Stacey Abrams Pauses Georgia Campaign Fundraising to Aid Abortion Groups

Stacey Abrams, who is poised to become Georgia’s Democratic nominee for governor, temporarily suspended campaign fundraising to focus on collecting money for abortion-rights groups in the state.

The move follows the leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.

Abrams said she will commit her fundraising to the Feminist Women’s Health Center, SisterSong, ARC Southeast, Planned Parenthood Southeast and NARAL Pro-Choice Georgia. Her plan was reported earlier by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The leaked opinion by Justice Samuel Alito was published Monday night by Politico, which also reported that four other justices were prepared to scrap the Roe precedent. Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the draft on Tuesday.

The news is shaking up Georgia politics, with Abrams promising to make protecting abortion access a central part of her campaign and Republicans -- including Donald Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate David Perdue -- pledging to work to outlaw abortion in the state altogether.

[SOURCE BLOOMBERG NEWS]

NAACP Announces Settlement in Lawsuit Against Tennessee Comptroller

At the beginning of April, the NAACP filed a lawsuit against the state comptroller of Tennessee after he threatened to take over the small, majority-Black town of Mason, TN. Today, NAACP President Derrick Johnson and the NAACP Office of the General Counsel, led by Janette McCarthy Wallace, are announcing a settlement in this case – a major victory for the NAACP.

​"This is a victory for the town of Mason and beyond. The state government attempted to take over a Black town, and they miserably failed. They had no right to take over Mason, so we took them to court and we won. Similar injustices are happening all across the country, and the NAACP knows all too well that if we don't put out small fires across America, they quickly become wildfires. This settlement is a significant victory for all those who believe in justice and fairness," said NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace.

NAACP's Tennessee State Conference President Gloria Sweet-Love added,​"It is mighty strange. When the majority of elected officials are Black and the Ford Motor Company is going to be within 4.5 miles of this little city that could begin to see an increase in revenue, all of a sudden, the state wants to take over Mason. But today, they lost this fight. They had no legal authority. Justice prevailed, the NAACP prevailed."

The settlement was able to accomplish the following:
 
1. Preserve its charter
2. Reduce its monthly payments to its water and sewer fund in half
3. Move its expenditure approval cap up from $100 to $1,000
4. Amend its weekly reporting obligation to a monthly obligation which is more suitable and manageable for the Town of Mason
5. The Corrective Action plan will conclude on August 31, 2022, after the fiscal year 2021 audit is filed and the year 2023 budget is approved.

Haley Taylor Schlitz to become youngest to graduate SMU Law School at 19-Years old

 At the tender age of 16, Haley Taylor Schlitz was accepted into nine different law schools across the country.  She chose SMU’s Dedman School of Law.

Three years later at the age of 19, she is now poised to become SMU’s youngest law school graduate, ever. In her three years at Dedman School of Law, Haley has made a name for herself as an author, public speaker, and respected thought leader on the issues students of color face in navigating gifted and talented programs in public schools.

And Haley knows where she is going: After she graduates from SMU Dedman Law on May 13, she hopes to work on education policy issues for an elected official or non-profit organization. Haley is also interested in increasing the opportunities for gifted and talented girls and students of color.

"I really want to help students realize their potential even if they can't home-school," Taylor Schlitz told the Dallas Morning News. "I want to help families open their eyes to the opportunities that they don't even realize are there."

 

Haley’s non-traditional education really paid off

Disappointed in what 5th-grader Haley was being taught in the public school system, and in her struggles to be acknowledged as a gifted student, her parents decided to homeschool her to better meet her educational needs.

“Many girls and students of color are left out of our nation’s gifted and talented programs,” Taylor Schlitz said. “Society will lose out on the potential scientist who cures a major disease, the entrepreneur who starts the next Amazon and so much more. All because of their gender and/or skin color.”

For Haley, the biggest advantage of home-schooling system was that it gave her more time to pursue the things she wanted to accomplish. She thrived while learning at her own pace, on her own terms, and she graduated from high school when she was only 13. By age 16, she had her undergraduate degree from Texas Woman’s University and was headed to law school.

 

Haley is recognized for her heart and her voice

Haley is active in community and public policy discussions – passions that she frequently shares via Facebook and YouTube. In June 2020, that passion became real when Haley was elected to serve as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. At 17, she was one of the youngest delegates at the DNC that year.

