Questlove's 'Summer of Soul' wins the Academy Award for best documentary feature

“Summer of Soul” has won best documentary at the Oscars.

Director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s chronicle of the music of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival took the trophy at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Summer of Soul tells the unjustly forgotten story of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which included performances from Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson and more iconic artists operating in the ’60s, making the case that had this not been a primarily Black festival, it would have been as well remembered and celebrated as Woodstock, which took place in New York that same year.

Watch musician and producer Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson accepts the Best Documentary Feature Oscar for 'Summer of Love' at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday.

Chris Rock declines to file police report on Will Smith

Chris Rock has decided not to file a police report against Will Smith after the King Richard actor hit him in the face onstage at the Oscars on Sunday — at least for now.

Los Angeles Police Department officers on the scene at the well-guarded event at the Dolby Theatre spoke with Rock soon after the ABC telecast ended, sources confirm. If Rock had filed a report with the LAPD and Smith was charged with assault, the newly minted Oscar winner could have faced up to six months behind bars and a fine up to $100,000.

“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” the police said in a statement tonight. “The incident involved one individual slapping another,” they added. “The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

[SOURCE: DEADLINE]

The Queen of Basketball documentary wins an Oscar

"The Queen of Basketball", a documentary by about Lusia "Lucy" Harris Stewart, a pioneer in women's basketball won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject.

The documentary tells the story of Lucy Harris, one of the greatest women’s basketball players. She won 3 national college championships playing for Delta State University. She scored the first basket in women’s Olympic basketball at the ‘76 Olympics. She was also the first and only woman ever officially drafted by the NBA.

The film was directed by Ben Proudfoot and includes Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry among its executive producers.

Tennessee Comptroller scales back financial oversight plans for African American town of Mason

After a state takeover of the finances of the majority Black town of Mason Tennessee, Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower said that the town could be free from state financial oversight as soon as July or August after a "very positive meeting" between state and local officials.

"We were able to put together a positive plan moving forward," Mumpower said shortly after a 70-minute meeting with Mason's Mayor, Vice Mayor and financial staff. "We can release them from financial oversight sooner rather than later."

Mason's Vice Mayor Virginia Rivers said that — while she is hopeful the meeting will lead to restoring autonomy to locally elected leaders — she remains frustrated. Mason officials presented current financial statements that appeared to satisfy Mumpower and his staff on Tuesday, including proof they had complied with a repayment plan for longstanding debt. That information has been available all along, she said.

Mason officials have been making $10,100 monthly payments toward debt for the past two years, Vice-Mayor Virginia Rivers said. Those payments were not accounted for in the Comptroller public statements about Mason's financial status, she said.

"All of this could have been avoided if Mr. Mumpower had come to us and had a meeting with us like we did today," Rivers said. "He just came in with a demand."

The meeting took place after several contentious weeks beginning with the Comptroller's ultimatum to Mason's elected leaders in February:

Either give up their town's charter — subsuming the predominantly Black and Democrat community under the governance of majority white, majority Republican Tipton County — or, Mumpower said, he would take control of the town's finances for an open-ended period of time, controlling any expenditures of $100 or more.

The dispute gained national attention, with public criticism over the Comptroller's efforts to exert control over a financially struggling, majority Black town just as it was poised to reap the benefits from a $5.6 billion Ford Motor Company electric vehicle plant soon to be built less than five miles away. Ford Motor Company officials weighed in, too, saying they had reached out to state and local officials to express concern.The agreement hammered out between Mason and state officials Tuesday appears to put the town on a far different footing than it faced last week.

[SOURCE: PATCH MEMPHIS]

Cory Booker on Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: Outrageous and beyond the pale.”

During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) says Republican behavior during Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination hearings were “very different” than the previous confirmation hearings.

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) says Republican behavior during Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination hearings were “very different” than the previous confirmation hearings. #MTP @CoryBooker: "What we saw though this week was to me, outrageous and beyond the pale.” pic.twitter.com/ohTMYCARGD

— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 27, 2022

Congressman Donald McEachin statement on wanting Fort Lee named after African American general

Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. Naming Commission released a narrowed list of options, including African American Lt. General Arthur Gregg, to rename Fort Lee and eight other U.S. military bases across the nation:

“The U.S. Naming Commission has been tasked with the critical responsibility of renaming military installations honoring individuals who took up arms against the United States to preserve the institution of slavery. Fort Lee in Central Virginia was shortlisted as one of the first nine to be renamed. Since that time, I have advocated for Fort Lee to be rededicated in honor of Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg, a thirty-five year veteran of the U.S. Army and a celebrated military logistician who broke barriers to rise through the ranks from private to three-star general.

