NBA Commissioner Adam Silver statement on death of Dikembe Motumbo

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement after the passing of NBA legend Dikembe Motumbo:

Statement From the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Regarding NJ State Police biased practices

Statement From the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Regarding NJ State Police:

The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus (NJ LBC) commends Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin for his courageous transparency in exposing the deeply disturbing and biased practices entrenched within the New Jersey State Police. While we appreciate the release of the Attorney General’s Report, this is not news to us. It is a harsh confirmation of what we have long known and denounced. The discrimination and egregious acts within the New Jersey State Police are an affront to the oath sworn by their officers and a violation of the public trust they are meant to uphold.

More troubling is the retaliatory actions taken against their own officers who dared to report these injustices. The deliberate targeting of those who sought to bring fairness and integrity to the force is both unacceptable and a stark betrayal of duty. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a systemic failure that has been allowed to fester for far too long, perpetuated by leadership that is unwilling to confront its own wrongdoing.

It is time for accountability. The individuals who orchestrated and perpetuated this culture of bias, retaliation, and dereliction of duties must face formal charges. The leadership that allowed these egregious acts to continue cannot remain in power. New leadership, committed to reform, must be enforced immediately.

The NJ LBC demands continuous oversight, with civilians appointed, properly trained, and given a seat at the table to ensure transparency. Public meetings must also be held regularly to restore the trust that has been so gravely breached both internally within the force and externally with the communities they are sworn to protect.

This is a breach not just of internal trust among officers but of the sacred bond between law enforcement and the public. Our communities deserve better, and our officers who are committed to their oath, deserve a system that does not punish them for doing what is right.

We need robust, enforceable measures to restore the integrity of the New Jersey State Police and rebuild the broken trust with our communities.

We echo the sentiments of Attorney General Platkin in shining a light on these injustices. We must now act decisively to ensure that no future leader can continue the pattern of avoidance and disregard for New Jersey law. The era of discrimination, retaliation, and injustice must come to an end.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz launch HBCU Homecoming Tour

With about a month until election day, the Harris-Walz campaign is stepping up its grassroots efforts by launching a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour. Homecoming season is one of the most important times for HBCUs, celebrating their rich culture, history and the sense of community they’ve built over generations. The campaign's decision to hit the road during this pivotal time aims to connect with Black voters in key battleground states like North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.Check out the HBCU Homecoming Tour's tentative schedule below.

● Winston-Salem State University, Weekend of September 28th

● Lincoln University, Weekend of October 12th

● Virginia State University, Weekend of Oct 12

● Howard University, Weekend of October 19th

● North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Weekend of October 19th

● Clark Atlanta University, Weekend of October 19th

● Morehouse and Spelman College, Weekend of October 26th.

20 years later Tavis Smiley reignites the call for equity and justice with The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later

Twenty years after sparking a national dialogue on systemic inequality, Tavis Smiley has updated and released The Covenant with Black America. The recently released book, The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later, maintains the book's original sense of urgency while weaving in a powerful blend of historical insights and contemporary voices. Initially published in 2004, The Covenant with Black America quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller by critically addressing the issues facing America's Black community and pushing the nation to confront deep-rooted disparities with extraordinary determination.

The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later revisits and updates the hard-hitting social commentary of its original version. The new edition intertwines the original essays with powerful new contributions from today's leading voices. Despite notable progress, disparities in health, housing, justice, and economic opportunities continue to impact Black communities disproportionately.

"At this critical time in our history, we must confront the forces of extremism and extend the rich tradition of deep democracy in America as we expand justice, equity, and freedom for all," stated Tavis Smiley. "The new edition provocatively covers today's most pressing issues and offers tangible solutions to some of this country's most persistent problems."

The book's ten covenants serve as a call to action and a reminder that the path to equality is far from over. Each of the original covenants has been updated with the latest data and analysis, revealing both the progress and the troubling persistence of inequality.

"Most importantly, the new edition includes a poignant essay on the alarming rise of homelessness within our community, where Black men have become the predominant face of this epidemic in America," added Smiley.

With a fresh foreword by Rev. William J. Barber, II and a special afterword by the esteemed poet Nikki Giovanni, The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later is a testament to the enduring spirit of advocacy and a beacon of light and hope for future generations. The book invites us all to partake in the crucial work of reshaping America into a more equitable society, echoing the timeless truth that our collective liberation uplifts our nation.

