MICHAEL COX APPOINTED COMMISSIONER OF THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the appointment of Roxbury native and former Dorchester resident Michael Cox as the 44th Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. Cox currently serves as the Chief of Police of the Ann Arbor Police Department in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to his appointment to that position in 2019, Cox was a 30-year veteran of the Boston Police Department. He will begin serving in his new role on August 15, 2022.

“Having grown up here, having served in many roles within the Boston Police Department and roles elsewhere, Chief Cox is uniquely positioned to build the public safety infrastructure that Boston deserves,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “He will continue building on the community trust and community policing that our city has led on for decades.”

“I want to thank Mayor Wu for the opportunity to come back home and serve the citizens of Boston,” said Michael Cox, incoming Boston Police Department Commissioner. “The Boston Police Department needs to look like the communities which we serve and include every resident to hear what is important so we can serve better. I took on public service because I wanted to help the public and give back to the communities in which I lived.”

Cox’s appointment follows a six month search spearheaded by the Boston Police Commissioner Search Committee chaired by retired Justice Geraldine Hines of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The other members of the Committee are former Commissioner Ed Davis of the Boston Police Department, Executive Director Abrigal Forrester of Teen Empowerment, Senior Pastor Bishop William E. Dickerson II of Greater Love Tabernacle Church, and Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Research & Policy Jasmine Gonzales Rose of the Center of Anti-Racist Research at Boston University.

The Search Committee’s public engagement process began with two public listening sessions–one on January 20, 2022 and one on January 26, 2022–and a multilingual community survey. The Search Committee also met with community stakeholders to inform the hiring process, including representatives from Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO), representatives from Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston (LLEGO), leadership of the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, civilian staff, former and current female-identifying officers in the Police Department, youth groups in Boston, members of the Boston City Council, criminal justice and police reform experts, representatives from several immigrant-serving community organizations, members of the former Boston Police Reform Task Force, former Chiefs of Police from Boston and other major U.S. cities, and City representatives from various offices, including the Office of Returning Citizens, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, and the Office of Black Male Advancement.

Following three months of community listening sessions, the Boston Police Commissioner Search Committee released an application and job description for the position, calling for candidates prepared to “inspire the confidence and trust of Boston’s diverse communities.” The Committee drafted the job description to be a direct reflection of the comments and ideas generated during public and stakeholder listening sessions. Following the release of the job description, the Search Committee worked with the Police Executive Research Forum to assess, vet, and narrow the pool of candidates. After a series of interviews, the Committee recommended finalists to the Mayor, who made the final selection of Michael Cox to be the Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.

"Through our public listening sessions and meetings with a wide variety of community stakeholders, elected officials, academics and representatives of the law enforcement community, we heard our charge loud and clear,” said Justice Geraldine Hines. “This City is ready for a leader of the Boston Police Department who will embrace reform and lead the Department in a way that brings a fresh vision of public safety to Boston's culturally, racially, and economically diverse neighborhoods. I am confident that Michael Cox is the right person for the moment in our city’s history and that he will serve with the utmost integrity."

Cox last served in BPD as the Bureau Chief and Superintendent of the Bureau of Professional Development, overseeing the Boston Police Academy, the Firearms Training Unit, the Police Cadet Unit, Recruit training and in-service training for all sworn Boston Police personnel.

He served a total of 15 years on the Command Staff in a variety of positions. Cox served as the commander of the Operations Division, primarily responsible for the Emergency 9-1-1 Response Services for the City of Boston. In addition, he was previously assigned to the head of Internal Affairs as the Assistant Bureau Chief of Professional Standards, Zone Commander of Area E, and the Commander of the Forensic Division and Assistant Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Investigative Services.

Before his Command Staff assignments at the Boston Police Department, Cox worked as a Sergeant Detective in the Intelligence Unit where he performed Dignitary Protection duties, served as the liaison to the U.S. Secret Service, and as a supervisor assigned to the Joint Terrorist Task Force. At this rank, he also served assignments in the Internal Affairs, Recruit Investigations, and Audit & Review Units. As a Police Officer, Cox worked in Area B-3 until joining the City-wide Anti-Gang Violence Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995. Cox is a two-time Medal of Honor recipient and received numerous other Commendations and awards while serving in the Boston Police Department.

Cox is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum and holds degrees from Providence College in Business Management, Curry College where he obtained a Master’s in Criminal Justice, and Boston University’s Questrom School of Business where he obtained an MBA.

