Kentucky city's first African American mayor sworn in

Hundreds of people came out to watch history being made. On Saturday afternoon, Beverly Chester-Burton was sworn in as the City of Shively's (Kentucky) first African American mayor.

Burton’s journey started as a sharecropper’s daughter from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. However, she made a pit stop in Shively, becoming the city’s first African American mayor.

“I like to think that I am modeling the way for a lot of others that are interested in taking this journey, “ Burton said.

Burton has been dedicated to Shively since her ten years as a city council member. She stayed dedicated after she lost her first mayoral campaign in 2008. Her former UofL classmate and city council member Maria Johnson said when Burton became the first African American on the city council, she knew that was just the beginning.

[SOURCE: WAVE]

Buena wrestler's parents release statement on cutting on son's dreadlocks

The parents of a Buena Regional High School wrestler who was thrust into the national spotlight when an official required him to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit his bout expressed immense, heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming show of support for their son.

Charles and Rosa Johnson, the parents of junior Andrew Johnson, released a statement on Monday morning through their lawyer Dominic A. Speziali.

“Andrew has been deeply moved by the thunderous outpouring of unsolicited support — including from an Olympic wrestler, leading civil rights advocates and elected officials — after the shocking pre-match ultimatum,” the statement said.

“Wrestling has taught Andrew to be resilient in the face of adversity. As we move forward, we are comforted by both the strength of Andrew’s character and the support he’s received from the community. We will do all that we can to make sure that no student-athlete is forced to endure what Andrew experienced.”

[SOURCE: Courier Post]

Ayanna Pressley Will Get The Old Office Of the First Black Congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm

Rep.-elect Ayanna Pressley (D), who became the first black woman to ever be elected to Congress from Massachusetts last month, says after she's sworn in she will work out of an office once occupied by her "hero," former Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.).

Wow! TY Mommy for the extra bday luck! We just learned my Congressional Office designation will be #ShirleyChisholm 's former office. How's that for divine intervention, AND the selflessness of my colleague @KatieHill4CA who drew a better lottery# but still wanted me to have it.

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 17, 2018

New Jersey Division on Civil Rights investigating wrestler forced to cut off his dreadlocks

Here is an updated statement from Larry White, the Executive Director of the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) who is African American on the black wrestler from Buena, NJ being forced to cut his dreadlocks to compete in a championship match, and the fact that the state is now investigating the incident.

Updated NJSIAA Statement / Buena Regional High School Wrestling

from Larry White, Executive Director, NJSIAA

Saturday, December 22, 2018

“Following up on yesterday’s statement concerning a Buena Regional High School (Buena, NJ) varsity wrestler and a wrestling referee, the NJSIAA can now confirm that the matter will be investigated by state authorities. The NJSIAA will be working with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, providing all requested information. The State investigation will take precedence over the NJSIAA process.

“Further, NJSIAA can confirm that those groups that assign high school wrestling referees in New Jersey will not assign the referee in question until this matter has been thoroughly reviewed. This will help to avoid disruption of events for student athletes .

“Finally, as an African-American and parent – as well as a former educator, coach, official and athlete – I clearly understand the issues at play, and probably better than most. The NJSIAA takes this matter very seriously, and I ask that everyone respect the investigatory process related to all parties involved.”

Lebron James: NFL owners have a slave mentality

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was critical of NFL owners during the latest episode of HBO's "The Shop" on Friday night, saying they have a "slave mentality." This comment came up during a conversation with O'Shea Jackson Sr BKA Ice Cube about the difference between the NBA and NFL when it comes to how both leagues allow players to express themselves.

"In the NFL they got a bunch of old white men owning teams and they got that slave mentality," James said during the episode. "And it's like, 'This is my team. You do what the f--- I tell y'all to do. Or we get rid of y'all.'

"The players are who make the ship go. We make it go. Every Sunday, without Todd Gurley and without Odell Beckham Jr., without those players, those guys, there is no football. And it's the same in the NBA."

"The difference between the NBA and the NFL, the NBA is what we believe he [a player] can be. The potential," James said. "In the NFL, it's like what can you do for me this Sunday, or this Monday or this Thursday, and if you ain't it, we moving on."

"I'm so appreciative in our league of our commissioner," James said, referencing Adam Silver. "He doesn't mind us having ... a real feeling and to be able to express that. It doesn't even matter if Adam agrees with what we are saying, he at least wants to hear us out. As long as we are doing it in a very educational, nonviolent way, then he's absolutely OK with it."

"The Shop" is a 30-minute show set in a barbershop where athletes and celebrities have conversations about life and sports.