Congressional Black Caucus statement on the killing of Jayland Walker

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty released the following statement on the police shooting of Jayland Walker:

"On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jayland Walker. From every account, he was a family man loved by many. He should still be alive today.

The body camera footage is gut-wrenching and leaves us with far more questions than answers. The conduct of the officers and all involved must be investigated without delay.

The Akron Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office must conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and provide regular updates to the community.

Jayland’s family, the Akron community, and all of us deserve to know what happened and what the department will change to ensure routine traffic stops do not lead to more unnecessary deaths.

Far too many Black people in America are killed at the hands of police during alleged traffic violations, and we cannot remain silent. This is not an acceptable outcome, and we can no longer afford to be merely outraged and heartbroken.

While we have seen action on police reform in recent months, it is clear there is more work to do." - Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty.

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Names 2022 HBCU Scholars

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars, recognizing 86 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more.

Currently enrolled at 56 of our nations HBCU's, the scholars were selected from a competitive pool of over 350 students. Applications also required the signature of their HBCU president or designated HBCU faculty, adding a level of prestige to this application process.

"The HBCU Scholars announced today have dedicated themselves to their learning and exemplify the talent that our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have nurtured for generations," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "The Biden-Harris administration is committed to supporting these leaders and I cannot wait to learn from them while they serve as ambassadors for the White House Initiative and their institutions."

Over the course of an academic school year, HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. They will be offered training and cross-university networking opportunities. Scholars will also have an opportunity to work on issues specifically related to the HBCU community and participate in national and regional events with professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

A key feature of the HBCU Scholar Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. This partnership with NASA makes the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), “Mini MITTIC” part of the HBCU Scholar Program. Through the Mini MITTIC program students will partner in developing ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property. Scholars will have the opportunity to present their IP ideas during the National HBCU Week Conference in September.

“The goal with Mini MITTIC is to provide the HBCU Scholars with an authentic experience while ensuring they leave with the foundational tools to utilize NASA intellectual property to create their own business concept and participate in the full MITTIC competition,” said Misti Moore, NASA’s Johnson Space Center MUREP Lead & MITTIC Activity Manager.

HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2022 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, on September 20-23 in Washington, D.C. During the conference, they will participate in sessions designed to engage a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal and professional development. Most importantly, scholars will have opportunities to engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talent.

2022 HBCU SCHOLAR COHORT

ALABAMA

Huntsville-Asia Jefferson attends Drake State Community and Technical College, Huntsville, AL
Montgomery- Aylon Gipson attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Montgomery- Da’Jon Stoudemire attends Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa- Chase Cameron attends Lane College, Jackson, TN

ARKANSAS

Conway- Marla McGhee attends North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Little Rock- Jason Muka attends Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR

BAHAMAS

Nassau- Jameliah Pinder attends Shaw University, Raleigh, NC

CALIFORNIA

Bellflower- Nahiem Banks attends Howard University, Washington, DC
San Bernardino- Jordan Holt attends Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

DELAWARE

Dover- Jessica Simmons attends Hampton University, Hampton, VA

FLORIDA

Miami- Myra Saunders attends Florida Memorial University, Miami, FL
Orlando- Makira Burns attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Pompano Beach- Ayana Emmanuel attends Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
Tallahassee- Khya Nelson attends Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL

GEORGIA

Athens- Malaya Moon attends Howard University, Washington, DC
Atlanta- Nina Giddens attends Xavier University, New Orleans, LA
Austell- Jennifer Vasquez attends Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
Byron- Miykael Stith attends Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
Glenwood- Andrea Holloway attends Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
Loganville- Pariyah E. Evans attends Albany State University, Albany, GA
Macon- Almario Duehart attends Savannah State University, Savannah, GA
Moreland- Sarita Smith attends Savannah State University, Savannah, GA
Stockbridge- Jayden Williams attends Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA

INDIANA

Lowell- Cedric Caschetta attends West Virginia State University, Institute, WV
South Bend- Bashar Saleh attends Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA

ILLINOIS

Chicago- Brice Dean attends Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO
Chicago- Diamond Williams attends Xavier University, New Orleans, LA
Chicago- Sullivan Anderson attends North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
Chicago Heights- Shanelle Staten attends Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Chicago- Steven McCollough attends Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL
Homewood- Lauren Proby attends Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Plainfield- Britnee McCauley attends Bowie State University, Bowie, MD