WATCH: Mary McLeod Bethune Statue Unveiled in National Statuary Hall

It was a historic moment Wednesday, as marble statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune,the founder of Bethune-Cookman University and champion of civil and women’s rights was unveiled in Statuary Hall in our nation's Capitol.

Watch the entire ceremony below:

Malcolm X nominated again for Nebraska Hall of Fame

Fifteen years ago, Omaha native and human rights activist Malcolm X was deemed too controversial to be added to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Now supporters are trying again to get him included among recognized Nebraska greats and to have his bust join 26 others in the State Capitol.

JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, a board member with the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, submitted one of two nominations to the Nebraska Hall of Fame for the man who was born in 1925 as Malcolm Little. She said he deserves consideration as "one of the greatest and most influential African-Americans in history."

"It’s important for us, the city of Omaha, to have an opportunity to support the legacy of Malcolm’s birth here," she said. "It encourages the rest of the state to know about the true civil rights history of Omaha."

The Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission will hold public hearings in each of the three congressional districts, starting next week, to take testimony about the nominees.

Under state law, to be included in the Hall of Fame, people must have been born in Nebraska, gained prominence while living in Nebraska or have lived in the state and their residence in the state be an important influence on their lives and contributed to their greatness.

In addition, at least 35 years must pass between a person's death and the date he or she is officially named as a member. Lawmakers added the requirement to ensure that a person's accomplishments stood the test of time.

Secondary consideration is given to people involved in "entertainment, athletics or fields of endeavor where interest, publicity, and general recognition may for a time be intense, but where a contribution to society is secondary."

The commission is slated to meet in August to narrow the field of nominees, then decide on Sept. 12 who should become the newest Hall of Fame member. That finalist will be officially inducted in 2025.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune becomes first African American representing a state at Statuary Hall in DC

Civil Rights icon, educator, author, philanthropist, humanitarian and women's rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune will be honored Wednesday when a statue of her likeness is unveiled at Statuary Hall. Her statue will represent her home state of Florida.

The statue of Dr. Bethune marks the first time in U.S. history that an African American will represent a state in the Hall at the U.S. Capitol.

President Biden nominates Judge Kelley J. Hodge for United States District Court

President Biden is announcing five new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.

These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.

Among those nominees is Judge Kelley J. Hodge who is a candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Kelley B. Hodge is a partner at Fox Rothschild in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she has worked since 2020. Ms. Hodge was previously Of Counsel at Elliott Greenleaf in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020. Ms. Hodge was the interim District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia from 2017 to 2018. From 2015 to 2016, she was the Title IX Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the President at the University of Virginia. From 2011 to 2015, she served as the Safe Schools Advocate under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. From 2004 to 2011, she worked in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Hodge was a public defender in the Richmond, Virginia Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 2003. Ms. Hodge received her J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1996 and B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1993.

President Biden nominates Judge Kai Scott for United States District Court

President Biden is announcing five new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.

These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.

Among those nominees is Judge Kai Scott who is a candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Kai Scott has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since her election in 2015. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Scott was the Trial Unit Chief for the Federal Community Defender Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2015. Judge Scott was an Assistant Federal Defender from 2004 to 2010. From 1998 to 2004, Judge Scott was a Trial Attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Judge Scott served as a law clerk for Judge Donald Poorman of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers Compensation from 1996 to 1998. Judge Scott received her J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1995 and her B.A. from Hampton University in 1991.

Chadwick Boseman receives posthumous Emmy nomination

Chadwick Boseman scored a posthumous Emmy nomination Tuesday.

Boseman, who died at age 43 in August 2020 after battling cancer, was among the nominees for the 2022 Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance category. Boseman voiced MCU superhero Black Panther one last time for Disney+ animated series “What If…?” during the episode “What If… T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?”

Other nominees include F. Murray Abraham for “Moon Knight,” Julie Andrews for “Bridgerton,” Maya Rudolph for “Big Mouth,” Stanley Tucci for “Central Park,” and Jeffrey Wright also for “What If…?” The late Jessica Walter is additionally posthumously nominated for “Archer.”

“What If…?” also received a 2022 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program.

Barack Obama nominated for first Emmy Award

Former president Barack Obama is now an Emmy nominee.

