Howard University Climbs to No. 30 on U.S. News & World Report Rankings List of Most Innovative Schools

Howard University climbed 10 points to No. 30 on the latest U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings list of most innovative schools. The positive increase in the ranking represents the success of the Howard Forward strategic plan, which emphasizes measures that enable resource savings through upgraded technology and automation; initiatives that expand the campus footprint through facility improvements and real estate development; and processes that drive excellence in customer service and delivery of products and services. The University remains listed among the top 100 schools on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best national universities with a ranking of No. 89. 

“Howard University embodies excellence in academics, research and service. Our faculty, staff and students are tasked with finding innovative solutions to today’s most pressing issues as they continue to impact their fields,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Our campus community deserves to fulfill its mission in a setting that provides the best support and that includes having access to robust operations and administrative processes and superior facilities that provide a strong foundation for the critical work they do. We are proud to be acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report for these efforts.” 

Under the leadership of Dr. Frederick, the University implemented Howard Forward in 2019 guided by five strategic pillars. In line with the fourth pillar, “improve efficiency and effectiveness,” the University began a strategic investment in upgraded technology that helps reduce resource and cost inefficiencies in administrative and operational systems and processes, leading to significant advancements in key University divisions like human resources, Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS), and the University’s Office of Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management (REDCAM). Howard’s ranking on the list of most innovative schools represents a nearly 100 percent increase from the University’s ranking in the same category two years ago. 

The University maintained its No. 2 ranking among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In the listing of best graduate engineering programs, Howard ranked No. 94 in the nation. Howard also rose one spot in the ranking for undergraduate teaching among national universities. Additionally, U.S. News recognized Howard in other major categories, including: 

Social mobility, national universities: No. 29; 

Most innovative schools: No. 30; 

Best value, national universities: No. 64; 

Best undergraduate business programs: No. 86; 

Best national universities: No. 89; and 

Best undergraduate computer science: No. 121. 

Several factors contribute to the increase in Howard’s spot on the list of most innovative schools. In July 2021, the University implemented Workday, a multiyear technology initiative to improve business operations. The move led to greater efficiencies in research grant management, employee evaluation, and financial reporting, among other improvements. The platform aids in critical financial functions like departmental budgeting, integrated payroll and human resources activities, procurement, and distribution of grant funding. Implementation of Workday has increased the strength of data integrity and efficiency, while reducing administrative costs, and increasing sustainability by reducing paper consumption.  

The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (CETLA) and the Office of Digital and Online Learning received significant upgrades, ramping up its capacity to provide developmental resources for faculty over the past year. Howard faculty have access to courses on learning management tools and receive training on best practices in distance learning through CETLA. The center was awarded a $240,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to create the new digital learning hub, equipped with touch screens, Mac and PC computers, and a digital recording studio alongside a green screen suite where Howard faculty and staff can create rich multimedia content in house. 

The University’s Office of Enterprise Technology Services has significantly bolstered the institution’s cybersecurity profile with network security upgrades like multifactor authorization for all users and mandated network security training. New phishing detection systems and campus-wide campaigns to raise awareness of digital citizenship have reduced network vulnerability and incidents of compromised user accounts. Howard this year announced an initiative to launch a private broadband network exclusive to the campus. The initiative improves Internet connectivity and reliability throughout the campus and is the foundation for touchless and wireless building access and security monitoring in most academic and residential facilities. The security upgrades complement the campus’ Bison S.A.F.E. initiative, a mobile app-based program that facilitates COVID-19 attestation and allows the campus community to access testing results. The app also serves as the official tool of emergency communications, providing emergency alerts, GPS location software to help students monitor movements and safety of peers in transit, and a mobile bluelight function that can contact campus public safety and provide location in the event of an emergency.   

The University made major strides in implementation of its Campus Master Plan when it announced a historic $785 million real estate initiative to fast-track renovations to campus buildings and construct three new academic centers. The University also implemented its Hyper Care initiative that expanded oversight and maintenance of on-campus housing to ensure deep cleaning and address repairs to building infrastructure in student residence halls. The University also completed a full renovation of the Undergraduate Library and reopened Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall. 