The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later is now available at local bookstores and online. For more information about this anniversary edition, please visit Hay House Publishing or contact Matt Klink, matt@klinkcampaigns.com.

Dr. Jonathan Holloway to Step Down as President of Rutgers University

Jonathan Holloway, the first Black president of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has announced his intent to step down at the conclusion of this academic year and return to a full-time faculty position. He plans to take a sabbatical for the 2025-2026 year, and will return the following year to focus on research projects prior to beginning his faculty position.

Dr. Holloway assumed the presidency of Rutgers University at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, becoming the first Black president in the university’s over 250-year history. During his five year tenure, the university has experienced record undergraduate enrollment, exceeded its fundraising goals, and expanded its medical academic programming and infrastructure. However, over the same time period, the university has experienced national controversy because of its response to the pro-Palestine protests on campus and a subsequent faculty strike.

“There is plenty to do before I complete my term and I remain focused on that work, especially that which is committed to the connections between Rutgers and civic preparedness and civil discourse,” stated Dr. Holloway. “But whatever the topic, I remain steadfast in my belief that Rutgers is on the rise and is earning the respect it has long deserved. I look forward to seeing it flourish in the years ahead.”

Before he assumed the Rutgers University presidency, Dr. Holloway spent three years as provost of Northwestern University in Illinois. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Yale faculty for nearly two decades, ultimately serving as dean of Yale College and the Edmund S. Morgan Professor of African American Studies, History, and American Studies. He has authored several books throughout his career, most recently African American History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Dr. Holloway holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Stanford University in California and a Ph.D. in history from Yale University.

[SOURCE: JBHE]

If Mayor Eric Adams leaves office Public Advocate Jumaane Williams becomes acting mayor

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accussed of taking bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors, according to a federal indictment unsealed by Manhattan prosecutors Thursday.

He of course is presumed innocent until found guilty, but what happens if he resigns from his position?

According to the New York City Charter, if the mayor leaves office, the next in the line of succession is the public advocate. The public advocate would immediately become acting mayor until a special election is held to choose a successor

The current public advocate is Jumaane Williams. The public advocate office was established in 1993 and is considered a watchdog arm of the government that helps citizens with municipal complaints and inquiries.

Jumaane Williams is 48-years-old and from Brooklyn, NY. He has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district (2010–2019), which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.

Hakeem Jeffries statement on Republican Rep. Clay Higgins Racist Tweet

House Minority Leader Hakkem Jeffries released the following statement on Republican Rep. Clay Higgins Racist Tweet about Haitians:

My statement on Rep. Clay Higgins. pic.twitter.com/YPpdcgDSD9

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) September 25, 2024

Congressional Black Caucus Introduces Resolution to Censure Rep. Clay Higgins on Racist Post About Haitians

Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins posted to X a comment that invoked racist stereotypes about Haitians. Read his tweet below:

“These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP,” Higgins wrote. “All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the resolution to censure Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03):

“Today, Representative Clay Higgins used his official account on X to publicly spew hatred, fear, and intolerance against Haitians and Haitian Americans in an overtly racist post. Referring to Haiti as the “nastiest country in the western hemisphere”, and denigrating Haitians with vile and demeaning terms goes against a foundational principle about our country: that America is a nation of immigrants where all are welcome.

“We can only hope and pray that the misinformation and racist rhetoric spewed by former President Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance, Rep. Higgins, and other right wing MAGA extremists, do not lead to violence in any Haitian or immigrant community.

“Every member of Congress must be clear that we need to eliminate hate in all its forms. It is time to turn the page on this pattern of denigrating and villainizing immigrants for political gain. Today, we have introduced a privileged resolution to censure Rep. Higgins and to make clear that bigotry and racism from a member of Congress is unacceptable.”

Why This Black Man Supports Kamala Harris For President

Why This Black Man Supports Kamala Harris For President

By George L. Cook III Send Email

WARNING STRONG LANGUAGE.

Sometimes you have to be profane to be profound

 

My name is George L. Cook III.

I am from Hillside NJ who has served in public office as both a school board member and a member of the town council. I now work with a couple of foundations to help Black students go to college and to help them pay for school when they get there.

I am also a Black man.

A Black man who supports and who is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States.

Now that the introductions are out of the way it’s time for the profanity

I don’t give a fuck that her mother is Indian, and her father is Jamaican, she is Black!

I don’t give a fuck that she married a white man!