 

Other honors and activities include:

• Haley serves as a mentor in the Young Scholar Program (YSP), a program in which a cohort of young Black women are organized to mentor and develop leadership skills of young Black girls.
• Haley is also a recurring opinion columnist for Blavity and Blavity U. Haley has had her columns also published by TheGrio, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, Ed Post, and others. 
• Haley and her mother Dr. Myiesha Taylor published their book The Homeschool Alternative which details their experience as a homeschooling family and provides resources to Black families on how they can incorporate a “homeschool mindset” into their education journey.

New York Attorney General Letitia James Calls for Full Cancelation of Federal Student Loan Debt

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a multistate coalition of eight attorneys general in urging U.S. President Joe Biden to fully cancel federal student debt owed by every federal student loan borrower in the country. In a letter to President Biden, Attorney General James and the coalition stress that immediate relief is needed for borrowers struggling with the unmanageable burden of student loan debt. The attorneys general acknowledge the administration’s commitment to addressing the issue, however, the coalition urges President Biden to immediately exercise his authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel all federal student loan debt for every borrower.

“While I commend President Biden for giving serious consideration to forgiving $10,000 per borrower, we must take bolder, more decisive action to end this crisis and provide Americans with the tools they need to thrive,” said Attorney General James. “Student debt keeps millions of struggling borrowers from reaching financial stability and leads to a cycle of financial burdens that follow them throughout their lives. I join my colleagues in urging President Biden to lead one of the most impactful racial and economic justice initiatives in history by canceling this debt, in its entirety, for all.”

Currently, student borrowers owe more than $1.7 trillion to the federal government. In their letter, the coalition argues that a full cancelation of student debt is necessary to address the sheer enormity of debts owed, systemically flawed repayment and forgiveness systems, and the disproportionate impact of the debt burden on millions of borrowers. While state attorneys general have taken key actions to ease debt burdens wherever possible, the coalition contends that only permanent action by the Biden administration can provide the widespread relief that is needed by millions of federal student loan borrowers.

The coalition further argues that the cancelation of federal student loan debts will reduce stress and mental fatigue and provide countless opportunities for borrowers, such as saving for retirement and purchasing new homes.

Joining Attorney General James in sending the letter to President Biden are the attorneys general of Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington.

The coalition’s letter is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to support student loan borrowers. In April 2022, Attorney General James secured student debt relief for thousands of New York borrowers whose federal loans were allegedly mismanaged by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. In January 2022, Attorney General James secured a $1.85 billion agreement with one of the nation’s largest student loan servicers, Navient, after it deceived thousands of student loan borrowers into costly, long-term, forbearance plans, causing students to pay more than they should have.

In September 2021, Attorney General James sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the agency to take robust action to fix the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

July 2020, Attorney General James and a multistate coalition sued the Trump Administration’s U.S. Department of Education and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to block their efforts to repeal critical protections for student-borrowers who have been misled or defrauded by predatory for-profit schools.

Additionally, in June 2020, Attorney General James filed a multistate lawsuit to stop the Department of Education and Secretary DeVos from repealing the “Gainful Employment” rule, which provides critical protections to students considering enrolling in for-profit colleges and vocational schools that promise students “gainful employment in a recognized occupation” after graduation.

In January 2019, Attorney General James and the New York state Department of Financial Services obtained a $9 million agreement with a federal student loan servicer, ACS Education Services (currently known as Conduent Education Services), after an investigation revealed that the company had steered borrowers away from income-based repayment plans toward more expensive options.

Additionally, Attorney General James helped negotiate two multistate agreements with loan companies — Student CU Connect CUSO in June 2019 and PEAKS in September 2020 — that preyed on ITT Technical Institute students by deceiving them into taking out private student loans. These agreements resulted in $7.5 million in debt relief to nearly 900 New York ITT students. In April 2021, Attorney General James urged the U.S. Department of Education to cancel federal student loan debt of defrauded ITT Technical Institute students.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown defeats Nina Turner in Ohio Primary

With 67% of the vote Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio again defeated Nina Turner in Ohio's District 11 Primary race.

“I got a lot of work to do,” Brown told supporters at her victory party Tuesday night. “I’ve been doing a lot of work in a short amount of time, but I am ready to continue to work for you. So thank you. We’ve got some unfinished business.”