The U.S. News & World Report’s most innovative schools list is a survey-based ranking evaluated based on schools nominated for having the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities. For more information about U.S. News & World Report’s most innovative schools ranking, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/innovative. 

Author Angela Flournoy Signs Seven Figure book Deal

For seven figures, Angela Flournoy, best known as the author of The Turner House sold The Wounded Wilderness to Mariner’s Rakia Clark in a two-book, North American rights deal. Ellen Levine at Trident Media Group represented Flournoy, a National Book Award finalist and contributing writer at the New York Times Magazine. Mariner said Wounded Wilderness, a novel, follows four Black women over the course of 20 years of friendship, examining “how gender expectations, race, class and the shifting dynamics of city life” affect them. The second book in the deal, the memoir When Will I See You Again?, is about the author’s first pregnancy, which coincided with her mother being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Angela Flournoy has also been a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, a Summer 2015 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, a May 2015 Indie Next pick and a New York Times Sunday Book Review Editors' Choice. Her fiction has appeared in The Paris Review, and she has written for The New York Times, The New Republic and The Los Angeles Times.

BYRON ALLEN'S HBCU GO/THE GRIO ATTRACTS MAJOR FORTUNE 500 SPONSORS FOR HBCU SPORTS NETWORK

Byron Allen's Allen Media Group (AMG) is proud to announce it has secured numerous major Madison Avenue advertising sponsors for the launch of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) sports for HBCU GO and theGrio Television Network's 2022-23 sports programming season. Brand sponsors include: Procter & Gamble, Honda, AT&T, Stellantis, Walmart, Toyota, Bank of America, Verizon, Lexus, Meta, Allstate, Boost Mobile, Lowes, Kia, SC Johnson, UnitedHealthcare, Safelite, Macy's, Taco Bell, T.J. Maxx, Dairy Queen, Capital One, Geico, Pizza Hut, Mastercard, Target and many more.

HBCU GO is the leading media provider for the nation's 107 HBCUs, and recently announced nationwide clearance for their 2022-23 sports season as part of a new carriage deal with CBS owned-and-operated broadcast television stations in key broadcast television markets including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Tampa, Detroit, Miami, and Pittsburgh. AMG's FREE-streaming digital platform HBCU GO brings together major HBCU NCAA conferences, with major market carriage across broadcast television, cable, satellite, and digital platforms. HBCU GO's 2022-23 season began this past Saturday, September 3 with "The HBCU GO Sports Kickoff Show." The three-hour pre-season special aired LIVE on the AMG platforms HBCU GO, theGrio Television Network, theGrio Streaming App, Sports.TV, Local Now, and on broadcast television stations throughout the U.S.

HBCUs are widely known for graduating exceptional athletes, celebrities, politicians, and historical figures including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Wilma Rudolph, Althea Gibson, Walter Payton, Michael Strahan, Jerry Rice, Spike Lee, Alice Walker, Samuel L. Jackson, astronaut Ronald McNair, Alex Haley, Earl Graves, Oprah Winfrey, Chadwick Boseman, Justice Thurgood Marshall, Common, Booker T. Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Judge Kevin Ross, Langston Hughes, Katherine Johnson, Kenya Barris, and Vice President Kamala Harris, to name a few.

"The HBCU brand represents over 184 years of historic excellence, dating back to 1837, which helped cultivate some of the world's greatest minds and talent," said Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group. "HBCU GO and theGrio position our advertisers to speak to the heart and soul of Black America 24/7, and help our sponsors stay strongly connected with one of the most valuable, untapped audiences in the world."

For more information about HBCU GO visit HBCUGO.TV or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram.

KEVIN POWELL NAMED WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Prairie View A&M University announced the appointment of the highly-regarded poet, journalist, TV personality and author Kevin Powell to serve as its second writer-in-residence of the Toni Morrison Writing Program.

Powell has penned articles, essays and blogs for a wide range of newspapers, magazines and major websites. His writings have appeared in The New York Times, CNN.com, The Nation, NPR, ESPN, Essence, Esquire, Ebony, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Complex, British GQ, The Guardian, and ESPN.com. Powell worked at Vibe Magazine as a senior writer for many years, interviewing such diverse public figures as Tupac Shakur and General Colin Powell.

