Black presence on U.S. boards shrinks, hedge funds cited by some

African-Americans have become a shrinking presence in the boardrooms of the biggest U.S. companies in recent years, setting back a push by pension funds for greater diversity.

African-Americans, who make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, account for 8.6 percent of the directors on the boards of the largest 200 companies by revenue in the S&P 500 in 2015, down from 9.6 percent in 2010, according to the annual Board Index study by Spencer Stuart, one of the largest executive search firms. The figure was 9 percent in 2006, the first year the firm reported the measure.

Read more: Black presence on U.S. boards shrinks, hedge funds cited by some

Jury deadlocked in William Porter's trial in Freddie Gray case

From WMAR (Baltimore) 4 PM Eastern time 12/15/15.

The jury in the trial of Officer William Porter sent a note to Judge Barry Williams saying they were deadlocked.

Judge Williams called the jury back in, instructed them again, and sent them back to continue deliberation.

Serena Williams is Sports Illustrated's 2015 Sportsperson of the Year

Sports Illustrated's 2015 Sportsperson of the Year is not Stephen Curry, Lebron James, Tom Brady, Ronda (you got knocked the f*ck out) Rousey, or a damned horse. It's Serena Williams! Long live the Queen!!!

The Wiz Live nominated for 5 Critic's Choice Awards

A show that was foolishly derided by some for its lack of diversity, The Wiz Live is proving that success is the ultimate revenge. Not only did the show get 11.5 million viewers when airing, the show has been nominated for 5 Critic's Choice Awards. To top it off it received the most nominations for a broadcast network show and the most for NBC.

The Wiz Live was nominated in the following catergories:

ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES

Shanice Williams – The Wiz Live! – NBC

MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES

The Wiz Live!

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES

David Alan Grier – The Wiz Live! – NBC

Ne-Yo – The Wiz Live! – NBC

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES

Mary J. Blige – The Wiz Live! – NBC

Arson reported at Virginia church with historical African American roots

A fire at a Northern Virginia church with historical roots in the African American community was deliberately set, authorities said Friday.

The fire was reported Oct. 22 at the Grace Annex United Methodist Church in Purcellville, said Laura Rinehart , a spokeswoman for the Loudoun County fire department.

In a statement released to the media, Rinehart said fire investigators had determined that the fire was “incendiary in nature.”

It remains under investigation, she said.

According to the statement, the early-morning fire caused a minimal amount of damage to the structure, and did not impede church operations.

Available historical information traces the roots of the church, in part, to a 19th-century congregation of Freedmen and Quakers that was established in the Lincoln area of Loudoun.

That church was described as one of the first black churches permitted by law in Loudoun.

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