“Since the inception of this process, the U.S. Naming Commission has received more than 34,000 recommendations. I am thrilled that Arthur Gregg remains on the shortened list of 87 names, and I reiterate my call to rededicate Fort Lee as Fort Arthur Gregg. He is one of the most highly decorated Black military officers in U.S. history and represents the very best of the American Armed Forces.

“For far too long, the heroism, bravery, and sacrifices of Black servicemembers has been inadequately recognized and revered. We must rectify that injustice and honor the brave African Americans who defended our nation and its ideals. Renaming Fort Lee as Fort Gregg would be an incredible acknowledgment, not only of Lt. General Gregg’s contributions, but of the innumerable sacrifices men and women of color have made for generations in service to our nation.

“I will continue to advocate for Fort Gregg and engage with Admiral Michelle Howard, Chair of the Naming Commission, throughout this process.”

Background: Rep. McEachin has consistently advocated for Fort Lee to be renamed in honor of Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg. Following an independent commission organized by Rep. McEachin which agreed that the military base should be rededicated in honor of Lt. General Gregg, Rep. McEachin and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn sent a letter to Admiral Michelle Howard. Rep. McEachin then led a cohort of state and local leaders in reiterating that call. Finally, Rep. McEachin, once again joined by Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, led a letter with Members of the Congressional Black Caucus supporting the rededication of Fort Lee as Fort Gregg.

The Women’s March calls for impeachment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

The Women's March is calling for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to be impeached after the release of text messages showing his wife, Ginni Thomas, pushed for then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to keep up the efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Black News Channel to Shut Down

Black News Channel has ceased operations two years after its initial launch, network president Princell Hair announced in an internal memo to staffers Friday.

BNC, which launched in February 2020 right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, will no longer deliver live programming as it plans to file for bankruptcy, according to Hair. The network will air previously recorded segments at least through the end of the month, said network officials.

“Unfortunately, due to challenging market conditions and global financial pressures, we have been unable to meet our financial goals, and the timeline afforded to us has run out,” Hair said in the memo. Hair also said the network was forced to endure “painful workforce reductions at all levels of the network” in an effort to achieve the goal of a “break-even” business.

“Please know that I am very thankful for all of your hard work and deep commitment to our mission. We have differentiated ourselves, and your achievements over these last two years should be an immense source of pride that you will carry throughout the rest of your careers," Hair said.

The network, co-founded by J.C. Watts, Jr., positioned itself as the only 24-hour news service targeted to African-American viewers when it launched with more than 50 million viewers in February 2020. BNC’s accessibility had grown to reach more than 250 million touchpoints, with carriage deals with such distributors as DirecTV, Comcast, Spectrum, Dish Network and Verizon Fios, according to the network.

SEN. JOE MANCHIN INTENDS TO SUPPORT SUPREME COURT NOMINEE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his intent to support Supreme Court of the United States Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson.

“Senators have a constitutional obligation to advise and consent on a nominee to fill a Supreme Court vacancy and this is a responsibility I take very seriously. Just as I have with previous Supreme Court nominees, I met with Judge Jackson and evaluated her qualifications to be a Supreme Court Justice. After meeting with her, considering her record, and closely monitoring her testimony and questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, I have determined I intend to vote for her nomination to serve on the Supreme Court.

“Judge Jackson’s record and career are exemplary. Judge Jackson was educated in our public school system and, through her hard work, graduated with academic honors from Harvard University and Harvard Law School. She went on to clerk for three federal judges of varying political ideologies at every level of our federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court. She spent time practicing at private law firms and served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She also served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender – defending those who cannot afford legal representation which is a pillar of our judicial system. She served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia and as a D.C. Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals before being nominated to serve on the Supreme Court.

“Her wide array of experiences in varying sectors of our judicial system have provided Judge Jackson a unique perspective that will serve her well on our nation’s highest court. During our meeting, she was warm and gracious. On top of her impressive resume, she has the temperament to make an exceptional jurist. Notably, Judge Jackson and her family spend a great deal of time in West Virginia and her deep love of our state and commitment to public service were abundantly clear. I am confident Judge Jackson is supremely qualified and has the disposition necessary to serve as our nation’s next Supreme Court Justice.”

Sen. Cory Booker to Judge Jackson: You earned your Supreme Court nomination

On day three of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackon's confirmation hearings for Supreme Court, Sen. Cory Booker said what many of us would love to say to Judge Brown Jackson.

He brought her to tears when he let her now that she is brilliant and earned the right to this nomination

.Watch this uplifting moment below.

Antiracist Baby: The book that Ted Cruz is talking about during Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings

Antiracist Baby is the children's book that Senator Ted Cruz is complaining about and calling an example of Critical Race Theory during the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Maybe he should actually read it.

