NAACP Statement in Support Senator Warnock's amendment for Medicaid Expansion

The NAACP supports Senator Warnock's amendment to expand the ACA and close the healthcare coverage gap.

The ACA was designed to ensure that people at all levels of income have affordable healthcare coverage. But as of today – 10 years since the ACA was passed into law – there are still millions who don't have coverage or access to an affordable plan.

It shouldn't matter who you are, what you look like, or where you live. Healthcare access is a right for all. We support Senator Warnock and his efforts to help finish what the passing of the ACA started. It would be shameful for Congress not to take this opportunity to make sure that every American has access to an affordable plan.

4 police officers charged with civil rights offenses in connection to Breonna Taylor's death

Four current and former Louisville Metro Police Department officers involved in the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor's home were arrested and charged with federal civil rights offenses, unlawful conspiracies, unconstitutional use of force and obstruction offenses, Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a press conference

PRE-Order Michelle Obama Upcoming Book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama release date November 15, 2022

In an inspiring follow-up to her critically acclaimed, #1 bestselling memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.

There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with readers, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much?

Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles—the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” She details her most valuable practices, like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. With trademark humor, candor, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness.

“When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it,” writes Michelle Obama. A rewarding blend of powerful stories and profound advice that will ignite conversation, The Light We Carry inspires readers to examine their own lives, identify their sources of gladness, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.

PRE-order he Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama

Jacqueline Rolle is missing!

Atlanta Police are asking the public for help finding Jacqueline Rolle, a missing 60-year-old woman last seen at Grady Hospital over six weeks ago.

Authorities said Jacqueline Rolle was last seen at Grady Hospital on Friday, June 17. Officers responded to Grady Hospital after receiving a missing persons call on Wednesday, July 27. Investigators were able to talk with Rolle's daughter-in-law, where they learned she had not talked to her family or friends in more than six weeks.

Rolle is described as 5-feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. Her nickname is "Lady J" and she has it tattooed on her left shoulder.

Atlanta Police said her last clothing description is unknown. Her last known address was in the Lakewood Heights area.

Anyone with information about Jacqueline Rolle's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Atlanta Police Homicide/Adult Missing Persons Unit at (404) 546-4235.

14 year-old Aunisty Elliott is missing!

08/05/2022 UPDATE

Police say a missing teenager from Brooklyn has been found safe.

Fourteen-year-old Aunisty Elliott hadn't been seen since she left her family's home in Prospect Heights on July 27 around 11 a.m.

Police said Thursday that Aunisty had been found safe and was reunited with her family.

A Brooklyn mother is desperate for her daughter's safe return after 14 year-old Aunisty Elliott the 14-year-old disappeared a week ago.

Elliott has dark hair with purple highlights. She's 5 feet 5 inches tall and wears glasses. The teen was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt with the words "the fresh senior" on it.

Cori Bush wins Congressional 1st District Democratic primary

MISSOURI - Congresswoman Cori Bush is likely heading back to Washington next year after winning the Democratic primary over state Rep. Steve Roberts on Tuesday.

The Associated Press called Bush as the winner at 9:42 p.m., when unofficial results showed her receiving more than two-thirds of the vote in the 1st Congressional District, which includes St. Louis and parts of St. Louis County.

Because the district is largely Democratic, whoever won Tuesday’s primary is likely to win again in November.

“They counted us out, and they said we weren't good enough,” Bush said. “They said you can't make change. But we're here.”

Bush dominated the contest, garnering 69.5% of the vote compared to Roberts’ 26.6%. The contentious campaign featured attacks by Roberts on both her voting record and some of her actions outside of the House chamber.

[SOURCE: STLPUBLICRADIO]

President Biden, VP Harris endorse Karen Bass For Los Angeles Mayor

In a joint statement President Biden and Vice President Harris endorsed Los Angeles mayoral candidate Karen Bass on Tuesday ahead of November’s election.

"We are endorsing Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor because we are eager to continue to partner with her on innovative strategies to reduce homelessness and increase public safety and prosperity," Biden and Harris said in a joint statement released by the Bass campaign. "Karen Bass has our friendship, and she has earned our respect through her leadership in Congress on crime prevention strategies, effective and fair policing, and the welfare of children and families."

Statement from President Joe Biden On the Passing of Bill Russell

President Biden released the following statement on the death ofBill Russell:

The promise of America is that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. We’ve never fully lived up to that promise, but Bill Russell made sure we never walked away from it.

By August 1963, he had won six of what would be 11 NBA championships in his 13 years in the league with the Boston Celtics, a defining career that would include five regular season Most Valuable Player awards, an Olympic gold medal, and serving as the first Black coach of any major sports league in America.