Obama was nominated for outstanding narrator for the Netflix documentary series "Our Great National Parks." Each episode tells the story of a national park through the lives of its wildest residents while exploring our relationship with the wilderness.

This is the first Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Obama, though the "Yes We Can" music video released as a promotional tool for the Obama campaign in 2008 was honored with the first-ever Daytime Emmy Award for Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment. Obama was also featured in the documentary David Attenborough Meets President Obama, which was nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy in 2016, but was not for Obama personally. The former president has won a Grammy with a win in 2008 in the Spoken Word Album category as the narrator of The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. He was recently nominated again for a Grammy in the same category for A Promised Land.

Others nominated in the category are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War), David Attenborough (The Mating Game), W. Kamau Bell (We Need to Talk About Cosby) and Lupita Nyong’o (Serengeti II).

Condoleezza Rice is now An Owner of the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos added former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to their ownership group.

The Walton-Penner family ownership group, which entered into an agreement to purchase the Broncos for $4.65 billion in June, announced the addition.

"We're pleased to welcome former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to our ownership group," Rob Walton said in a statement. "A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and better. She is the daughter of a football coach and served on the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee. She moved to Denver with her family when she was 12 years old and went on to attend the University of Denver for both college and graduate school. Her unique experience and extraordinary judgment will be a great benefit to our group and the Broncos organization."

Rice served as Secretary of State from 2005-2009 under President George W. Bush. In 2013 she was selected as one of the 13 members of the inaugural College Football Playoff Committee, where she served through the conclusion of the 2016 football season.

NBA star Charles Barkley announces $1 million donation to Spelman College

NBA legend Charles Barkley is known for his generous donations and a metro Atlanta university is his latest recipient.

Spelman College will receive $1 million donation from Barkley.

Officials told Channel 2 Action News that they have not received the donation yet but say they look forward to coordinating with Barkley.

“Charles Barkley’s $1 million gift to Spelman College comes at a significant time as we continue to close education and wealth inequality for Black families and maintain affordable education opportunities for women of African descent,” Spelman president Dr. Helene Gayle said.

“As one of the country’s leading engines of social mobility and the nation’s leading HBCU, this generous gift will help build upon Spelman’s legacy of developing the next generation of leaders.”

Barkley says he chose Spelman because his friend and business partner’s daughter attends the historically Black college.

“John has been a great mentor, a great friend, and a great business partner,” Barkley told AL.com. “I was ready to do another HBCU and with his daughter doing great things at Spelman, so I told him, ‘Why not there?’”

Barkley previously donated $1 million to Morehouse College in 2017.

[SOURCE: WSBTV]

Nike Honors Baseball Legend Jackie Robinson With Nike Dunk Low (Jackie Robinson)

Releasing the day of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Los Angeles, the Nike Dunk Low (Jackie Robinson) honors the impact of the LA-raised second baseman for breaking the league’s color barrier.

Printed across the design is Robinson’s famous 1947 quote: “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me...All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” The colors of the design are an aged version of his original uniform. A 75-year anniversary emblem on the tongue recognizes the year when he broke baseball’s color line for the Dodgers organization.

Nike is a longtime partner of the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) and has invested nearly $3 million over the last five years, including $1 million in fiscal year 2022, to support the foundation’s scholars, its mentoring and leadership development program and its museum. Ongoing investments in both the JRF and the Play Equity Fund – where Nike made a $1.3 million investment over three years to support 13 LA grassroots organizations, specifically for Black and Latina girls in Boyle Heights and Watts – is emblematic of Nike’s belief that sport as well as its legendary figures have the power to create a better world.

The Nike Dunk Low (Jackie Robinson) releases July 19 on SNKRS, UNDFTD and at select retailers.

Judge Lisa Holder White becomes first Black female justice to sit on Illinois Supreme Court

Judge Lisa Holder White has officially joined the Illinois Supreme Court as its first Black female justice.

Holder White was sworn in Thursday morning at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield in an event that drew a full theater and nearly 200 viewers online. The 54-year-old Holder White was picked by outgoing Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman as her replacement and then approved by the full court in May. That follows Illinois tradition for replacing Supreme Court justices.

Holder White thanked those who’d given speeches in her honor, and those who supported her throughout her career. She emphasized the historical significance of her swearing-in ceremony taking place in a museum dedicated to Abraham Lincoln: “The man who freed the slaves, my ancestors, is of special significance to me.”