JAMAICA

Kingston- Daniel Jathan attends LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN

LOUISIANA

Baton Rouge- Kelsei Scott attends Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Baton Rouge- Kennedy Paul attends Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
Monroe- Brandon Horne attends Southern A&M University, Baton Rouge, LA

MARYLAND

Baltimore- D’Aria Couther attends Bennett College, Greensboro, NC Baltimore- Oladayo Akinpelu attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore- Stephanie Leggette attends Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD
Brandywine- Jamie Reed attends Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD
Brandywine- Nyah Christen attends University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Clinton- Sydney Carr attends University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Hyattsville- Chaylah Francis attends Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
Odenton- Drake Smith attends Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, PA
Temple Hills - Nina Rutherford attends Benedict College, Columbia, SC

MICHIGAN

Belleville- Jiyahna Price attends Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona, FL
Detroit- McKinley Lowery attends Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

MISSISSIPPI

Clarksdale- Christopher Murphy attends Coahoma Community College, Clarksdale, MS
Cleveland- Kendrick Walker attends Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
Collins- Ronnie Davis attends Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS
Columbus- Zachary Wilson attends Rust College, Holly Springs, MS
Horn Lake- Cristina Calhoun attends Rust College, Holly Springs, MS
Jackson- Brikala Roach attends Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Jackson- Lauren Kelli Gatlin attends Hinds Community College Utica, MS
Waynesboro- Elizabeth Moss attends Hinds Community College, Utica, MS

MISSOURI

Lake Ozark- Johnny Myers attends Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO

NEVADA

Las Vegas- Kailyn Haye attends Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte- Paige Davis attends Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
Durham- Phineas Nyang’oro attends North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Greensboro- Tiera Henderson attends North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University, Greensboro, NC
Wilmington- Antonio Ashley attends Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
Winston-Salem - Trajan Baker attends Hampton University, Hampton, VA

NEW JERSEY

Cherry Hill- Pujan Patel attends Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, PA

NEW YORK

Staten Island- Maryam Mumuni attends Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

NIGERIA

Abia- Godwin Eke attends Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Lagos- Oluwapelumi Shodubi attends Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City- Nakya Carter attends Shaw University, Raleigh, NC

PENNSYLVANIA

Drexel Hill - Bralyn Page attends Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Harrisburg- Jordan Spencer attends Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Philadelphia- Horace Ryans III attends Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston- Kierra Wellington attends Allen University, Columbia, SC
Newberry- Subrina Davis attends Clinton College, Rock Hill, SC
Sherrills Ford- Gavin Gabriel attends Clinton College, Rock Hill, SC

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga- Lauren Tolbert attends Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
Memphis- Jaylynn Lanier attends LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN
Nashville- M. Javari Henderson attends Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX

TEXAS

Dallas- Donnesha Williams attends Langston University, Langston, OK
Dallas- Kalaya Sibley attends Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Galveston- Kemryn Lawrence attends Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
Houston- Nicholas McDermott attends Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, TX
Houston- Taylor Ann Mitchell attends Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
San Antonio- Brittney Carson attends St. Phillip’s College, San Antonio, TX

VIRGINIA

Hampton- Shelita Hall attends Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
Richmond- Michael Kevin Crossley Sr. attends Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA

WEST AFRICA

Ghana- Obadiah Amponsah attends Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO

WISCONSIN

Milwaukee - Anyiah Chambers attends Kentucky State University, Frankfurt, KY

Mike Grier become the first Black general manager in NHL history

Mike Grier became the first Black general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old replaces Doug Wilson, who stepped down April 7 after 19 seasons to focus on his health. Assistant GM Joe Will held the position while San Jose conducted its search.

Grier played for the Sharks from 2006-09.

"Really excited to work and to be back in the Bay Area," he said. "I know there's been lots of ups and downs but I'm ready to work hard and get at it and get this thing back on the tracks. We're going to start winning some games in the "Shark Tank" and get it going again. See you soon."

Grier worked last season as hockey operations adviser for the New York Rangers, assisting them with hockey-related decisions and off-ice player and prospect development. He also helped with on-ice player development with Hartford, their American Hockey League affiliate.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Mike for nearly three decades and I have always had the utmost respect for him as a person, player and executive," Rangers president and GM Chris Drury said. "I am proud to call him a friend and I look forward to see what he'll do with the Sharks. We will miss him in New York, but we wish him and his family all the best with this new opportunity."

