Lebron James with Hillary Clinton in Cleveland

Check out Lebron James introducing our next president, Hillary Clinton and discussing why our votes matter in Cleveland, Ohio on November 6, 2016.

Cory Booker goes to Philadelphia to get the black vote out

Seeking to close off any route for Donald Trump to get the 270 electoral votes he needs to be elected president, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker visited the city of Brotherly Love Saturday to ensure African-Americans went to the polls on Tuesday.

A strong black turnout in Pennsylvania's largest city could cancel Trump votes elsewhere and keep the Keystone State in the Democratic camp, improving Hillary Clinton's chances of becoming the first woman U.S. president.

"This state is going to determine which way our country goes," Booker said.

Booker (D-N.J.) was one of several surrogates of both parties who, like the candidates themselves, are fanning out to battleground states this weekend in advance of Election Day. Gov. Chris Christie originally was scheduled to visit Pennsylvania as well on Saturday, though his appearance was cancelled after two former aides were convicted in the Bridgegate trial.

He visited a black-owned barbershop, where pro-Clinton campaign signs such as "Love trumps hate" and "Stronger together" shared space with posters of the Negro League, Muhammad Ali standing over a fallen Sonny Liston, and Obama. He spoke before a group of blacks who were organizing get-out-the-vote efforts. And he addressed dozens of Clinton supporters at a storefront headquarters.

Booker delivered pep talks, posed for selfies, posted videos on Instagram, and asked those in attendance to give one hour, 48 minutes or even 32 minutes to make calls on Tuesday to ensure that Clinton backers go to the polls.

"This is one of those elections where it's forward or backward," he said at the barbershop. "We need to get our friends and our families out to vote."

Read more: Booker goes to Philadelphia to get the black vote out

Sevyn Streeter to sing anthem at 76ers game on Dec. 16

After not allowing Sevyn Streeter to perform the national anthem because she wore a shirt that read "We Matter" the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to let her sing the national anthem on December 16. Both the 76ers and Streeter released statements on this agreement. Read those statements below.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS STATEMENT

"After thoughtful conversation, the 76ers and Sevyn Streeter have worked together to develop a plan we hope will bring meaningful action to the Philadelphia community. Sevyn has accepted our offer to return to perform the national anthem on Friday, December 16th vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. She will also be joining the organization in our ongoing efforts in the community by partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Sixers will make a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia."

SEVYN STREETER STATEMENT:

"After a meaningful dialogue with the 76ers organization, I have accepted their apology. In order to move forward, it was important to me that we take action and use this as an opportunity to create positive change and dialogue throughout the community. The Sixers and I plan to work together through multiple community outreach programs to promote inclusion and acceptance. Our first initiative will be with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, to whom they are graciously making a donation. I am also looking forward to returning to Philadelphia in December to perform the national anthem wearing my 'We Matter' jersey at the 76ers game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers."

Hey Democrats, don't panic over lower African American early voting turnout

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Democratic strategist, talking heads, and many Hillary Clinton supporters are in a slight panic over the lower early voting totals for African Americans. Calm down people; there is no reason to start popping Valiums or downing bottles of whiskey here. There are two factors that when taken into account give a better picture of the cause of the lower totals and should give all Hillary Clinton supporters a rosier outlook.

Factor #1: Hillary was never going to get the same early voting totals as Barack Obama among African-American voters, but then again she doesn't have to. All she has to do is get the 88-90% of the total black vote that Michael Dukakis (89%), Al Gore (90%), and John Kerry (88%)Kerry got. If she does that and continues to expand her base among Hispanic voters, Asian voters, and college educated women, she will be okay. *Sidebar: Yes, smart asses I know that Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry all lost but 88-90% of the black vote back then does not equate to what 80-90% would be now as many more African Americans are voting.

Factor #2: Many of those panicking are ignoring or minimizing the effect of Republican voter suppression tactics. In many states like North Carolina and Alabama, the number of early polling sites was reduced, and those that did open up had their hours cut. Many black voters preferred to use the early voting option so of course, their turnout numbers would be lower if those options are taken away. But just because they couldn't vote early doesn't mean that black voters won't vote. Many will take the time to turn out on election day and cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton. In my humble opinion all Republicans have succeeded in doing with their voter suppression tactics is moving the day when African Americans vote.

So everyone just relax. The black vote will be there for Hillary and help make her the next President of the United States.

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

Three North Carolina counties ordered to restore voter lists

A federal judge on Friday ordered elections boards in three North Carolina counties to restore voter registrations canceled too close to Election Day after the NAACP sued over thousands of the challenges.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs issued the ruling after an emergency hearing earlier in the week on NAACP allegations that at least three counties purged voter rolls through a process disproportionately targeting blacks.

Biggs said the local elections boards must "take all steps necessary" to restore voter registrations canceled during the 90 days preceding Election Day on Tuesday.

Read more: Three North Carolina counties ordered to restore voter lists