From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist comes a new full-sized picture book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves, now with added discussion prompts to help readers recognize and reflect on bias in their daily lives.

Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.

With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

BUY THE BOOK

VIDEO: Cory Booker questions Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Day 2 of her confirmation hearings

Watch Senator Cory Booker question Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation hearing to be a Supreme Court justice.

Howard University Establishes the Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities

Historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C., announced that it will establish an endowed chair in honor of distinguished Howard alumna and award-winning winning novelist Toni Morrison. The Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities will be established utilizing $3 million of the $40 million gift that philanthropist Mackenzie Scott donated to Howard University in 2020. 

In a statement, the university said that “the Toni Morrison Chair in Arts and Humanities will be conferred to a distinguished faculty member, who is recognized as a national and international leader in his or her field of scholarship or creative work. The chairholder will have a track record of academic and creative impact that reflects the acclaimed career of Toni Morrison. The university will seek a chair holder whose prestige and ongoing impactful scholarship will help to elevate Howard University’s scholarship and creative work across the arts and humanities.”

“It is with great honor that we establish the Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University. “Toni Morrison left her mark as one of the greatest figures in American literature, and her legacy is one that continues to inspire future generations of writers and thinkers. By establishing an endowed chair in her name, we hope to deepen our students’ exposure to literary and other creative arts and to continue to remember Ms. Morrison’s legacy.”

Toni Morrison was a giant of American literature and the Robert F. Goheen Professor in the Humanities Emeritus at Princeton University in New Jersey. A native of Loraine, Ohio, Professor Morrison was a 1953 graduate of Howard University in Washington D.C., where she majored in English. She earned a master’s degree in American literature at Cornell University.

Professor Morrison joined the faculty at Princeton University in 1989 and taught in the creative writing program until transferring to emeritus status in 2006. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel Beloved. In 1993, Professor Morrison was the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. Professor Morrison died in August 2019.

Gwendolyn Pough to Lead the Rhetoric Society of America

Gwendolyn Pough, dean’s professor of the humanities and professor of women’s and gender studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University in New York, will serve a six-year term as president-elect, president, and past-president, of the Rhetoric Society of America, beginning in July.

The RSA was established in 1968 and is composed of scholars from various disciplines who study the history of rhetoric and explore new areas within the subject of rhetoric where research is especially needed. The goal of the RSA is to encourage experimentation in the teaching of rhetoric, to facilitate professional cooperation among its members, and to organize meetings where members may exchange findings and ideas.

“Being elected to serve the Rhetoric Society of America in this capacity is an honor and a privilege,” said Professor Pough. “I attended my first RSA conference in 1998 while I was still in graduate school and the organization has been a significant part of my career as a rhetorician ever since. As the second Black person and first Black woman elected to lead this organization, I will do my best to lead the RSA into the bold and diverse future we are building.”

Dr. Pough is a scholar of feminist theory, African American rhetoric, women’s studies, and hip-hop culture. Her book, Check It While I Wreck It: Black Womanhood, Hip-Hop Culture, and the Public Sphere (Northeastern University Press, 2004), explores the relationship between Black women, hip-hop, and feminism.

Professor Pough is a graduate of William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. She holds a master’s degree in English from Northeastern University in Boston and a Ph.D. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Daymond John: NCAA Tournament 'Is The Modern-Day Version Of Slavery’

Shark Tank star Daymond John spoke with TMZ Live on Friday and condemned the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) March Madness tournament calling it “modern-day slavery.” Watch his comments below.

Watch: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic opening statement in Supreme Court confirmation hearings

Watch Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s opening statement in her historic Supreme Court confirmation hearings below.

NAACP HOLDING A "CONFIRM KETANJI BROWN JACKSON" WATCH PARTY

A Black woman nominated for the Supreme Court of the United States is history in the making and long overdue. Let's celebrate, support, and prepare for a more inclusive Court.

Since 1789, of the 115 people who have served on the Supreme Court, only three of them have been people of color – and only five have been women. Having a Black woman on the Supreme Court bench is vital.

Join the NAACP as they mark this historic appointment at their watch party for her Senate hearing on Monday, March 21 at 10:45 AM ET. You can watch at NAACP.ORG or at the  NAACP | Facebook Page.