Prior to joining the Rangers, Grier was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils for two seasons (2018-20) and a professional scout for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2014-18.

A former forward, Grier played 14 NHL seasons after being selected by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round (No. 219) of the 1993 NHL Draft. He had 383 points (162 goals, 221 assists) in 1,060 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and Sharks, and 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 101 playoff games.

"While we were intrigued and appreciative of many candidates, especially those that ended up being the finalists, Mike separated himself from the pack by his continued commitment to culture," Sharks president Jonathan Becher said. "Culture, not just on the ice, but off the ice as well. Mike is a true testament to one of our organization's principles, and that is say what you mean, and then do what you say."

Grier's older brother Chris is GM of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.

"I am incredibly proud of Mike," Chris Grier said. "The San Jose Sharks organization is getting a man of high character and integrity. He has always been respected on and off the ice by his peers.

"Mike will bring his work ethic and passion every day to the job. Mike understands the game, with intelligence, experience and knowledge to succeed as a GM. Our parents deserve all the credit for how they raised us. We were very fortunate to be able to observe and learn from our father, Bobby, while growing up. Congratulations to Mike and the San Jose Sharks on a great hire!"

Louisiana Army base named after confederate general could be renamed after African American soldier

During the Jim Crow era, nine Southern Army bases were named for treasonous Confederate generals who fought to preserve slavery and white supremacy. Now a commission established by Congress has suggested new names for the bases that “embody the best of the United States Army and America.”

Fort Polk in Louisiana would be renamed Fort Johnson after Harlem hellfighter, Sgt. Henry Johnson if the recommendations are approved by Congress.

Pvt. Henry Johnson deployed to Europe during World War I in a storied Black regiment known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The U.S. armed forces were segregated, and the Hellfighters were not allowed to fight on the front lines with other U.S. troops. Instead, the Black soldiers fought under the command of their French allies.

That put Johnson and his unit at the front lines, “against all odds — Black Americans wearing French uniforms,” in the predawn hours of May 15, 1918, as German troops swarmed his sentry post at the edge of the Argonne Forest, according to a biography provided by the naming commission.

Johnson threw grenades until he had no more left to throw. Then he fired his rifle until it jammed. Then he clubbed enemy soldiers with the butt of his rifle until it split apart. Then he hacked away at the enemy with his bolo knife.

After the Germans retreated, daylight revealed that Johnson had killed four enemy soldiers and wounded an estimated 10 to 20. He suffered 21 wounds in combat.

For their actions, Johnson and his sentrymate on duty that night were the first Americans to be awarded the Croix du Guerre, one of France’s highest military honors. Almost a century later, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor.

Akron Police release video of shooting of Jayland Walker

Ohio police officials released officer body-camera footage of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man killed in a hail of bullets fired by eight officers while he was unarmed and running away. Walker was hit at least 60 times by gunfire.

Watch the video below:

WARNING: This video includes images and video that viewers may find graphic and/or disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

CNN Interview with Cherelle Griner, the wife of American WNBA star Brittney Griner

CNN's Abby Phillip sat down with Cherelle Griner, the wife of American WNBA star Brittney Griner for an interview in which she said that she wants US officials to do whatever they have to do to bring the basketball legend home -- and she needs to see them do more

Watch the full interview below:

Simone Biles to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is among 17 civilians who will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the White House announced Friday.

At the age of 25, Biles will become the youngest athlete ever to receive the honor.

Recognized as the nation’s highest civilian honor, the award is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history, has won a combined 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. In recent years, she’s become a prominent advocate for athletes’ mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault.

The awards will be presented at the White House on July 7.

Complete list of recipients:

Simone Biles

Sister Simone Campbell

Dr. Julieta García

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords

Fred Gray

Steve Jobs

Father Alexander Karloutsos

Khizr Khanis

Sandra Lindsayis

John McCain

Diane Nash

Megan Rapinoe

Alan Simpson

Richard Trumka

Wilma Vaught

Denzel Washington

Raúl Yzaguirre

Joe Madison "The Black Eagle" Signs New Multi-Year Deal with SiriusXM

SiriusXM announced today that veteran broadcaster Joe Madison has signed a new multi-year deal to continue hosting Joe Madison The Black Eagle exclusively on SiriusXM. The program airs weekdays from 6:00-10:00 a.m. ET on Urban View channel 126 and is also available on the SXM App.