But on the historic day of August 28, 1963, there he was at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as a towering champion for freedom, equality, and justice as Dr. King delivered a dream for the Nation.

That was Bill Russell. From a childhood in segregated Louisiana to a career playing on the biggest stages in sports at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Bill faced the hostility and hate of racism embedded in every part of American life. Yet, he never gave up. Throughout his life, he forced us to confront hard truths. And on this day, there are generations of Americans who are reflecting on what he meant to them as someone who played for the essential truth that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes in our history – an all-time champion of champions, and a good man and great American who did everything he could to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Nichelle Nichols

President Biden released the following statement on the death of Nichelle Nichols:

In Nichelle Nichols, our nation has lost a trailblazer of stage and screen who redefined what is possible for Black Americans and women.

A daughter of a working-class family from Illinois, she first honed her craft as an actor and singer in Chicago before touring the country and the world performing with the likes of Duke Ellington and giving life to the words of James Baldwin.

During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she shattered stereotypes to become the first Black woman to act in a major role on a primetime television show with her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek. With a defining dignity and authority, she helped tell a central story that reimagined scientific pursuits and discoveries. And she continued this legacy by going on to work with NASA to empower generations of Americans from every background to reach for the stars and beyond.

Our nation is forever indebted to inspiring artists like Nichelle Nichols, who show us a future where unity, dignity, and respect are cornerstones of every society.

NASA statement on the passing of Nichelle Nichols

NASA released the following statement on the passing of Nichelle Nichols:

We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.

Statement from Bernice King on the passing of Nichelle Nichols

Bernice King released the following statement on the passing of Nichelle Nichols:

Representation matters.

Excellence in representation matters even more.

Thank you, Nichelle Nichols.

Rest well, ancestor.

Statement from Barack Obama of Bill Russell on his passing

Barack Obama released the following statement on the passing of NBA great Bill Russell:

Today, we lost a giant.

As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.

Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali.

For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life.

Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.

Statement from the son of Nichelle Nichols on her passing

On July 30, 2022 Nichelle Nichols, best known as Lt. Uhura on the TV show Star Trek passed away. Her son released the following statement on her death:

Dear Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World,

I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.

Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light, however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration.

Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

I, and the rest of our family, would appre2ciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.

Live Long and Prosper,

Kyle Johnson

Statement from the family of Bill Russell on his passing

The family of NBA great Bill Russell released the following statement on his passing at the age of 88:

Rep. Donald Payne statement on passage of assault weapons ban in the House of Representatives

NJ congressman Donald Payne Jr. released the following statement after the House passed a bill banning assault weapons:

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. helped pass a bill today to prevent the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines for civilian use. The bill, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 (H.R. 1808), would reduce the amount of such weapons on American streets and allow states to use grants to buy back semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines from Americans who own them already. America had a similar ban on assault weapons from 1994 to 2004. During that time, mass shooting deaths dropped 70 percent and there were 40 percent fewer crimes committed with assault weapons.

“There is no reason why civilians should have assault weapons or high-capacity magazines,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “They are weapons of war and should not be on American streets. This bill will lower the incidents of gun violence and save lives. In addition, I am proud that this bill includes a provision to provide communities with federal grants to buy back assault weapons from American owners. I introduced a bill called the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act, which would fund such grants and local gun buyback programs. I hope the Senate passes this bill soon because we must do more to prevent gun violence across America.”

A CONVERSATION WITH NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES & JELANI COBB IN NEWARK NJ

November 18th 7-9 PM at the NJPAC: A conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Jelani Cobb. The event is free and open to the public.

NJPAC will begin taking reservations for seats on Octobr 7, 2022.

Click the picture for more information.

Congressional Black Caucus Secures Ad Contracts Language in Funding Bills

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus — D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) — announced that 11 reports with the House’s fiscal year 2013 appropriations bills include their language directing federal agencies to report on advertising contracts with small disadvantaged businesses and minority- and women-owned businesses in their budget justifications.

“As the largest advertiser in the United States, the federal government has an obligation to ensure fair access for minority- and women-owned media companies,” Norton said. “Securing this language in 11 reports will help ensure that federal agencies are striving to reach minorities, who often get their news from outlets that serve more specific communities.”

Lee said between 2013 and 2017, just 13% of advertising federal contracts went to small, minority and women-owned businesses. The Oakland-based lawmaker said the 11 reports “create greater federal accountability for the federal government as an employer and promoting equity in federal contracting.”

Johnson noted the federal government consistently failing to spend its advertising dollars with Black media and advertising firms “which has led to messaging not being effectively disseminated to the Black community.”