“My heritage is a heritage that once involved minds and bodies that were shackled, and doors that were so long closed,” Holder White said. “You see, taking my oath in this place today goes far beyond a personal professional achievement. As I see it, taking my oath in this place today recognizes the undeniable value and merit of what I, as a Black woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife and jurist have to contribute to the work of our state’s highest court, it is proof positive of the progress of this great nation, and our great state.”

Holder White’s appointment was announced just a month after Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to be the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson was sworn in last week.

“(Today) is a testimony to the notion that as women and people of color, we need not limit our dreams or settle for less because when we prepare ourselves, doors will open and we will walk through them fully equipped to serve with dignity, to serve with integrity, to serve with humility, and to serve with exceptional intellectual capabilities,” Holder White said.

Following her remarks, Holder White took her place alongside the other six members of the court and the special session was adjourned.

[SOIRCE: SOURVE CHICAGO TRIBUNE]

Missing Black Woman: Ashanti McCorkle is Missing!

NORTH CAROLINA - The Mount Holly Police Department is searching for 18-year-old Ashanti McCorkle.

She left her home late Wednesday night and has not returned.

McCorkle is possibly in the Rock Hill area.

Call the Mount Holly Police Department at 704-827-4343 if you have information.

Ronald A. Johnson Is Named Interim President of Kentucky State University

The Kentucky State University Board of Regents has named a new interim president. Dr. Ronald A. Johnson will serve the university in the interim position and will begin his appointment on July 1, 2022.

Johnson is the former president of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), where he led the development and implementation of transformational academic, financial, competitive positioning, organizational, and operating strategies that resulted in significant improvements in enrollment, first-time undergraduate student retention, six-year graduation rates, and key financial performance indicators. He is an innovator in curriculum development and led curricular and pedagogical reform at CAU including the introduction of micro credentials, technology enhanced learning, and market driven academic programs and program innovation. He led the successful development of a new strategic plan for CAU and the reaffirmation of its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation.

The Board voted on the interim president at a special-called meeting Monday, June 27. Additional information regarding his appointment will be forthcoming.

"Dr. Johnson has a distinguished record in higher education administration especially at HBCUS," shared Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chair Dr. Gerald Patton. "We, the Board of Regents are elated at his appointment and look forward to working with him as he provides institutional leadership at Kentucky State University at this critical time."

Demonstrators in Raleigh, NC demand justice for Emmett Till

Dozens of people gathered in Raleigh on Wednesday to demand a decades-old arrest warrant be served on Carolyn Bryant Donham. The demonstrators marched inside a senior living facility, which prompted Raleigh police to respond to the scene.

Timothy Loehmann, who killed Tamir Rice, withdraws from Pennsylvania police position

After a firestorm of controversy over Tioga Borough in Pennsylvania hiring the former Cleveland police officer who killed Tamir Rice, it appears Timothy Loehmann will not be hired.

The borough council approved Loehmann's appointment Tuesday night, a move that was met with immediate backlash from local protesters and on social media.

Late Thursday morning, Tioga Borough Council President Steve Hazlett posted a brief update on his Facebook page, writing, "Effective this morning, Timothy Loehmann has officially withdrawn his application for the Tioga Borough police position." The post has since been deleted, but Hazlett confirmed the statement by phone Thursday to the USA TODAY Network.

Hazlett said withdrawing from consideration was Loehmann's idea.

[SOURCE: PressConnects]

Las Vegas Raiders announce Sandra Douglass Morgan as new president

The Las Vegas Raiders introduced Sandra Douglass Morgan as the franchise’s new president, she is the first Black woman to hold the title with an NFL team.

"I am thrilled that Sandra has agreed to join the Raiders family," said Raiders Owner Mark Davis. "Her experience, integrity and passion for this community will be invaluable to our organization. From the moment I met Sandra, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. We are extremely lucky to have her at the helm."

A Las Vegas native, Morgan has long been a trailblazer and was the first person of color to serve as chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and first African-American City Attorney in the State of Nevada. Morgan was most recently with the law firm Covington & Burling, LLP and previously served as the City Attorney for the City of North Las Vegas. Prior to that, she served as a litigation attorney for an international gaming and hospitality company.

"It is the honor of a lifetime to join the Raiders at one of the most defining times in the team's history," said Morgan. "This team's arrival in Las Vegas has created a new energy and opportunities we never dreamed possible. I look forward to taking this team's integrity, spirit and commitment to excellence on the field into every facet of this organization."