In addition to being a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame, Madison is a civil rights activist, former national political director of the NAACP, and author. He regularly uses his SiriusXM program to raise the voices of oppressed people and to challenge himself and his listeners to do something about injustices in the world.

Under the new agreement, Madison will continue to discuss the news of the day from his Washington, D.C., studio. His program is a must-stop destination for top politicians, newsmakers and experts who help further the national debate on topics including race relations, politics, culture, and much more. Some of his recent guests include Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Cory Booker, and House Majority Whip James Clyburn.

“Joe’s legacy of work speaks for itself,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Joe is a leader and a motivator who inspires his audience to raise their voices and get involved. I’m thrilled that Urban View listeners will continue to start their day with Joe for many more years.”

Within the last year alone, Madison has launched two civil rights campaigns that made national headlines. In late 2021 he began a 74-day hunger strike to raise awareness about passing new voting rights legislation. Earlier this year, after a 4-year campaign on his SiriusXM show, Madison was credited by several politicians for his tireless work that helped result in the nation’s first federal anti-lynching law. At the congressional bill signing, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi specifically thanked Madison for his championing of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, and he was also a guest of the White House when President Biden signed the bill into law.

Krystle Matthews wins Democratic U.S. Senate Primary, will challenge Sen. Tim Scott in November

South Carolina State Rep. Krystle Matthews on Tuesday won the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Matthews, the second-place finisher in a June 14 primary, defeated author and preservationist Catherine Fleming Bruce in the runoff.

“People of South Carolina want somebody authentic and real,” Matthews told AP. “They are tired of people posing to be caring, posing to be intelligent, posing to be kind, and then finding out later on down the road that these people don’t even show up for them.”

Matthews also will run in November for a third state House term if she loses the U.S. Senate race.

Watch the swearing in ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

The Supreme Court held a swearing in ceremony for Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the constitutional oath and outgoing Justice Stephen Breyer did the judicial oath. Watch her swearing in below.

African American Veterans Monument Receives $50,000 Donation

The soon-to-be-constructed African American Veterans Monument, located at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, has received a $50,000 donation from the Carl & Carol Montante Charitable Fund. The donation will be used for the long-term maintenance of the monument and surrounding property and continues the Montante Family’s long-standing philanthropic commitment to the communities of Western New York.

“It has been an exciting year for the African American Veterans Monument,” highlighted Warren K. Galloway, chairman of the Monument Committee. “Earlier this year, we successfully reached our funding needs for construction. This donation from the Montante Family ensures the long-term sustainability of the monument as a symbol of unity in our city.”

The monument will bring awareness and honors the contributions made by African American Veterans. African American’s have served in all five branches and have fought in all 12 of the United States’ military conflicts since the country’s first war. The monument will honor those who have served and are currently serving in all five branches of the military both in war and peace times, whether they enlisted voluntarily or were drafted. The monument will consist of twelve black 10-foot concrete pillars, representing each of America’s armed conflicts, and will be the first of its kind in the nation.

“This monument is important for the City of Buffalo in so many ways,” noted Madeline O. Scott, who sits on the board for the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier. “For years the US military was segregated. As someone who personally had several family members from New York, Michigan and Ohio who fought in American wars, this monument brings not only awareness to the contributions of African Americans but highlights that all American’s provided the same service and sacrifice for our country. The monument is intended to be a unifier.”

“We are proud to support this noble monument that honors the service of African American Veterans and will be a source of civic pride that will be appreciated on the Buffalo waterfront for generations to come,” noted Michael J. Montante, CEO of Uniland. “It will be an honorable addition to Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, a place of reverence and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Services and a renowned cultural treasure as the largest inland naval park in America.”

Work on the monument is underway and the completed project is scheduled to be unveiled September 24, 2022. Additional information on the monument can be found at www.aavmwny.org or by calling 716-800-1137.