I don’t give a fuck about the lies about her putting Black men in jail!  She actually started a program called Back on Track for people charged with first-time, nonviolent offenses, like low-level drug sales in an attempt to keep people out of prison. (Ain’t hear about that shit on Youtube did you?)

I don’t give a fuck if you don’t like her laugh!

What do I give a fuck about?

I give a fuck about $35 insulin and affordable medications for us all!

I give a fuck about voting rights!

I give a fuck about students being shot down in school!

I give a fuck about us being able to band together and help each other financially without being sued!

I give a fuck about my daughter’s student debt!

I give a fuck about the healthcare my wife, daughter, and every other woman in my family may or may not receive depending on the state they are in!

I could go on, but I am sure you get the point. Now let me tell you why I am supporting VP Harris.

She is the most qualified person to ever run for president. That’s’ a fact. I don’t care what side you are on your head is up your ass if you think differently. 

She has served as the 27^th District Attorney of San Francisco, the 32nd Attorney General of California, as U.S. Senator from California, and the 49th Vice President of the United States.

She has actual policies the other person has concepts.

And to be honest unlike that other person she gives a damn about people and what happens to them.

From one Black man to another...

I don’t want to hear shit from some of you Black men who are whining about voting for a woman either. 

Many of us were raised by women and are used to seeing women in authority. You listened to your mother, auntie, grandma all your life and now you have problem voting for a woman?

Get the fuck outta here!

Brothas voting for a woman does not make you weak, as a matter-of-fact VP Harris and other Black women need our strength right now. They need us to have their back and to be there beside them as they work to make VP Harris the next president.

We need to be shouldering more of the weight! God gave us broader shoulders for a reason so stop whining and let’s help our women carry this weight! Let's carry VP Kamala Harris to victory in November!

So, what’s up? We doing this shit or what?

I’m voting for VP Harris; you can vote for the clown but don’t cry when you get a circus.

'Dear America, A Letter From Black Women' Documentary Explores Impact of Black Women in American Politics

Project Ready, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowerment through civic engagement, announces a national tour for "Dear America, A Letter From Black Women" - a feature film that highlights the role of Black women in American politics. The documentary is part of The Dear America Project, a movement to mobilize Black women and allies across the nation and encourage their participation in the election process.

Trailer For 'Dear America, A Letter From Black Women'

"In this historic moment - when a Black woman is running for president - the story of 'Dear America' and the role of Black women in politics is more relevant and important than ever," said Shennell Barnes-McCloud, CEO, Project Ready. "This film not only amplifies silenced voices but also serves as a call to action to mobilize our community and participate in the civic process by using democracy as a tool to empower and uplift."

This documentary film and social impact campaign shine a light on the untold stories of Black women and explore their pivotal role in shaping the nation's political history. From scholars to activists, the film spotlights diverse voices of Black women as they work to defend their rights and the future of American democracy in the face of rising threats. The film features interviews with Black activists, scholars and changemakers, including Hill Harper, Dr. Martin Luther King III, Andrea Waters King, LaTosha Brown, and Lindsey Granger.

As part of the tour, the Dear America project is working with partners to secure a pledge to vote from 100,000 Black women across the country.

The 'Dear America' A Letter From Black Women short film tour will make stops in Chappaqua, New York; Durham, North Carolina; Newark, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; New York, New York; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and other cities to be announced shortly. To RSVP for a showing, please click here.

About Project Ready
Project Ready works to close the opportunity gaps and improve life outcomes by powering communities through civic engagement. First started in 2018 as a grassroots advocacy organization to increase voter turnout, Project Ready has since expanded its focus to include issues related to social justice, public health, and educational inequities. Visit https://www.projectreadynj.org/.

About Dear America, A Letter from Black Women
In a world where the voices of Black women have often been marginalized and silenced, "Dear America, A Letter from Black Women" is a powerful call to action and a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Black women. This documentary film and social impact campaign shines a light on the untold stories of Black women, from their centuries-long battle for democracy to their continued fight against the rising threats to the future of our nation. The "Dear America" project is about more than just a film – it's a movement. It's about Black women rising up, claiming their rightful place at the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality, and demanding a future that reflects their values, their strength, and their unwavering determination. This election season, the "Dear America" project is mobilizing Black women and allies across the nation to not just vote, but to take a stand.

Police Leaders for Community Safety Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Police Leaders for Community Safety, a nonpartisan organization of law enforcement leaders from across the nation, today announced its endorsement of Kamala Harris for President. 

