Full Speech: President Obama Commencement Address at Howard University

President Obama delivered the commencement address today (05/04/2016) at Howard University. Watch the president's entire speech below.

If Trump picks a black VP candidate who should it be?

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com EMAIL

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump has handed off the job of searching for a vetting vice presidential candidates to Ben Carson. Now since Carson is leading the search it's highly unlikely that a black candidate will be chosen, but we now live in a world where Trump is the respective Republican nominee so anything is possible.

In wondering who Carson might look at and vet I came up with a short list (very short list) of respective candidates. Let's take a look at them.

Ben Carson: Highly unlikely as he has reportedly stated his does not want to be VP. He would also have trouble staying awake during meetings and would probably be a better fit as Surgeon General.

South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott Would be a great pick, intelligent, well spoken, understands the issues, and has the gift to be able to articulate his ideas to the masses. He will not be picked though because of all the aforementioned reasons. He also just has too much dignity to serve with Trump.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Probably over qualified for the job, but would make a great VP. He would have an excellent grasp of foreign policy and military issues. His work and statements since leaving a life of public service should give him some distance from Bush 43. Problem is he is a man of extreme honor and dignity and would never serve under Trump. The second issue is that his wife wouldn't let him serve under a Donald Trump. I can hear her saying, "You had better not!"

Utah Rep. Mia Love: Supposedly a rising star in the GOP but she lacks any real experience, but this is the party that put Sarah Palin on a presidential ticket. But then again she would kill two birds with one stone. She is both black and female.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Very qualified, has the two birds with one stone thing going, but the association and fierce loyalty to Bush 43 would be an issue.

Herman Cain: No qualifications at all. He just here because he's African American and I didn't want the list to be too short.

So who do you think the pick will be from this list or could there be someone I didn't mention?

African-American newspaper denied credentials to Trump event

The Black Lens, an African-American newspaper, was denied media credentials to cover Donald Trump’s Spokane campaign stop.

“My gut says that it has to do with the fact that the name of my paper is the Black Lens,” said Sandra Williams, the paper’s editor. “Based on the rhetoric that he’s been spewing around the country it would make sense that he did not want a black newspaper covering what he says in his rallies. That’s the assumption that I’m making.”

The email sent to Williams said, “During the 2016 Presidential Primary race, the Donald J. Trump Campaign fully recognizes and respects all media but due to various venue sizes, media space, and safety we must limit the number of credentialed media and give priority to our national and local outlets. We appreciate your understanding.”

The Black Lens is published monthly and has a circulation of 1,000. Williams and a photographer are the publication’s only staff members.

Read more: Spokane-based African-American paper denied credentials to Trump event

Denzel Washington Event Raises Millions For African American Museum

While many in the entertainment and media industries were saying their bittersweet goodbyes to President Barack Obama at his final annual White House Correspondent’s Dinner this past Saturday in D.C., an elite crowd was communing at the Los Angeles home of movie star Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta to raise additional millions for one of the President’s major priorities.

Early in his presidency, President Obama insisted that all monies needed to complete the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture be raised before his exit from The White House at end of 2016. Authorized by Congress in 2003, the museum stands on a five acre-site on the National mall, near the Washington Monument, and boasts a $540 million dollar price tag.

The federal government contributed $270 million, leaving the Smithsonian and others in the community to raise the remainder. The museum reported raising just over $252 million dollars last month –not far from their $270 million goal. The museum is set to open on September 24 of this year, with President Obama cutting the ribbon.

Denzel and Pauletta said they felt compelled to open the doors to their sprawling home in the Hollywood Hills, nestled far away from prying eyes of star tour buses, in celebration of the mostly California-based supporters of the museum who donated more than $55 million dollars to the project over the past few years.

The Saturday night event raised more than $17 million and included the announcement of a hefty pledge of $10 million dollars from television titan Shonda Rhimes, who could not attend the fundraiser.

Read more here: Denzel Washington Event Raises Millions For African American Museum

Democrat Justin Fairfax to run for lieutenant governor

Democrat Justin Fairfax, a former federal prosecutor and 2013 attorney general candidate, is running for lieutenant governor in Virginia

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He is the first Democrat to officially jump into the statewide contest, while Republicans already have a crowded field including Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Fauquier, and Del. Glenn Davis, R-Virginia Beach.

The candidacy of Fairfax, 37, an African American, would inject diversity and an energetic style into a Democratic ticket that includes the comparatively low-key Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring.

“I am passionate about creating and protecting economic security and opportunity for all Virginians,” Fairfax said in a statement. “As a former federal prosecutor, I know just how fragile security and stability for hard-working families can be.”

Read more: Democrat Justin Fairfax to run for lieutenant governor