Powell's forthcoming books include The Kevin Powell Reader, a collection of his writings, interviews and speeches covering 30 years of his work and a long-awaited biography of Tupac Shakur.

A native of Jersey City, Powell was raised by a single mother in a community stricken with extreme poverty and violence. His life transformed after studying at Rutgers University in New Brunswick thanks to the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, a program created during the Civil Rights Movement to benefit poor youth. Today, he has lectured, worked and traveled in all 50 American states and five of the world's seven continents.

Now in its second year, PVAMU's Toni Morrison Writing Program continues to flourish under the direction of Provost Emerita Emma Joahanne Thomas-Smith. One of the most celebrated African American poets, Nikki Giovanni, wrapped up her appointment as the program's inaugural writer-in-residence this spring.

"The Toni Morrison Writing Program's selection of Kevin Powell as writer-in-residence meets the objective: Powell studies; Powell thinks deeply. He takes a stance on a cornucopia of issues, including, but not limited to, social justice, interpersonal relationships, hip hop culture, and environmentalism, you name it. He challenges a multi-generational audience and issues to them a call to action. Given today's socio-political climate, nothing could be more timely, especially for HBCU college students for whom the college years are an apprenticeship for thoughtful, meaningful, intentional participation in the change they wish to see," Thomas-Smith said.

Powell began his appointment on September 1, with his first public lecture scheduled later this month.

Andre Mathis confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed Tennessee lawyer Andre Mathis to a seat on the Sixth Circuit. That seat opened up on November 18, 2021, when Judge Bernice Donald announced she was taking senior status.

Mathis, 41, will be the first Black man, and second Black person, from Tennessee to sit on the Cincinnati, Ohio-based 6th Circuit. The last time a Black man was on that court was a quarter century ago, the White House says.

Judge Mathis brings an impressive range of civil and criminal litigation experience with him to the bench.

After graduating from law school, Mathis joined the Memphis law firm of Glankler Brown as an associate. He worked in criminal defense as a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Western District of Tennessee and with the Tennessee Innocence Project. He served as a member of the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee from 2010 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2020. He was also a member of the Federal Defender Evaluation Committee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 2012 to 2013. He served on the Disciplinary Hearing Committee of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility from 2015 to 2021 and on the Shelby County Ethics Commission from 2013 to 2017.

In January 2020, Mathis joined the Memphis office of Butler Snow LLP.

Barack and Michelle Obama statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Barack and Michelle Obama released the following statement on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II:

From the day of her coronation 70 years ago—the first one ever televised—to this very moment, as countless tributes are being posted online in her honor, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has captivated the world. Today, Michelle and I join so many others who are celebrating her life and mourning her passing.

Her Majesty was just 25 years old when she took on the enormous task of helming one of the world’s great democracies. In the decades that followed, she would go on to make the role of Queen her own—with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.

During World War II, she became the first-ever female royal to serve on active military duty. And through periods of prosperity and stagnation—from the moon landing, to the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the dawn of the digital age—she served as a beacon of hope and stability for the people of the United Kingdom and the world.

Her Majesty worked with 15 Prime Ministers and countless foreign heads of state. She listened deeply, thought strategically, and was responsible for considerable diplomatic achievements. And yet, she wore her lofty titles with a light touch—as willing to act in a comic sketch for the London Olympics as she was to record steadying messages for the people of the UK during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.

Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.

Attorney General James and District Attorney Bragg Announce Indictment of Steve Bannon for Fundraising Fraud

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg today announced the indictment of Stephen K. Bannon, 68, and his Florida-based not-for-profit corporation We Build the Wall, Inc. (We Build the Wall) for a year-long fundraising scheme in which they defrauded thousands of donors across the country out of more than $15 million to line their own pockets, and then laundered the proceeds to further advance and conceal the fraud. A New York State Supreme Court grand jury indictment charged Mr. Bannon and We Build the Wall with two counts of Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, two counts of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony, one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E Felony, and one count of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. Mr. Bannon is scheduled to be arraigned today before State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan in Manhattan at 2:15 p.m.