“It is important to me to make sure the vestiges of Jim Crow racism are ended, and every Black medial company is treated equitably,” he said.

[SOURCE: WASHINGTON INFORMER]

Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner to Host New Show

America’s largest progressive news network - today announced that former Ohio State Senator, political icon, and self-proclaimed “hell-raising humanitarian” Nina Turner is joining the network as the host of an all-new daily live news show Unbossed with Nina Turner, slated to launch October 17, 2022. TYT continues its growth and expansion with the addition of Unbossed, where Turner will expose how the elites in government, the media, and other sectors game the system and how people can join forces to fix the corruption and restore democracy.

Sen. Turner said, "I am excited to continue my journey with the TYT family and to give voice to Americans frustrated with the current state of politics. Being the Executive Producer and Host of Unbossed gives me the opportunity to delve deeper into the ways in which the corrupting forces of our political system hinder the creation of a people’s agenda in this country. We will highlight the ways in which many of our elected officials are bought off by special interests and how those special interests impact the fabric of our daily lives. The team at Unbossed is ready to speak with the experts, roll out the receipts, and expose the corrupting forces and individuals that are a threat to collective liberty. We will bring soul, substance, truth, and hope to your feed every weekday. I can't wait for you to join me in October."

Turner is known for her political experience and leadership. She was the national co-chair of the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, served as a national surrogate for the Sanders 2016 Democratic presidential primary, and served as president of the grassroots organization, Our Revolution. On Unbossed, Turner will share her leadership and organizing experiences to give the audience the tools and motivation to make positive change happen in their communities. Viewers can expect strong commentary from Turner on the Biden Administration, establishment democrats, and what progressives need to do moving forward.

TYT founder and host of the flagship news and politics show The Young Turks Cenk Uygur said, "Nina Turner is one of the strongest voices in the progressive movement and American politics today. She has challenged the establishment in a way that has them running scared. That's exactly the type of fearless attitude we love at TYT. The media is supposed to challenge the powerful, not comfort them. There's a reason why the elites in Washington are afraid of Nina Turner, it's because she's Unbossed."

TYT recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and the company’s mission to drive positive change remains evident in the programming line-up. Additionally, the network is experiencing aggressive growth and has added new shows like Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey - most recently named the fastest growing news show in America by the Hicks Evaluation Group - The Watchlist with Jayar Jackson, and is continuing to add new contributors to their Rebel HQ channel.

TYT Head of Programming Judith Benezra said, “Senator Nina Turner is a powerful and influential leader of the progressive movement, and the addition of her voice to TYT's programming slate further affirms that TYT is the 'Home of Progressives.' The show's title Unbossed is inspired by Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm's signature campaign slogan, which perfectly encapsulated the principled trailblazer as uncorrupted by money in politics and beholden to no one. Unbossed with Nina Turner is an extension of that ethos, as Senator Turner will call out the elites in media, politics, law enforcement and the financial sector, and be the voice for the people they try to crush along the way.”

Unbossed with Nina Turner starts streaming on TYT on October 17th via YouTube.com/Unbossed, Facebook, and on Twitch, and will be available as a podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Turner is currently a contributor on TYT with videos published daily on Rebel HQ.

US proposes swap with Russia to free Brittney Griner

The U.S. State Deoartment is now offering to trade prisoners with Russia to bring home basketball star Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine from Michigan.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken added he would engage with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It was the first public acknowledgement of a deal that could involve a prisoner swap or addressing the sanctions placed on the country after it invaded Ukraine.

“My hope would be that in speaking to Foreign Minister Lavrov, I can advance the efforts to bring them home,” Blinken said.

Clarence Thomas will not teach at George Washington University’s law school this fall

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will not teach at George Washington University Law School this fall, after his concurring opinion overturning the constitutional right to abortion prompted a public outcry.

"Justice Thomas informed GW Law that he is unavailable to co-teach a constitutional law seminar this fall," a university spokesperson said in a statement.

The university "does not have additional information to share" about whether Thomas may teach at the law school in the future, the statement said.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment. Thomas has co-taught a seminar at GW Law since 2011, according to GW Hatchet, the student newspaper, which first reported that the justice would not return this fall.

Critics circulated an online petition calling on the university to fire Thomas after the Supreme Court issued its June decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which left regulation of abortion access to the states.

The petition had more than 11,000 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.

University Provost Christopher Bracey and law dean Dayna Bowen Matthew said in a campus-wide email last month that Thomas would not be fired as a law school adjunct, although his views did not represent the university or its law school.

[SOURCE: REUTERS]