Brown will face former East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer, the winner of the Republican primary, in the November general election — a race she is favored to win in this heavily Democratic district.

Vote totals with 91% of the vote reported Candidate Vote Percentage Total Votes Pct. Shontel Brown 40,517 67% Nina Turner 20,395 33%

NY Governor Kathy Hochul selects Rep. Antonio Delgado to become lieutenant governor

Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck, ended his campaign for re-election abruptly Tuesday when Gov. Kathy Hochul selected him to be her new lieutenant governor following the recent resignation of Brian Benjamin.

"I am proud to announce I am appointing Congressman Antonio Delgado, an outstanding leader and public servant, as Lieutenant Governor of New York," Hochul said. "I look forward to working with him to usher in a new era of fairness, equity, and prosperity for communities across the State."

Hochul said Delgado has some congressional duties to complete and will be installed as lieutenant governor by month's end. She dubbed him "a rising star."

Joining Hochul at a press conference at the statehouse, Delgado said he is leaving his congressional seat because he believes he can have a greater impact on the state as lieutenant governor than he has had while serving in Congress. He also suggested he will play a key role for Hochul and will not be marginalized. In several past administrations, the lieutenant governor has often been used for low-profile ceremonial functions.

A Harvard Law School graduate and a native of Schenectady, Delgado became the first person of Hispanic or African American descent to win an upstate House seat when he defeated then Rep. John Faso, R-Columbia County,, in what proved to be the blue wave election of 2018.

Delgado told reporters his family background is Cape Verdean and African American. He noted he and his wife met while both were students at Harvard Law School. The couple has twin 8-year-old sons, Maxwell and Coltrane. Delgado noted they are being raised in the Jewish faith. He said he cherishes the diversity of the state's population.

Statement by Vice President Kamala Harris on Supreme Court draft opinion on overturning Roe v. Wade.

Vice President Kamala Harris released the following after a release of a Supreme Court opinion was released on overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

The United States Supreme Court has now confirmed that the draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade is genuine.

Roe ensures a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. It also, at its root, protects the fundamental right to privacy. What is clear is that opponents of Roe want to punish women and take away their rights to make decisions about their own bodies. Republican legislators in states across the country are weaponizing the use of the law against women.

The rights of all Americans are at risk. If the right to privacy is weakened, every person could face a future in which the government can potentially interfere in the personal decisions you make about your life. This is the time to fight for women and for our country with everything we have.

Brittney Griner’s Initials and Jersey Number to Be Placed Along Sideline of All 12 WNBA Courts

The WNBA today announced plans to acknowledge the importance of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner to the league. During the 2022 season, which tips off on Friday, May 6, Griner’s initials and jersey number (42) will be featured along the sideline of all 12 WNBA courts.

“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”

The league also announced today that the Phoenix Mercury have been granted both roster and salary cap relief so that it can carry a replacement player until Griner, who will be paid her full salary, returns home and is ready to get back on the court.

As previously announced by the Mercury, philanthropic initiatives recognizing Griner and modeled after her contributions to the Phoenix community will take place across the WNBA during tip-off weekend into the 2022 season. Every WNBA market will support BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, which is in partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Griner founded the initiative in 2016 to support the homeless population.

“In conjunction with the league, the other 11 teams, and those closest to BG, we will work to keep her top-of-mind as we tip the 2022 season,” said Jim Pitman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Phoenix Mercury. “While we await her return, our main concern remains for her safety and well-being. Our fans will miss her impact on the court and in our community, and this gesture of including her initials on every court and our BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive activation in every market are for them and for her.”

Judge allows Tulsa Race Massacre reparations lawsuit to proceed

An Oklahoma judge ruled Monday that a lawsuit can proceed that seeks reparations for survivors and descendants of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Tulsa County District Court Judge Caroline Wall’s ruling brought new hope for some measure of justice over the racist rampage in which an angry white mob killed hundreds of Black residents and destroyed what had been the nation’s most prosperous Black business district.

Civil rights attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons filed the lawsuit in 2020 under the state’s public nuisance law. The lawsuit seeks unspecified punitive damages and calls for creation of a hospital in north Tulsa, in addition to mental health and education programs and a Tulsa Massacre Victims Compensation Fund.

