to assist nursing home residents during the pandemic. Elvin has been a student advisor to the Indiana University president and also to the Vice Provost for undergraduate education. He is a co-author of three scientific publications in peer-reviewed publications, including Nature and Cells relating to cancer chemotherapy treatments. Elvin plans to do the MSc in Translational Health Science and the MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation at Oxford.

MacKenzie E. Isaac

MacKenzie E. Isaac, Indianapolis, received a BA in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame in 2020 and is currently completing a master’s degree in Health Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Kenzie has served in leadership roles both on campus and in her community, including as the University of Notre Dame’s Student Body Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Following graduation from Notre Dame, Kenzie worked for a year as an AmeriCorps Public Ally in her hometown of Indianapolis, focusing on public health issues such as pedestrian safety and chronic disease prevention. She currently works for Health by Design, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization, overseeing the organization and implementation of park remodeling projects in two historically African-American neighborhoods. At Oxford, she will pursue a DPhil in Population Health.

Klarke J. Stricklen

Klarke J. Stricklen, Chattanooga, is a senior at the University of the South, where she majors in American Studies and African American Studies. Klarke’s undergraduate honors thesis concentrates on Black reparations by arguing for the moral responsibility of higher educational institutions with ties to the slave trade and slavery. She is also a research assistant for The Roberson Project on Slavery, Race, and Reconciliation. Klarke also serves as president of the local NAACP chapter in Sewanee. Previously, she interned in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Klarke is a Truman Scholar. At Oxford, she will pursue an MSc in Economic and Social History.

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announces retirement after almost 30 years in Congress

Longtime U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, announced Saturday she is not running for reelection after serving nearly three decades in Congress.

First elected to Congress in 1992, Johnson, 85, is among its most senior members — the longest-serving member from Texas — and serves as dean of the Texas delegation. She chairs the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

A former state legislator, Johnson is known for breaking barriers. She was the first Black woman ever elected to public office in Dallas when she won a state House seat in 1972. She went on to become the first registered nurse to ever serve in Congress.

Speaking Saturday surrounded by family, Johnson emphasized her longtime advocacy for funding for Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the city's public transit agency, calling it "my baby from the first day that I got there." She also highlighted her role in helping flip Dallas County for Democrats in 2006.

“I’m proud of what I’ve done because there is no Texan in the history of this state who has brought more home," Johnson said, reflecting on how she had to work across party lines during long stretches in the minority. "As much as we trash the names of some of the Republicans. they were some of the same ones that helped me be successful."

The decision Johnson announced Saturday is consistent with what she told constituents in 2019 — that her current term would be her last.

VP Kamala Harris statement on Kyle Rittenhouse verdict

Vice President Kamala Harris released the following statement via Twitter after the Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty verdict:

Today’s verdict speaks for itself. I've spent a majority of my career working to make our criminal justice system more equitable. It’s clear, there’s still a lot more work to do.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Launches New “Searchable Museum” Digital Initiative

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) today, Nov. 18, launched its newest digital initiative, the Searchable Museum(link is external). As part of the museum’s fifth anniversary, NMAAHC continues to engage audiences worldwide with online exhibitions, virtual symposia and digital programs. The Searchable Museum reaches beyond the walls of the museum to provide a rich digital experience that includes a multimedia presentation of NMAAHC’s historical narratives, collections and educational resources. Over a year in the making, the Searchable Museum initiative is one of the museum’s largest digital undertakings, bringing the museum’s evocative content and immersive in-person visitor experience into homes around the world. The Searchable Museum is made possible through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The Searchable Museum’s use of emerging technologies and scholarly expertise allows NMAAHC to draw from the transformative narrative structure and tone of its gallery experience while offering virtual visitors the flexibility to explore the exhibition content at their own pace. Whether someone has not been able to visit yet or wants to relive their time in the museum, Searchable Museum provides the opportunity for people to engage with the museum’s exhibitions through a deeper dive into African American history and culture.

The project’s first digital exhibition to be shared on the site is the “Slavery and Freedom” exhibition, a foundational feature from the museum’s David M. Rubenstein History Galleries, entirely reimagined for the digital space.

“By marshalling the latest technology and harnessing the scholarly and educational experience of the museum’s teams, the Searchable Museum tells the complex story of our nation’s history in ways only the National Museum of African American History and Culture can,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the museum. “This ongoing project provides a chance for Americans to realize our shared past, bringing the unique museum experience to their homes and on their phones. Allowing the public to virtually revisit the originating struggle for American freedom in the ‘Slavery and Freedom’ exhibition reminds us of the centrality of the African American journey to the American experience—a story of triumph, resilience and joy over the centuries. With this launch, we look forward to continuing the museum’s digital outreach and efforts.”