“There cannot be one set of rules for everyday people and another for the wealthy and powerful — we all must play by the same rules and must obey the law,” said Attorney General James. “Mr. Bannon took advantage of his donors’ political views to secure millions of dollars which he then misappropriated. Mr. Bannon lied to his donors to enrich himself and his friends. We will continue to take on fraudulent behavior in every corner of society, including white collar criminals, because no one is above the law. I thank District Attorney Bragg for his close partnership on this matter and commend the dedicated teams at the Attorney General's Office and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for their hard work.”

“It is a crime to turn a profit by lying to donors, and in New York, you will be held accountable,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Stephen Bannon acted as the architect of a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud thousands of donors across the country — including hundreds of Manhattan residents. Each and every day, my office works to ensure that when New Yorkers hand over money, they know where it’s going and who it’s going to — without any smokescreens or false promises. I thank Attorney General James for her partnership, as well as the numerous attorneys, investigators, analysts, and so many more from both my office and the Attorney General’s Office that have worked so diligently to bring today’s indictment.”

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, from January 11, 2019, through December 31, 2019, We Build the Wall, through Mr. Bannon and others, represented that all of the money donated to We Build the Wall would be directed toward the organization’s stated purpose of building a wall on the border of the United States and Mexico using private funds. Mr. Bannon and others specifically represented that none of the donations would be used to pay the salary of We Build the Wall’s president, who stated on multiple occasions that he was taking no salary from We Build the Wall. In reality, We Build the Wall paid its president more than $250,000 in 2019, despite the organization’s promises to the contrary.

We Build the Wall also attempted to obscure those payments by laundering them through third-party entities, including another not-for-profit corporation controlled by Mr. Bannon. Mr. Bannon facilitated more than $100,000 in salary payments to We Build the Wall’s president by directing We Build the Wall to transfer money to Mr. Bannon’s organization, and then paying We Build the Wall’s president from that intermediary organization.

In August 2020, Mr. Bannon and three others were indicted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for crimes related to We Build the Wall’s fundraising scheme. On January 20, 2021, Mr. Bannon received a presidential pardon on the federal matter from former President Donald J. Trump.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) thanks District Attorney Bragg and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (DANY) for their continued partnership and collaboration.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Gregory Morril of OAG Public Integrity Bureau — who is cross designated as a Special Assistant District Attorney at DANY — along with DANY Assistant District Attorneys Michael Frantel and Daniel Passeser, under the supervision of Gary T. Fishman, Director of the Crime Proceeds Strike Force and Special Advisor to the Criminal Justice Division at OAG, OAG Public Integrity Bureau Chief Gerard Murphy, Assistant District Attorney Julieta V. Lozano, Chief of the Major Economic Crimes Bureau; Executive Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conroy, Special Advisor to the Investigations Division; and Executive Assistant District Attorney Susan Hoffinger, Chief of the Investigation Division.

OAG Legal Support Analysts Crystal Bisbano and Grace Koh and former Legal Support Analyst Jack Jones also assisted with the case, as did DANY Senior Financial Intelligence Unit Administrator Rosalind October, Financial Intelligence Analyst Darya Dergacheva, Paralegals Jackson Howell and Willa Grimes, and former paralegals Anna Kuritzkes and Nicholas Manriquez of the DANY Major Economic Crimes Bureau. Assistance was also provided by OAG Detective Alexandre Ramirez of the Investigations Division under the supervision of Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes, DANY investigators Jeremy Rosenberg, Supervising Rackets Investigator, and Miguel Pena and Anthony Santoro, Senior Rackets Investigators.

Additional assistance was provided at DANY by Kenneth Zorn, Forensic Accountant Investigator, under the supervision of Irene Serrapica, Principal Deputy Bureau Chief of the Forensic Accounting and Financial Investigations Bureau, and Robert Demarest, Chief of the Forensic Accounting and Financial Investigations Bureau; Borislav Vestfrid, Senior Computer Forensic Analyst, under the supervision of Steven Moran, Director of the High Technology Analysis Unit; and Olivia Savell, Privilege Review Data Specialist, under the supervision of Caroline Serino, Deputy Chief of the Privilege Review Unit and Shannon Goldberg, Chief of the Privilege Review Unit.

The OAG Investigations Division and the Public Integrity Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Criminal charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea.

Racist Colorado GOP candidate refers to Black candidates as chimps

Marla Fernandez

Things have gotten ugly in a Colorado state house race where a Republican candidate,Marla Fernandez refferred to Black candidates as “chimps.” The longshot Republican candidate in the race for Colorado’s House District 3 also said she is not apologizing.