Solomon-Simmons said a quick decision is critical for living survivors Lessie Benningfield Randle, 107, Viola Fletcher, 107, and Hugh Van Ellis, 101.

“We believe this is the last opportunity for these survivors to have their day in court,” Solomon-Simmons said, citing their ages. “We want to ask (the judge) to move forward and move forward as soon as possible.”

The city and insurance companies never compensated victims for their losses, and the massacre ultimately resulted in racial and economic disparities that still exist today, the lawsuit claims. In the years following the massacre, according to the lawsuit, city and county officials actively thwarted the community’s effort to rebuild and neglected the Greenwood and predominantly Black north Tulsa community in favor of overwhelmingly white parts of Tulsa.

Defendants in the lawsuit include, the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, the Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, Tulsa County Sheriff and the Oklahoma Military Department.

First two Black women in White House press corps honored with lifetime achievement awards

African American reporters, Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne both received posthumous honors Saturday during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Dunnigan was the first African American female reporter to be credentialed at the White House in 1947. She was joined on the beat by Ms. Payne a few years later.

Both women distinguished themselves during the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower, regularly pressing him at his press conferences – when no other reporters would – about his administration’s support for civil rights for Black Americans.

Dunnigan and Payne, both of whom penned articles for the Chicago Defender, were recognized by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which bestowed the Dunnigan-Payne Prize for Lifetime Career Achievement Award to each.

The WHCA announced they would present the award, which recognizes meritorious service throughout an individual’s career as a White House correspondent.

During a black-tie gala at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, Gayle King of “CBS Mornings” presented the award to relatives of Dunnigan and Payne, who died in 1983 and 1991, respectively.

“This association of White House reporters has never given its due to these two pioneering WHCA members who paved the way for so many,” said WHCA President Steven Portnoy.

“We are proud to see to it that Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne will be forever remembered for their service to the profession and to the American public,” Portnoy said.

WATCH: Muhammad Ali’s Grandson 1st Round Knockout that would make his Grandpa proud

At 5-0, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh is starting to turn some heads in the boxing world. On Saturday night in Las Vegas Ali Walsh delivered a highlight-reel knockout that surely would’ve impressed his grandfather.

"This is a testament to all the work that I've put in and stuff like this happens when you put the work in," said Ali Walsh after his finish was officially announced.

"I'm bringing my grandpa back to life, and that's why mom gets so emotional because she's seeing her dad again and hearing her dad's name to me."

Watch Nico Ali's knockout below.

NICO ALI WALSH WITH AN ABSOLUTE STUNNER 😳@NicoAliX74 x #ValdezStevenson pic.twitter.com/UXct3phVmd

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 1, 2022

Newark NJ's Shakur Stevenson defeats Oscar Valdez to win second title

Newark New Jersey native, Shakur Stevenson dominated Oscar Valdez on the way to a unanimous decision victory Saturday to add the World Boxing Council super featherweight title to his own World Boxing Organization belt.

Stevenson improved to 18-0 as he handed Mexico's Valdez his first defeat in 31 professional fights.

Stevenson sent Valdez to the canvas with a left to the head in the sixth round on the way to his first defense of the WBO title he won with a 10th-round technical knockout of Jamel Herring in October.

On the scorecards Stevenson earned one score of 117-110 and two of 118-109 to unify Valdez's WBC world championship with his own WBO world title.

"I'm a superstar in this sport," said Stevenson, 24. "I want to collect all the belts at 130 and become undisputed. I deserve to be a superstar, so that's what I gotta do."

Valdez acknowledged that Stevenson was the better fighter on the night.>

"He was just the better fighter this night," said Valdez, 31. "He did what he had to do to win the fight. He's a great fighter. His speed is there, power is there."

Watch Stevenson's knockdown of Valdez below

Coronation complete🌹@BoostMobile x #ValdezStevenson pic.twitter.com/rUxzgwAzRj

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 1, 2022

Rutgers women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer retires

C. Vivian Stringer, Rutgers’ legendary Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach, announced her retirement on Saturday.

The move will become effective on September 1, 2022, according to a Rutgers press release. As part of the retirement agreement, Stringer will be paid $872,988. Rutgers is honoring her legacy by naming the court at Jersey Mike’s Arena — Rutgers basketball’s home venue — C. Vivian Stringer Court, the school announced, with a formal dedication ceremony planned for the upcoming women’s basketball season.