“This endorsement reflects Vice President Harris’ track record and unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law,” said Sue Riseling, Chair of Police Leaders for Community Safety.  “As police leaders who have led law enforcement agencies and the major national law enforcement leadership groups, we know first-hand what it will take to make our communities safer – and that includes having Kamala Harris as our next President,” Riseling added.

“Vice President Harris spent her prosecutorial career protecting people, supporting victims and holding accountable those who have harmed others and betrayed the public trust. As a lawmaker, she has fought hard for the critical law enforcement-backed policies needed to fight crime and protect the public,” said Police Leaders for Community Safety Board member David Mahoney, former Sheriff of Dane County, WI and past President of the National Sheriffs’ Association.

“Too many politicians call themselves tough on crime and say they support law enforcement but then don’t have the courage to do what is right to keep us safe,” said  Board Vice Chair Rick Myers, who has been a police chief in eight communities in multiple states, including Wisconsin and Michigan. “It is unacceptable that gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens. We need a leader who will protect both the 2nd Amendment and our nation from the scourge of gun violence, and that leader is Kamala Harris.” 

“This election will decide the direction of our country on policies critical to the safety of Americans and the health of our democracy,” said Cynthia Herriott, who served as Police Chief in Rochester, NY and on the Board of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). “Kamala Harris is someone who stands up to special interests and we can count on her to do the hard work of keeping our communities safe.”

Led by a diverse group of prominent police professionals – who have been at the helm of the major national law enforcement leadership groups – the organization champions policies to make communities and the people in them safer, improve and evolve policing, and safeguard the rule of law.

Police Leaders for Community Safety is the only national police leadership organization that endorses candidates for political office, and this is the group’s first endorsement. This and future endorsements will be based on candidates’ alignment on issues vital to law enforcement, including policies to make our communities safer, resources for federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, support for improving and evolving policing, and commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and protecting public processes. 

About Police Leaders for Community Safety: Police Leaders for Community Safety is a nonpartisan national advocacy organization (501(c)4) formed by prominent law enforcement leaders to promote policies and public investments that make our communities safer, improve the policing profession, protect public processes, and preserve human dignity. 

LAS VEGAS ACES’ A’JA WILSON UNANIMOUSLY WINS 2024 KIA WNBA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

Las Vegas Aces center-forward A’ja Wilson has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player, the WNBA announced today.

This marks the record-tying third Kia WNBA MVP Award for Wilson, who also earned the honor in 2020 and 2022. She is the fourth player in WNBA history to win three MVPs, joining Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002 and 2005), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004 and 2006) and Lauren Jackson (2003, 2007 and 2010).

Wilson received all 67 first-place votes (670 points) from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, making her the first unanimous Kia WNBA MVP since the Houston Comets’ Cynthia Cooper in the league’s inaugural season of 1997.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (467 points) finished in second place, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points) in third place, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) in fourth place and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points) in fifth place. Players were awarded 10 points for a first-place vote, seven points for a second-place vote, five points for a third-place vote, three points for a fourth-place vote and one point for a fifth-place vote.

In her seventh WNBA season, Wilson averaged 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.58 blocked shots and 1.79 steals in 34.4 minutes in 38 games. She ranked first in the WNBA in both points and blocks, second in rebounds, fifth in steals and fourth in minutes, setting career highs in all five per-game categories. Wilson also finished seventh in the league in field goal percentage (51.8) and 17th in free throw percentage (84.4).

The 6-4 Wilson broke the WNBA single-season record for scoring average, which had been set by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi in 2006 (25.3 ppg). Wilson also set single-season records with 1,021 total points and 451 total rebounds. She is the first player to lead the WNBA in total points, rebounds and blocks (98) in a season.

Behind Wilson, the two-time defending WNBA champion Aces (27-13) earned the fourth seed in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google. Las Vegas will host the Seattle Storm in Game 1 of a first-round playoff series tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

In the 2024 regular season, Wilson was named the Kia WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month four times (May, June, July and September) and the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week six times (Weeks 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12). A six-time WNBA All-Star, Wilson played for the USA Women’s National Team in the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game before leading the United States to the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, where she was honored as the MVP of the tournament.

Additional highlights of Wilson’s 2024 season include:

*Recorded the two highest-scoring games of the WNBA season, with 42 points against the Dallas Wings on Aug. 27 and 41 points against the Mercury on Sept. 1.