We will be joined by powerful influencers and public figures as well as viewers from all 50 states. Hear from scholars, leaders, and organizers throughout our community as we share the joy and significance of this nomination together. Join us for this watch party moderated by Aisha Mills, Host of AMplified on BNC, and featuring the following commentators:

• Star Jones, Attorney, Author, Host
• Janette Wallace, General Counsel, NAACP
• Rev. Leah Daughtry, Political Strategist
• Donna Brazile, Political Analyst
• Sarah Glover, Managing Editor, MPR News
• Keith Boykin, Political Commentator
• Stephanie Young, Executive Director, When We All Vote
• Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
• Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP

Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight Named Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation

The Board Members of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has selected Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight (D-Hudson County) to serve as chair of the organization. “I am honored that my peers have selected me to chair this very important organization of legislators, corporate leaders and community stakeholders,” said Assemblywoman McKnight who was also named Assembly Deputy Majority Leader this session.

Assemblywoman McKnight is serving her fourth term in the General Assembly and was the first African American woman elected to serve the 31st district of New Jersey. She has been very vocal on issues that affect Black people and disadvantaged populations throughout the state.

The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is committed to addressing issues that affect the quality of life of Black residents as well as the civil and human rights of all people. “As a state legislator I have the opportunity to change and implement laws that make living in New Jersey better; now as the chair of this non-profit arm, I get to go above and beyond that role,” says Assemblywoman McKnight.

The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus provides educational and recreational activities for the community; organizes and promotes collaboration amongst legislators, business leaders and organizational leaders; provides scholarship and internship opportunities for students, and sponsors seminars and forums to educate the community on legislative policy.

About: The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is a non-profit corporation created for the purpose of promoting public policy by encouraging the interaction of the community with legislators and members of government at all levels. Visit: https://njlbcf.org/

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and others celebrate House Passage of the CROWN Act

The House of Representatives has passed H.R.2116, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. The act would prohibit discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the CROWN Act in March 2021. Similar bills have already passed in 15 states and 30 cities.

“Natural Black hair is often deemed ‘unprofessional’ simply because it does not conform to white beauty standards,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people. I’m proud to have played a part to ensure that we end discrimination against people for how their hair grows out of their head.”

“Black women, men, and children face discrimination for wearing their natural hair texture and experience serious obstacles at work and school because of it. On top of that, Black women in particular face pressure at work to style their hair in a way that's considered more acceptable because too often, the consequences for not doing so are real and deeply felt,” said Rep Gwen Moore (WI-04). “I am honored to join my colleagues to protect against hair discrimination and ensure every Black person can style their crown as they please.”

“I want my two girls to grow up in a world where they know they will not be discriminated against because of their hair or the way they look,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05). “I am thrilled to see the passage of this very important legislation. It’s time that natural hair is a point of pride, not something to hide. I am proud to have worked on this bill with Rep. Watson Coleman and my colleagues to end race-based hair discrimination.”

“For decades, Black and Brown people have been penalized for wearing natural hair styles deemed as ‘unprofessional,’” said Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13). “It is unacceptable to be discriminated against for wearing your natural hair in the workplace, in school, or anywhere. Rep. Watson Coleman, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Omar, Rep. Moore, and I have taken direct aim at prohibiting race-based hair discrimination because everyone should be able to show up as their authentic selves and be treated with respect. I'm pleased that the CROWN Act has once again passed the House. It's time for the Senate to finish the job and make it law.”

“For centuries, Black folks’ hair—particularly that of Black women—has been politicized and weaponized to discriminate and reject the dignity and beauty of our people,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “By passing the CROWN Act out of the House today, we’re taking a bold step toward ending race-based hair discrimination and affirming the right for all of us to show up in the world as our full and authentic selves, no matter where we work or go to school. I’m so grateful to Reps. Watson-Coleman, Lee, Omar and Moore for their partnership. I’m honored to co-lead this bill and look forward to seeing this critical bill signed into law.”

“No one should be discriminated against because of their race, gender, or even their hair,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-2). “Unfortunately, there has been an increase of race-based hair prejudice in the workplace, schools, and within federal assistance programs. I’m glad to work with Rep. Watson Coleman to eliminate this bias and start enforcing more equity within our community."

"As a lifelong racial equity champion who created the legislative and social impact strategy for the CROWN Act movement I lead nationwide on behalf of the CROWN Coalition I co-created, I couldn't be prouder today,” said Adjoa B. Asamoah, CROWN Act Legislative and Social Impact Strategist & CROWN Coalition Co-Creator “Effectively tackling anti-Blackness and problematic Eurocentric standards of beauty requires partnership and leadership. I am eternally grateful to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for both"

The CROWN Act is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 116 Representatives. A companion bill is sponsored in the Senate by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Pamela Moses granted new trial on voter fraud conviction

A motion has been granted for a new trial for Pamela Moses, the Memphis woman sentenced to six years in prison earlier this month after being convicted a year ago on charges of illegally registering to vote.

ABC News' Linsey Davis speaks with activist Pamela Moses and her lawyer on her release from prison and how her voter fraud conviction was granted a new trial.