“I am officially announcing my retirement,” Stringer said in a press release. “.... I love Rutgers University for the incredible opportunity they offered me and the tremendous victories we achieved together.”

Stringer had not been with the team since April 2021, taking a leave of absence through the 2021-22 season shortly after she signed a new five-year, $5.5 million contract. Stringer accumulated at least $235,000 in bonuses on top of her $1 million annual salary during her absence.

Stringer, 74, ends her career with 1,055 wins, four Final Four appearances, and 28 berths in the NCAA Tournament in 50 seasons as a head coach. None of her victories came in the past year.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

A century after his death, the first Black US Army colonel is promoted to general

On Friday, Col. Charles Young, West Point Class of 1889, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Brig. Gen. by Secretary Army Honorable Christine Wormuth. The promotion took part during Inspiration Week and was hosted by the U.S. Military Academy to mark the dedication of its cadets’ and the greater communities’ commitment to service.

Charles Young was born in Mays Lick, Kentucky, to enslaved parents in 1864. He valued education throughout his life and graduated with honors from high school in Ohio, where his parents escaped slavery.

Young taught elementary school and eventually entered the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where he was its third Black graduate.

He went on to become the first Black military attaché to a foreign country and served in various assignments from Haiti and Liberia, to Mexico and Nigeria. When he was medically discharged from active duty, Young was the highest-ranking Black officer in the military, having been promoted to Colonel.

Following his death, Young was given full military honors and burial in Arlington National Cemetery, a reminder to Americans of his legacy as a leader, his perseverance despite obstacles and his heroic example to others.

Black clergy claim Sen. Tim Scott refused to meet on Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation

NORTH CHARLESTON S.C. - Members of the Black clergy in the Lowcountry are voicing concerns that U.S. Sen. Tim Scott refused to meet with them about their concerns over the confirmation process of the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.

The National Action Network and members of clergy held a news conference Friday morning at noon at North Charleston City Hall to address their concerns. In a news release, the group says Scott would not meet with them to discuss the “despicable treatment” of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was eventually confirmed for the nation’s highest court.

“Sen. Scott’s vote against the most qualified judge to be nominated to the Supreme Court in modern times, not my opinion, but consensus, placed him on the wrong side of history,” the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III, the vice president of the National Action Network, said. “As the first Black U.S. senator appointed and elected from the state of South Carolina in modern times, and frankly, the first senator of his race to serve since Reconstruction in the United States Senate, gave him a unique opportunity to do something that our ancestors our work has waited for and look forward to for hundreds of years, he had an opportunity to put principle love of family love of community by party and above nonsense. Sen. Scott had a historic opportunity, and I believe a solemn obligation to vote yes.”

Rivers said he was “troubled and frankly hurt” that Scott “did not defend Jackson’s character against the assassinations and the most outrageous and disgraceful treatment any nominee has faced during his time in the Senate.”

Rivers said the group requested a meeting with Scott, but Scott eventually responded to the request, stating in an email, “I will not be able to meet with y’all,” and that the group could meet with Scott’s staff.

“I wrote back to tell the senator, ‘We didn’t vote for your staff and the staff were not on the ballot,’” Rivers said.

He said Scott never got back to them about an alternative date and time.

“Members of the clergy wanted to share with Sen. Scott their concerns and disgust with the treatment of Judge Brown Jackson and Sen. Scott’s vote against her historic nomination,” the release states. “Sen. Scott has refused to meet with Black clergy to discuss our concerns, so tomorrow, many members of the clergy will make their concerns known publicly to Sen. Scott.”

[SOURCE WMBF]

Spelman College Names Helene Gayle as its 11th President

The Spelman College Board of Trustees unanimously voted today to appoint Helene Gayle, MD its 11th president. Spelman College has a long, proud history of excellence and global leadership in the education of women of African descent and is committed to addressing racial inequities in education ensuring equitable opportunities for students of all economic backgrounds. Dr. Gayle’s presidency will begin on July 1, 2022.