*Scored at least 20 points in 89.5% of her games (34 of 38), a WNBA single-season record.

*Grabbed 9.8 defensive rebounds per game, the highest single-season average in WNBA history.

*Posted the third-highest rebounding average in a WNBA season (11.87), behind No. 1 Angel Reese (13.1 rpg with the Chicago Sky in 2024) and No. 2 Sylvia Fowles (11.88 with the Minnesota Lynx in 2018).

*Finished with 24 points and a career-high 20 rebounds against the Storm on July 10 for the first 20-20 game of her career.

*Became the second player in WNBA history to have at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game (vs. the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 30), joining Candace Parker (2008).

*Set WNBA single-season records for consecutive games with 20 or more points (15) and consecutive games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds (eight).

*Became the Aces’ franchise leader in both total points and total rebounds.

*Led the WNBA in steals-per-turnover ratio (1.42 to 1) and had a career-low 1.3 turnovers per game.

*In August, Wilson won the 2024 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her dedication and positive impact on the community. Dawn Staley was the head coach for all four of Wilson’s seasons at the University of South Carolina, where the two won a national championship together in the 2016-17 season and Wilson was a four-time All-America Team selection.

Wilson was selected by the Aces with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm. She led the franchise to its first two WNBA championships, in 2022 and 2023, earning the WNBA Finals MVP Award last season. Among her accolades, Wilson has been the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, the Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year twice and an All-WNBA Team selection four times.

In honor of being named the 2024 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player, Wilson will receive $15,450 and a specially designed trophy by Tiffany & Co.

2024 NABOB Black Media Summit taking place in Washington D.C.

The 2024 NABOB Black Media Summit in Washington, D.C., is the premier event for Black media leaders, agencies, CMOs, advertisers, and content creators. The event takes place OCTOBER 9-11, 2024 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C.

Attendees will elevate their business, network with innovators, and shape the future of Black media through collaboration and cutting-edge conversations. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect and grow within the industry.

This year's conference will showcase the 24th Annual Power of Urban Radio Forum and Awards Luncheon. This prestigious event will honor outstanding achievements in advertising and marketing to the Black consumer market, celebrating those who effectively utilize Black-owned media.

Learn more about the NABOB Black Media Summit here: https://nabob.org/nabobcon/

BET AND THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL JOIN FORCES TO MOBILIZE BLACK VOTERS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION

BET and The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) are proud to announce the launch of the new BET 'We VOTE' Public Service Announcements (PSA) featuring all nine Black fraternities and sororities. These PSAs leverage the influence of the NPHC, affectionately known as "The Divine Nine," to drive awareness, encourage voter participation, and reinforce the importance of every vote in shaping our future.

Esteemed leaders representing the The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents include:

• Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III – General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Danette Anthony Reed – International President and CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Jimmy McMikle – Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Ricky Lawrence Lewis - Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Elsie Cooke-Holmes – International President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Hon. Chris V. Rey, J.D. – International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant – International President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Marica Harris – International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Dr. Sean D. Housen, Sr. – International Grand Polaris, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

"The Council of Presidents is committed to supporting this important initiative with BET," said Hon. Chris V. Rey, J.D., International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Chair of the NPHC Council of Presidents. "The vote is the most powerful tool in democracy, and we look forward to using our collective voices to help drive strong voter engagement and turnout."  

"BET is proud to highlight the Divine Nine and collaborate to ensure voters get the critical information they need about the election, including exercising our right to vote. We, like the Divine Nine, are committed to elevating the well-being of our community. Voting is one such mechanism in which to do so", said Kimberly Paige, CMO and Co-Lead of the BET Social Impact efforts.

BET created the 'We VOTE' effort to exclaim that we Vote for Ourselves, for Togetherness, for Everyone. It is this unifying theme that embodies BET's steadfast commitment to empowering all Black voters to harness their collective power to drive meaningful change.

The Divine 9 PSA is one of many being unveiled today. BET is proud to highlight nine emerging young leaders sharing their voices on the importance of voting. The nine leaders include the following (in alphabetical order):

• Demetris Causer - Voting Rights Attorney, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Inc.
• Marley Dias - #1000BlackGirlBooks Campaign
• Jared Evans - Voting Rights Lawyer, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Inc.
• Myles Hollingsworth - Student, Howard University and President, NAACP NY Youth & College Division
• Arnold Walter Ludd, Jr. - CEO & Founder, Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down
• Christian Nathaniel Matthew - National President, National Action Network, Youth & College Division
• Chelsea Miller - Co-Founder, Freedom March NYC
• Jerome Richardson - Ambassador, Hip Hop Caucus
• L. Joy Williams - President, NAACP – Brooklyn, NY and Host, #SundayCivics Podcast

"We aim to raise awareness of the issues at stake through our efforts to educate the Black community and encourage voters to create and take action on their voting plan, whether it's early voting or on election day," said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Co-Lead of the BET Social Impact efforts.