The Montante Family are the founders of Uniland Development Company, Buffalo’s largest and most reputable commercial real estate developer. Founded in 1974, Uniland owns and manages over 300 buildings serving more than 400 clients across Western New York. The Carl & Carol Montante Charitable Fund is a family philanthropic initiative with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Raphael Warnock leading Herschel Walker by 10 points in Georgia Senate Race polling

A new public opinion poll indicates that Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock is leading Republican challenger and football legend Herschel Walker by double digits in battleground Georgia’s crucial Senate showdown.

The survey by Quinnipiac University released on Wednesday also suggests that the 2022 gubernatorial rematch between conservative Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democratic challenger and voting rights champion Stacey Abrams is a dead heat.

Warnock leads Walker 54%-44% among Peach State registered voters, according to the poll which was conducted June 23-27. That’s a dramatic swing from Quinnipiac’s last poll in the Georgia Senate race, which indicated the contest was basically tied in January.

The survey indicates that Warnock’s overall 10-point lead is fueled by a 62%-33% advantage over Walker among independent voters, and a double-digit lead among females compared to Walker’s single-digit margin among males. Warnock leads 88%-10% among Black voters, while Walker wins the support of White voters 62%-35%.

Warnock enjoys a 49%-37% favorable/unfavorable rating, while Walker’s underwater at 37%-42%.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Jackson sworn in as Supreme Court Justice!

UPDATED JUNE 30, 2022 with swearing in video!

Ketanji Brown Jackson will be sworn as the Supreme Court's 116th justice Thursday, just as the man she is replacing, Justice Stephen Breyer, retires.

The judicial pas de deux is set to take place at noon, the moment Breyer said in a letter to President Joe Biden on Wednesday that his retirement will take effect after nearly 28 years on the nation's highest court.

In a ceremony the court said it will stream live on its website, Jackson will recite two oaths required of Supreme Court justices, one administered by Breyer and the other by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall, apart from emergency appeals that occasionally arise. That will give her time to settle in and familiarize herself with the roughly two dozen cases the court already has agreed to hear starting in October as well as hundreds of appeals that will pile up over the summer.

Freedom riders sentences posthumously vacated

Civil-rights leader Bayard Rustin and three other men who were sentenced to work on a chain gang in North Carolina after they launched the first of the freedom rides to challenge Jim Crow laws had their sentences posthumously vacated Friday, more than seven decades later.

During a special session Friday leading up to the weekend celebration of Juneteenth, North Carolina Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour dismissed charges against civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, Andrew Johnson, James Felmet and Igal Roodenko.

Judge Baddour, along with his decision, issued an emotional apology.

“Today’s session is an opportunity for us to make an amends publicly… We failed these men in Orange County, in Chapel Hill,” said Baddour. “We failed their cause and we failed to deliver justice in our community. And for that, I apologize.”

“While this judicial action is taking place 75 years after the injustice occurred, never should we falter in examining past wrongs, seeking reparation, and lifting those heavy burdens from our hearts and minds so that future generations may know justice,” said Renee Price, chairman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Whoopi Goldberg Delivers Warning to Clarence Thomas: “Better Hope They Don’t Come for You”

Supreme Court Justice Justice Clarence Thomas helped overturn Roe v. Wade and now seems poised to reconsider other previously protected rights like contraception, same sex marriage and same sex relationships. The View host Whoopi Goldberg sent a stark warning for Thomas.

She warned , “Well, he better hope that they don’t come for you, Clarence, and say you should not be married to your wife — who happens to be white, because they will move that, and you better hope that nobody says ‘you know you’re not in the constitution you’re back to being a quarter of a person.'”

Chicago mayor, Lori Lightfoot says F*** Clarence Thomas at Pride parade

During Chicago's Pride parade, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said what many in the United States would like to say to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (BKA Uncle Clarence) right now. Watch her NSFW comments below:

LORI LIGHTFOOT: "F*ck Clarence Thomas"pic.twitter.com/Pq5yTMxaIZ

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 27, 2022

Stacey Abrams: Senate should lift filibuster to codify Roe vs Wade

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams tells CNN's Jake Tapper that the Senate should sidestep the filibuster to pass abortion and voting rights.