Dr. Gayle currently serves as president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation's oldest and largest community foundations. Under her leadership, the Trust grew its assets from roughly $2.8B to $4.7 billion and adopted a strategic plan aimed at closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap. A public health leader and humanitarian, Dr. Gayle spent nearly a decade as president and CEO of Atlanta-based CARE, one of the largest international humanitarian organizations, with approximately 11,000 staff and poverty fighting programs that reached 82 million people in 2010 in 87 countries. Under Dr. Gayle’s leadership, CARE reinforced its commitment to empowering girls and women to bring lasting change to communities living in poverty.  

“Our success for more than a century and a half has been built by an engaged student body and alumnae, committed faculty and staff, and a history of exemplary presidents, “said Rosalind G. Brewer, Board Chair of Spelman College. “I’m excited about Dr. Gayle’s appointment and confident that her demonstrated ability to address complex issues in communities of color many of which involve the strength of Black females and her success factors, coupled with her commitment to equity, will further build on Spelman’s legacy and propel the College into the future.”

In the months-long search, the Presidential Search Committee sought a leader who embodies the Spelman mission of academic excellence and global leadership, and whose experience and expertise would build on the College’s momentum in key areas, including affordability, entrepreneurship and innovation, and the Arts. In considering the Search Committee’s recommendation, the Board of Trustees considered key priorities for Spelman’s 11th president, some of which included increasing or improving the student experience, such as safety and housing, building on Spelman’s fiscal strength and maintaining the college’s attraction to diverse and talented students, faculty and staff. 

“I am an honored and look forward to being a part of a long, proud legacy committed to the education of women of African descent. This is a moment where HBCUs are once again being recognized for the importance that they bring to every sector of this country,” said Dr. Gayle. “Spelman has a strong history of changing lives for people who will change lives. The idea of giving back to generations of students through cutting-edge academic programs and facilities, increasing college affordability, raising financial aid support and increasing the endowment, and developing new career pathways and opportunities is what invigorates and excites me about this new role.”

As Spelman’s 11th president, Dr. Gayle will assume the presidency at a time when the college is thriving. Spelman was named U.S. News and World Report’s #1 Historically Black College or University for 15 years in a row in 2022, the National Science Foundation’s #1 baccalaureate institution of Black or African American science and engineering doctorate recipients and is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars.

Dr. Gayle is an epidemiologist who also spent 20 years at the Centers for Disease Control, working primarily on HIV/AIDS and at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with a focus on global public health. Dr. Gayle holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Psychology from Barnard College -Columbia University a M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and a M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. Gayle serves on several public and nonprofit boards, including The Coca-Cola Company, Organon & Co  a women’s health care company,  Palo Alto Networks a cybersecurity company, and the Brookings Institution. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.


HONORARY DEGREES:
Emory University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 2019
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Doctor of Science 2019
American University, Doctor of Science, 2018
Xavier University, Doctor of Science, 2016
University of Buffalo, Doctor of Science, 2016
University of Miami, Doctor of Science, 2013
Oberlin College, Doctor of Science, 2011
Colby College, Doctor of Humane Letters, 2010
Columbia University, Doctor of Laws, 2009
Agnes Scott College, Doctor of Science, 2009
Brandeis University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 2008
Morehouse School of Medicine, Doctor of Science, 2008
Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 2008
Duke University, Doctor of Science, 2008
Meharry Medical College, Doctor of Science, 2007
Smith College, Doctorate, 2007
Pennsylvania State University, Doctor of Science, 2004
Jackson State University, Doctor of Humane Letters, 2004

Academic Affiliations:
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 2008 -
Adjunct Professor, Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, 2009 - 2020
Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, 2006 
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 2002 

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to run for re-election

Intending to make it “official” sometime “soon,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday she will seek a second term in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.

Regarding her reelection bid, Lightfoot said, “The issue is when is the announcement, and that will come soon. I mean, I’m giving you every indication of what the future is going to hold. The question is just formally announcing it. And we will do that soon.”

That Lightfoot is running for another term is certainly no surprise.

Asked about a timetable for making an announcement, Lightfoot said, it will be “soon,” adding “for the first time in two years, we have, I have the ability to look on the horizon, not through a COVID cloud. Now I’m concerned about the uptick in cases as we are all across the U.S. But it feels good to be back together. It feels good to make personal connections with folks that aren’t just over phone or Zoom.

“So I’m spending a lot of time going across the city, having conversations meeting with folks and feel like I need to do that and make real reconnections that you can only really get by sitting down with people face to face. So I’m giving myself the time to do that.”