Bank of America Giving $25 Million in Support Black and Latino Financial Insitutions Across the US

The National Alliance of Latino CDFI Executives (NALCE), an initiative of the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, and the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) will receive $25 million in total funding from Bank of America to support minority-led CDFIs in their networks. Both alliances represent over 130 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) led by people of color that possess the cultural competency to specifically serve Latino and African American communities.

Compared to minority-led CDFIs, white-led CDFIs have a median asset size 2.5 times larger, according to a HOPE Policy Institute study of CDFI Fund activity over a 15-year period. This is an example of how even the very institutions that have been erected to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities can sometimes mirror the biases that exist in society.

NALCE and The Alliance will use this investment to grow the capacity of their member CDFIs. CDFIs are locally-based institutions that best know the issues faced by their low- and moderate-income minority communities and can bring to bear the cultural and linguistic skills to serve them. As a result, NALCE and The Alliance members are uniquely positioned to offer low-cost loans, access to capital and financial counseling services to individuals and businesses nationwide.

“This example of Black and Latino alliances working collaboratively will serve as a model for other coalitions to effectively reach diverse communities of color,” said Marla Bilonick, President & CEO of NALCAB and NALCE Chair. “CDFIs are one of the most impactful vehicles for equitable economic investment in traditionally underinvested communities, yet the very CDFIs that are most qualified to serve OUR communities struggle to be equitably capitalized. This collaboration demonstrates that opportunities and impact are literally doubled when we work together.”

“We are thrilled to partner with NALCAB for this announcement as we further build our partnership. This is a historic investment from Bank of America that recognizes the importance of minority-led CDFIs and advances economic empowerment in their communities,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr, President & CEO of The Alliance. “Having the opportunity to be part of this coalition and investment fuels our movement's capacity and promises a path to larger future investments in developing the pipeline of Latino and African American-Led CDFIs.”

Bank of America is the largest private investor in CDFIs in the United States, with more than $2 billion in loans and investments currently disbursed in more than 250 CDFIs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. “We are working across our company to address important societal priorities, including racial equality and economic opportunity,” said Dan Letendre, CDFI Executive at Bank of America. “NALCAB and The Alliance member CDFIs are uniquely positioned to understand the issues faced by their communities and bring to bear the necessary financial and cultural skills to serve them.”

Gov. Phil Murphy signs law establishing Black Heritage Trail in New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed legislation that will highlight Black history in the state.

The governor signed the new law establishing a Black Heritage Trail and Commission at the Newark Public Library.

Prersident Biden nominates Orelia Merchant for United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

U.S. President Joe Biden's newest round of judicial nominees includes New York Chief Deputy Attorney General Orelia Merchant for the Eastern District of New York.

Orelia Merchant has served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for State Counsel in the New York State Attorney General’s Office since 2019. Ms. Merchant previously served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York as an Executive Assistant United States Attorney from 2016 to 2019 and as an Assistant United States Attorney from 2002 to 2016. From 1998 to 2002, Ms. Merchant served as an Assistant Regional Counsel for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. From 2000 to 2001, she was detailed to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. Ms. Merchant received her J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1998, her M.A. in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary in 1995, and her B.S. from Dillard University in 1992.

Official White House portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama unveiled.

The Obamas returned to the presidential residence Wednesday for a ceremony to unveil their official White House portraits, more than five years after moving out of the president's mansion.

Barack Obama's painting was done by Robert McCurdy and Michelle Obama's was done by Sharon Sprung.

Traditionally, the two most recent presidential portraits end up in the Entrance Hall. The first ladies' portraits generally hang on the floor below.

Get a better look at the portarits below:

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The View hosts respond to racist backlash against Black characters in House of Dragons & The Rings Of Power

Whoopi Goldberg and her fellow The View co-hosts react to the racist backlash to the The Rings Of Power and House of the Dragon series casting diverse characters.