On #CNNSOTU, Georgia gubernatorial candidate @staceyabrams tells @jaketapper that the Senate should sidestep the filibuster to pass abortion rights. https://t.co/54qmO057p5

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) June 26, 2022

African Americans in Gaming sign partnership deal with SBC

SBC and African Americans in Gaming have agreed to a deal that sees the organization become a strategic partner of the leading sports betting and igaming event in North America. The partnership comes ahead of the SBC Summit North America 2022, taking place at Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey, July 12-14.

The African Americans in Gaming act as a professional support organization for African Americans throughout the gaming industry and welcomes operators, suppliers, legislators, board members, and other industry professionals. 

The organization’s focus lies on advancing the ownership, employment, governance, and regulatory impact of African American interests. Alex Dixon, CEO & President of Q Casino and Co-chair of the organization, has also made it his mission to coach and mentor future executives to ensure more diversity in the industry.

The new strategic partner will throw the ‘African Americans in Gaming’ networking event during the leading sports betting and igaming tradeshow next month. Better Collective, a digital sports media group and a prominent affiliate in U.S. and European markets, will sponsor and host the event at Booth 223 on Thursday, July 14, at 2:00 PM.

The partnership with the African Americans in Gaming will help SBC drive awareness of its busy schedule of industry events. From its side, SBC will give the organization a platform to share insights on making the sports betting and online casino industry more diverse. 

Alex Dixon, Co-Chair of African Americans in Gaming, said: “My goal at SBC Summit North America is to have some friendly discussions with industry stakeholders on the value of the African American consumer, who is currently massively overlooked by the industry. I believe the industry needs to start working on acquiring data that will help them realize the true potential of this customer segment and optimize their strategies accordingly to maximize their revenues. The problem is – nobody has this data. This is something that needs to change. I am confident SBC will help us share our message.”

Cristian Robalino, VP of Marketing, Americas, at SBC, said: “It is essential for SBC to ensure that our events encourage discussions on inclusivity. Making the industry more diverse and examining the value of the African American consumer can be instrumental for the future success of the companies operating in the United States.”

The SBC Summit North America will allow access to the industry’s most innovative products and expose its visitors to two full days of thought-provoking content. The conference will host multiple panel discussions outlining the state of the industry in North America, the challenges faced, and the issues surrounding the legalization of sports betting and online casino gaming in the region. 

You can purchase your ticket to SBC Summit North America 2022 by visiting the official website.

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), issued the following statement on the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade:

“Today the Supreme Court defied nearly a half-century of legal precedent by stripping Americans of one of their most fundamental freedoms: the right to decide what happens to their own body.

“Overturning Roe v. Wade will harm countless Americans, particularly those facing the most unthinkable of circumstances, such as in the case of rape, incest, or if someone’s life is put in danger by forcing them to carry a pregnancy to term. In no uncertain terms, the Supreme Court today told Americans they have no right to make their own healthcare decisions.

“This radical decision is the result of a decades-long assault waged by Republicans to undermine Americans’ constitutional rights. That assault will only accelerate in the weeks and months ahead. More than half of American states are certain or likely to ban abortion with Roe v. Wade overturned; 13 of them already have laws that immediately ban abortion with a decision overturning Roe. And we know that congressional Republicans will move forward with legislation to ban abortion nationwide if given the opportunity.

“Today’s decision must also be the beginning of a new fight. The lives of countless people are now endangered. It is now up to us to deliver on efforts to protect Americans’ most basic and fundamental rights. And we will never give up until the cause of freedom is again won.”

Mishael Morgan becomes first Black actor to win Best Actress Daytime Emmy

The Young & the Restless star Mishael Morgan became the first Black artist to win a Daytime Emmy Award in the Best Lead Actress category in Pasadena Friday night.

"I was born on a tiny island in the Caribbean, and I'm now standing on an international stage and I am being honored regardless of the color of my skin, regardless of my passport, for being the best at what I do," Morgan said as she accepted her statuette.

"Now there are little girls around the world and no matter what the industry, the vocation ... they can strive to be the best."

The actress also thanked viewers for their support since she joined the soap opera in 2013.

,p>"I am so immensely proud of our generation," she said. "We are breaking glass ceilings left right and center and I am so honored to be a vessel and to experience this moment. Everybody out there today, we can do this thing called equality and unity together."

[SOURCE: UPI]