[SOURCE: WBEZ]

Boeing Unveils First T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet that honors the Tuskegee Airmen

Boeing has unveiled the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The jet, one of 351 the U.S. Air Force plans to order, was unveiled prior to official delivery.

The fully digitally designed aircraft was built and tested using advanced manufacturing, agile software development and digital engineering technology significantly reducing the time from design to first flight. The aircraft also features open architecture software, providing growth and flexibility to meet future mission needs.

“We’re excited and honored to deliver this digitally advanced, next-generation trainer to the U.S. Air Force,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This aircraft is a tangible example of how Boeing, its suppliers and partners are leading the digital engineering revolution. T-7A will prepare pilots for future missions for decades to come.”

The T-7A Red Hawk incorporates a red-tailed livery in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. These airmen made up the first African American aviation unit to serve in the U.S. military.

“The Tuskegee Airmen are one of the most celebrated units in our Air Force history, and the T-7A honors the bravery and skill of these trailblazers, said Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “Like the Airmen they were named and painted to pay homage to, the T-7A Red Hawks break down the barriers of flight. These digitally-engineered aircraft will make it possible for a diverse cross section of future fighter and bomber pilots to be trained, and provide an advanced training system and capabilities that will meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s national security environment.”

The aircraft will remain in St. Louis where it will undergo ground and flight tests before being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The T-7A program resides at Boeing’s St. Louis facility with the aft section of the trainer being built by Saab in Linkoping, Sweden. Saab will soon start producing that section at their new production facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Marisa Darden becomes first Black woman U.S. attorney in northern Ohio history

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Marisa Darden as the top federal prosecutor in northern Ohio, making her the first Black woman to be appointed to the role.

Darden, 38, currently serves as a principal in the Cleveland office of the law firm Squire Patton Boggs. She previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Cleveland from 2014 to 2019 handling an assortment of criminal cases. She also worked as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.

Darden will succeed Justin Herdman, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. Herdman stepped down in January 2020. Michelle Baeppler has been acting U.S. attorney since February. Another former U.S. attorney in northern Ohio, Steve Dettelbach, has been nominated by Biden to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Ohio’s two U.S. senators, Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, recommended Darden to Biden, and Brown lauded her confirmation on Wednesday.

“Ms. Darden will be an outstanding U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio,” the statement said “Throughout her legal career, serving the community has been her priority. As the first African American woman in this role, Ms. Darden would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to lead the Northern District with excellence.”

[SOURCE CLEVELAND.COM]

AFTER 20 YEARS MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FULL ACCREDITATION

Morris Brown College (MBC) is proud to announce it has received full accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a Virginia-based accreditation agency. TRACS Board of Trustees voted to grant accreditation to MBC on April 26, 2022, at its annual meeting. This monumental achievement came after nearly 20 years of effort, marking a historical achievement for the 141-year-old college.

TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an institutional accrediting agency for Christian post-secondary institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries. TRACS is also a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), a worldwide association of over 200 organizations active in the theory and practice of quality assurance in higher education. Moreover, the agency is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), with over 1,700 organizations that collectively promote, protect, and advocate for students, faculty, and administrators in higher education.

Morris Brown College earning full accreditation is a significant achievement demonstrating that it holds quality standards and is engaged in continuous improvement. Furthermore, the college has been reinstated to participate in the Federal Financial Aid Program. Financial aid is any type of college funding that does not come from family, personal savings, or earnings. It can include grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and federal or private loan programs. Financial aid can be used to cover educational expenses such as tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, and transportation. Morris Brown has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Georgia at $4,250 a semester.

Having served as chief executive for three years, President Kevin James said, “I am honored to lead this great institution. Many thought that this feat was impossible, but due to our strong faith in God, our hardworking and wonderful faculty and staff, the support of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, our dedicated alumni, and our resilient spirit, we were able to achieve full accreditation. Morris Brown offers a unique, affordable, and quality education that prepares students for success. This was truly The Hard Reset. This is just the beginning!”

Founded by formerly enslaved religious leaders at Big Bethel AME Church in 1881, MBC is the first college in Georgia to be owned and operated by African Americans. The iconic Fountain Hall and the current Morris Brown campus are where Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois wrote “The Souls of Black Folk” in 1903. Notable alumni include Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King, Jr., and James Alan McPherson, the first Black writer to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.