CRITICS SLAM CASTING IN ‘LORD OF THE RINGS,’ ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’: #TheView co-hosts react to criticism of the #TheRingsOfPower and #HouseoftheDragon series casting diverse characters. https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/4XrGBJQspt

— The View (@TheView) September 6, 2022

Black Woman Alleges White Bank Workers Wouldn't Deposit Casino Jackpot Check

Lizzie Pugh, a Black Detroit public schools retiree, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that white employees at Fifth Third Bank in Livonia refused to cash and deposit her slot machine jackpot check. She won it during a church outing to the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant.

The 71-year-old alleges that three white bank employees told her the five-figure check was fraudulent and and refused to give it back, reports Tresa Baldas of the Detroit Free Press. Pugh, who is a deacon at her church, says it's blatant racism.

"I couldn’t really believe they did that to me," Pugh tells the Freep. "I was devastated. I kept asking, 'How do you know the check is not real?' ... And they just insisted that it was fraudulent. ... I was just terrified."

The Aug. 29 lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit says after much persistence that day she got the bank to return her check, which she then deposited at a nearby Chase bank. It cleared the following day without issue, the lawsuit says. 

Fifth Third Bank didn't respond to several requests from the Free Press for  a comment.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson’s Statement on Jackson, Mississippi Water Crisis

NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement on the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis:

Somehow, in the year 2022, equality and justice remain out of reach for Black communities across America. The disparities facing our community are stark - just look at the catastrophe unfolding in my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. More than a hundred thousand people, the majority of whom are Black, are without safe access to drinking water for the foreseeable future.

This crisis is the direct result of the failures of politicians who have put party and politics over the issues that will help people in communities like Jackson, Mississippi, Flint, Michigan, and the many other majority Black cities that have been left behind for too long. We need elected officials who will put people over politics and will address issues that impact Black communities.

While the NAACP continues to mobilize volunteers, clean water distribution efforts, and collaboration with local, state, and federal administrations, we remind elected officials that those seeking to win our vote must show they are with us, and they will fight for us.

Nyla Johnson a 10-Year-Old African American Girl Seals Book Distribution Deal

A 10-year-old African American girl, Nyla Johnson made history recently when she landed a major book distribution deal in hundreds of stores across the United States of America.

Nyla, who is an author and entrepreneur from Rochester, Michigan, is celebrating having a nationwide book distribution deal at more than 250 Meijer store locations across five states. Meijer is one of the largest and fastest-growing big box retailers in the Midwest.

In her debut book of the series which is entitled, “Nyla’s First Day of Kindergarten”, she chronicles an African American girl’s journey from daycare to full-time school.

From meeting new friends and her teacher to playground fun and reading new books, readers can join Nyla and her friends on her first day’s journey into the world of kindergarten!

In real life, Nyla is a fifth grader at Hugger Elementary in Rochester, Michigan. When she’s not writing or reading, she loves riding her hoverboard, roller skating, and playing with friends outdoors.In a recent interview on Fox2 News Detroit, she said: “I just think just think above the brain, and I just start writing whatever comes to mind” Nyla’s First Day of Kindergarten is available as an ebook on Amazon, but the paperback is available through her mom’s publishing company at SoItIsWritten.net

A true entrepreneur at heart, she also has a dog walking business where she fulfills her passion for four-legged friends and helping others in and around the community.

Nyla is also currently working on her second book project, set to be released in the fall of 2022.

CHECK OUT NYLA'S FIRST DAY OF KINDEGARTEN ON AMAZON

Coco Gauff advances to U.S. Open quarterfinals for 1st time

Coco Gauff reached the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time on Sunday with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over China's Zhang Shuai.

The 18-year-old 12th seed from Atlanta advanced to a last eight meeting with France's Caroline Garcia after prevailing in 1hr 57minutes.

Prior to this season, Gauff had never gone further than the third round at the US Open.

In the last eight she will face one of the most in-form players in the draw in 28-year-old Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia.

Coco ➡️ #USOpen Quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/dt79TzYLSI

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2022

Barack Obama wins Creative Emmy for narrating the series, “Our Great National Parks.”

Former president Barack Obama won a Creative Emmy Award on Saturday for best narrator for his work on the Netflix documentary series, “Our Great National Parks.”

The five-part show, which features national parks from around the globe, is produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, “Higher Ground.”

Barack Obama is the second president to have an Emmy. Dwight D. Eisenhower was given a special Emmy Award in 1956.