Produced for BET by The House of JOY (a Black and woman-owned firm), these latest creative spots are a testament to BET's ongoing efforts to elevate and educate the Black community, and ignite unprecedented civic engagement, voter registration, and turnout among Black voters in this critically important election.

To download the videos for your social media, please use the links below:

• Divine 9 Compilation PSA
  • :30 (16x9) - https://vimeo.com/1010706294
  • :30 (1x1) – https://vimeo.com/1010706202
  • :30 (9x16) - https://vimeo.com/1010705991

• Young Leaders Compilation PSA
  • :60 (16x9) - https://vimeo.com/1009715117
  • :60 (1x1) - https://vimeo.com/1009715739
  • :60 (9x16) - https://vimeo.com/1009715444

To learn more, go to BET.com/vote.

MLK III calls out Mark Robinson for past comments about Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King III called out North Carolina Lt. Gov. and GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson for comments he made about Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2011.Martin Luther King III's comments come after a CNN story reported on Robinson's disturbing posts on a porn site.

My statement on alleged comments made by Mark Robinson: pic.twitter.com/CbnTcw4i6L

— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) September 19, 2024

NAACP calling for North Carolina Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson to drop out of the race

CNN released a story claims that Mark Robinson, the North Carolina Republican candidate for governor used a username he allegedly used frequently online to make several inflammatory comments on a message board of a pornography website more than a decade ago, including one comment where he allegedly referred to himself as a "black NAZI! After the story was released the NAACP has now called for Mark Robinson to step down:

Anyone who identifies as a Black Nazi and supports reinstating slavery has no place running for governor.

We’re nonpartisan, but we’re not blind. And we speak out against what is wrong.

Mark Robinson: drop out. https://t.co/O2P5l6cK6E

— NAACP (@NAACP) September 19, 2024

LaMonica McIver wins special House election in New Jersey

Democratic Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver has defeated Republican small businessman Carmen Bucco in a contest in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District that opened up because of the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April.

McIver will serve out the remainder of Payne’s term, which ends in January. She and Bucco will face a rematch on the November ballot for the full term.

[SOURCE: APNEWS]

NASA's "Hidden Figures" awarded Congressional Gold Medal

Four Black women Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden BKA as the Hidden Figures that contributed to NASA's success in the space race were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.

WATCH: National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris

Watch the NABJ The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in-person conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris held on September 17, 2029 at WHYY in Philadelphia.

Group of elected Haitian officials repsond to Senator JD Vance's inflammatory and baseless remarks about Haitians

The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network released the following statement about JD Vance's baseless claims and lies about the Haitian community in Springfield Ohio:

The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) vehemently condemns JD Vance's inflammatory and baseless remarks about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. As elected representatives of the Haitian American community, we are outraged by Vance's reckless rhetoric, which not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines the fabric of our diverse nation.

Haitians have long been pillars of strength in American communities. Their resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit have enriched our society in countless ways. From frontline healthcare workers to innovative business leaders, and educators to public servants, Haitian Americans continue to make invaluable contributions that strengthen our nation's economy and cultural landscape.

NHAEON stands unwaveringly with the Haitian community in Springfield and across the United States. We will not allow xenophobic rhetoric to overshadow the truth of our people's positive impact. We demand that Vance immediately retract his offensive statements and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the harm he has caused. “The Haitian immigrant community are not puppets for political games!” said Chairwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin.

Let us be clear: hate speech and discrimination have no place in our society, especially from those in positions of power. We call on all leaders and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and instead work towards fostering understanding, respect, and equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of their origin.

NHAEON reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of Haitian Americans, challenging false narratives, and advocating for policies that recognize the dignity and value of every individual. We will continue to fight tirelessly for a more just, inclusive, and equitable America – one that honors its immigrant heritage and embraces its multicultural future. The strength of our nation lies in its diversity. It's time for leaders like Vance to recognize this truth and act accordingly.