Cop who killed Tamir Rice Hired as a police officer again

07/08/2022 UPDATE: Timothy Loehmann resigns from Pennsylvania police department.

The former police officer who shot and killed Tamir Rice in 2014 has been sworn in as the newest officer for the Borough of Tioga, Pennsylvania.

Timothy Loehmann was sworn in as a borough police officer Tuesday night. After news of the borough's newest hire spread on social media, a protest was staged at the borough offices.

Tioga Borough Mayor David Wilcox said he was unaware of Loehmann's background during the swearing-in ceremony, and that he is not involved with the hiring or firing of personnel. Mayor Wilcox said the borough council is responsible for personnel matters. Mayor Wilcox added that the council president lead him to believe a full background check was done, and no issues were found.

"I was under the understanding, through our police committee and our Borough president, that they did an extensive background check on him," he said. "Everything checked out, everyone they spoke to, clean record...and that was my understanding."

Protesters gathered together to speak to Mayor Wilcox about their outrage against the council's decision. Michele Applebee, a protester from Mainesburg, Pennsylvania, said she feels betrayed.

Mayor Wilcox said they only have one police officer, and the budget only allows for one.

"It's a betrayal of this community's trust for them to hire somebody like that man... and I'm not going to say his name because he doesn't deserve it," she said. "He shouldn't be allowed to have a gun ever again, honestly."

Mayor Wilcox said he is planning an emergency meeting with the council and will not let Loehmann patrol the streets after tonight's protest. The mayor is encouraging residents to show up to the upcoming meeting to voice their concerns.

The lawyer for Tamir Rice's family, Subodh Chandra, issued the following statement:

"Tioga officials apparently don’t care whether a police officer was considered mentally unfit for one department, lied on his application to another, rushed upon and slew a child, and then lied about calling out warnings to Tamir—when his window was rolled up on a winter’s day. Loehmann—who should never again be entrusted with a badge and gun—is shamelessly determined to inflict himself upon other communities. He's also determined to hurt the family of Tamir Rice with his antics when he should just go live the rest of his life—life he deprived Tamir of—in shame. Let’s hope Tioga residents have the good sense to question the poor judgment of their misguided and indifferent officials.

Every time Timothy Loehmann testifies in a criminal case, Tioga officials and prosecutors will be required to provide defendants and defense counsel Loehmann's record of lying, which is known as Brady evidence. He's damaged goods and no community should ever want him responsible for enforcing their laws. Officials who do are betraying the trust of their citizens."

[SOURCE: WENY]

Check out the trailer for THE WOMAN KING starring Viola Davis

Check out the first trailer for the "The Women King" starrring Viola Davis.

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for.

The fiim is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Viola Davis,Thuso Mbedu Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega.

Remarks by Vice President Harris in Highland Park on July 4th Shooting

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Highland Park, Illinois after the tragic July 4th shooting. Read her full remarks to the people of Highland Park below:

Well, to the community of Highland Park: I bring you condolences from President Joe Biden and from our country. I’m so sorry for what you all have experienced and the pain, the suffering. This should never have happened. We talk about it being senseless; it is senseless. It is absolutely senseless.

I want for you that you hold each other tight as a community, that you know that you have a whole nation who cares deeply about you and stands with you. This is a — an incredibly tight community. I know that. And this person will be brought to justice, but it’s not going to undo what happened.

And we — we’re here for you, and we stand with you. And of course, as we always say — because it is true — our prayers are with you.

The President and I and our administration have put all of the resources and will continue to put all of the resources that the Mayor and the Chief and others need in terms of the federal assistance. So the FBI and the ATF are here.

There’s a lot of healing that’s going to have to happen that is both physical and emotional. There is no question that this experience is something that is going to linger in terms of the trauma. And so, I’d like to urge all the families and all the individuals to do seek the support that you so rightly deserve.

And — and we’ll deal with what we need to deal with in terms of also, as we move forward, all agreeing that we’ve got to be smarter as a country in terms of who has access to what and, in particular, assault weapons. And we got to take this stuff seriously, as seriously as you are — because you have been forced to have to take it seriously.

The whole nation should understand and have a level of empathy to understand that this can happen anywhere, in any peace-loving community. And we should stand together and speak out about why it’s got to stop.

Thank you.