Barack Obama previously won Grammy Awards for his audiobook reading of two of his memoirs, “The Audacity of Hope” and “A Promised Land.”

Chadwick Boseman Wins A Posthumous Creative Emmy Award For What If...?

"Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous Creative Arts Emmy Award for his voice performance in the Disney+ series "What If...?". Chadwick Boseman's wife Taylor Simone Ledward accepted the honor on his behalf during Saturday's ceremony at downtown Microsoft Theater here. It marked both the actor's first win and first Emmy nomination.

Chadwick Boseman, who played Wakanda King T'Challa aka superhero Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), won the award in the outstanding character voice-over performance category in the "What If... T'Challa Became a Star-Lord?" episode. The character of Star-Lord/ Peter Quill is played by Chris Pratt in the MCU.

Taylor Simone Ledward called it an honor for the late actor to get his first Emmy award.

"When I learned Chad was nominated, I started thinking of everything that was going on in the world and our world and being so in awe of his commitment and dedication and what a beautiful moment that one of the last things he would work on was something so important to him and to the world but also something new," Ledward said at the ceremony. "You can't understand your purpose unless you ask what if? What if the universe is conspiring in my favor? What if it's me? Chad would be so honored and I am honored on his behalf."

Marvel Entertainment reacted to Chadwick’s win. “Thank you to the Television Academy for recognizing the outstanding work of our King, the late Chadwick Boseman. #Emmys,” their official account tweet, along with a picture of the character for which the late actor won. Chadwick beat several heavyweight performers in the category, including What If co-star Jeffrey Wright, Archer’s Jessica Walter, Moon Knight’s F Murray Abraham, Bridgerton’s Julie Andrews, Big Mouths Maya Rudolph, and Central Park’s Stanley Tucci.

New book by Black poet: "The Blood is On Your Hands": Poems Against Gun Violence In America

Paperback ------ Kindle

"The Blood is On Your Hands": Poems Against Gun Violence In America

George L. Cook III is a former Councilman Board of Education member from Hillside, New Jersey.

Mr. Cook watched the news of the massacres at Buffalo and Uvalde in horror as many of you did.

He watched on May 19, 2022 when a coward entered a supermarket in Buffalo, New York and gunned down ten people for no other reason than they were Black. The bastard believed in White Replacement Theory, a white supremist notion that whites will be replaced by “minorities”.

On May 24, 2022, like most of you, he watched in shock as the news of the shooting in Uvalde, Texas was reported.

He watched a parent’s worst nightmare in shock and anger. He watched and cried as reports of 19 dead children between the ages of 9 and 11 flooded my television, computer, and smartphone screen.

He grew angrier as the hours and the days went by. He grew angrier because he realized no matter what the politicians said, no matter how many thoughts and prayers they gave, he knew nothing would change.

In both cases the 18-year-old gunmen were able to buy AR-15s days before or literally hours before the attacks. How is that even possible?

The CDC lists guns as the #1 cause of death for children in the United States. Yet, those in Congress do nothing.

Things must change and change now!

This anger inspired George Cook to write his book, The Blood is on Your Hands: Poems Against Gun Violence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...The poems are beautiful and visceral. It is clear that Cook feels passionately about this subject, and he knows how to communicate that passion across the page."
 
From the Union County  (NJ) Local Source newspaper.

I just read this book. I thought it was brilliant. It Speaks life Into existence as to what is happening in this world...These poems are fabulous, the dedication and respect that George Cook put on them is wonderful. We need to pass these to other people. We need to pray for other people to read this. 
 

Reverend Cherenna Dale-Rawls Community Church of God Plainfield NJ

...The poems are written in memory of the victims. The message is for lawmakers.

Adam Darsky TAPInto Hillside.net

This book written by George L. Cook, and was clearly written, not to raise money,  but to raise awareness to systemic racism and abuse by those in power.

Yes the Blood is on your hands.
Ezekiel 3:18

Elder Donald Boughton Th.B

THE BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS - Poems against gun violence by the Honorable George L. Cook III. This is a easy read and a great tool for all to enjoy!

NJ Assemblyman and Bishop Reginald W. Atkins

The book is available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle:

Paperback ------ Kindle