The exhibition has been transformed into an online experience combining existing and newly created digital collection assets, digitized exhibition content, multimedia components, such as 3D models, videos and audio podcasts, and state-of-the-art technologies to deliver an innovative, virtual exhibition. The site will also be responsive to user interests, offering opportunities for inquiry into specific topics via links to related online content and educational resources, making it possible to share new artifacts from the museum’s collections for the first time. 

Similar to the in-person exhibition, the virtual exhibition explores the story of slavery and freedom—the core of America’s founding—beginning in the 14th century and concluding with the Civil War and Reconstruction. Through first-person accounts and artifacts, the exhibition examines the economic and political legacies of the making of modern slavery and the concept of freedom, both of which were foundational in the development of the United States. Most importantly, it considers the resistance, resilience and survival of enslaved African Americans as they fought to hold on to their humanity through inhumane conditions and free and enslaved African Americans’ contributions to the making of America. Throughout the exhibition, users will virtually experience recreations of striking moments and objects from the “Slavery and Freedom” exhibition in the David M. Rubenstein History Galleries.

Oklahoma governor grants clemency to Julius Jones

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has granted clemency to Julius Jones, commuting Jones' death sentence just hours before he was scheduled to be executed for a 1999 murder he says he did not commit. Jones' sentence will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to an executive order filed Thursday.

Jones was scheduled to be executed at 4 p.m. CT at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Jones and his attorneys found out about the clemency at 12:45 p.m. CT while having their final visit.

The 11th-hour decision comes after years of protest over Jones' death sentence. He had been convicted of the 1999 murder of Paul Howell during a carjacking. Jones has been on death row for nearly 20 years, but he, his family, attorneys and supporters say he is innocent.

Jessica Watkins to Be First Black Woman on International Space Station Crew

When NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins launches to the International Space Station next year, her debut spaceflight will make history.

Watkins is set to become the first Black woman to join the space station crew, and live and work in space on a long-duration mission on the orbiting outpost. The agency announced Tuesday that Watkins will fly to the space station in April 2022, alongside NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren and Robert Hines and astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti of the European Space Agency.

They are slated to launch aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission, known as Crew-4, is expected to last six months.

Watkins, a geologist who earned an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, will serve as a mission specialist during the Crew-4 flight.

[SOURCE: NBC NEW YORK]

2 Men Convicted Of Murdering Malcolm X To Be Exonerated

Two of the three men convicted of 1965 killing civil rights leader Malcolm X will soon be exonerated, Manhattan's district attorney announced Wednesday.

After a 22-month investigation, District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. found that authorities withheld evidence in the trial of Muhammad A. Aziz, 83, and the late Khalil Islam, who died in 2009, the New York Times reported. Both men spent over two decades in prison for a crime they vowed they did not commit.

Malcolm X, who was born Malcolm Little, was killed while giving a speech at New York's Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. Aziz, Islam, and another man, Thomas Hagan, were convicted for the murder, but Aziz and Islam maintained their innocence.

However, Vance's investigation found that key physical evidence and documents were lost over the years, the murder weapons could no longer be tested, and many witnesses, investigators, and potential suspects have since died, the Times reported. FBI documents implicated other suspects and "pointed away" from Islam and Aziz, the report said.

"This points to the truth that law enforcement over history has often failed to live up to its responsibilities," Vance told the publication. "These men did not get the justice that they deserved."

[SOURCE: CBS NEWS]

Tanihja Harris Is missing

OPELIKA, ALABAMA-Police need your help in the search for a missing woman.

18-year-old Tanihja Harris was last seen on November 12 entering a dark colored Ford Focus that was traveling in the direction of Birmingham Highway.

Harris is described as a black female, approximately 5’1″ and weighs 114 lbs. She was last seen wearing a gray beanie, black hoodie, gray sweatpants, and black and white shoes.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Tanihja Harris, you are asked to contact the Opelika Police Department at 334-705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Authorities say tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App.

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams Announces Run For NY Governor

Jumaane Williams, the elected New York City Public Advocate, formally announced his run for governor in next year’s election Tuesday, teeing up a crowded Democratic primary that will split votes between at least three candidates.

Williams has prepped for a potential run for governor for months now, creating an exploratory committee, and going on a statewide listening tour to hear from voters.

He announced his candidacy Tuesday through a campaign video, saying he’d be a change agent in Albany if elected. He’ll compete in a primary against Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and any other Democrat who decides to seek the governorship.

WATCH JUMAANE WILLIAMS ANNOUNCEMENT