Bennett College leaders make plea to have accreditation reinstated after raising $9.5 million

School leaders from Bennett College were in Atlanta on Monday to fight to save one of the nation's only historically black colleges for women.

The Greensboro institution presented its case to an appeals panel in an attempt to keep the college's accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges after raising more than $9 million in recent weeks.

On Dec. 11, 2018, Bennett was removed from SACSCOC membership strictly for financial reasons. Bennett did not receive any sanctions against its academics, faculty, leadership or students.

Bennett immediately appealed the SACSCOC decision and remains accredited throughout the appeal process.

Accreditation officials are expected to make a decision by next Monday.

Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins said she is confident that Bennett presented a strong case for continuing its membership in the Association, which would restore its accreditation.

"We presented our case to SACSCOC officials this morning, buoyed by our successful #StandWithBennett fundraising campaign, which to date has raised $9.5 million," Dawkins said. "We not only discussed our recent fundraising efforts but also presented a path forward for the college. SACSCOC must notify us of their decision within a week, by Feb. 25, and we are hopeful for a favorable outcome."

[SOURCE: WXII]

Why I wanted to believe Jussie Smollet's story

BY George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com.

Jussie Smollet claims to have been beaten, doused with bleach, and having a noose placed around his neck by two individuals shouting, "This is MAGA Country!" because he was both black and gay.

Initially I believed him. As a black man who grew up in the United States, I know that black man have been and are physically assaulted because of racism. As one who has LBGT family members and friends, I know too that others can be beaten or even killed because of their sexual orientation.

In plain English, I had no reason to doubt Smollet's story.

As more and more details emerged about the attack including details that the attack may have been staged that belief changed to a want to believe Smollet.

You see, it would have been horrible if Smollet had indeed been beaten, but it would be far worse if he were lying about the entire incident. If he were lying, it would make it that much harder for the next black or gay person assaulted to be taken seriously. That would endanger just not one person but millions.

Those who are genuinely racist will use Smollet's lies as a smokescreen to cover their violent deeds knowing a seed of doubt has now been planted in America's collective mind. Law enforcement may become more hesitant in believing the victims and start investigations that look more at the victims hat the alleged accusers.

Some conservatives are already using Smollet's alleged lies to attack the left and those who believed him. They will once again claim that racist attacks in the United States are isolated incidents and make it okay to question the victim's validity.

I still want to believe Jussie but in light of everything that's coming out, I no longer can. His story doesn't add up.

I don't know what Jussie Smollet was thinking or what he set out to do by lying about being attacked, but I do know that whatever his intentions he has only made things worse.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com.

Breakfast Club Hosts Defend Kamala Harris Against Fox News "Tupac/Snoop Dog Lie”

MSNBC interviewed the host of the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club”. The radio show hosts responded to a Fox News attack on Sen. Kamala Harris for a moment from an interview with her, when she discussed smoking pot in college and what type of rap she listens to now. DJ Envy tells MSNBC anchor Ari Melber that the right wing attacks on Harris’s comments were “absolutely, positively lies.” Cohost Charlamagne Tha God adds, “The ‘Black Twitter’ people that you see going in on Kamala” for her remarks in the interview are “doing the work of Fox News.” Watch that interview below.

Congressional Black Caucus responds to Trump’s National Emergency Declaration

The Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), issued the following statement after President Trump declared a national emergency to build his border wall.

"This declaration has more to do with the President’s bruised ego than actually doing what is best for America. The author of The Art of The Deal couldn’t make a deal to build a wall. This is a fake solution to a fake crisis and we must stand firm in keeping the nation focused on the real issues impacting Americans.

“There are families who can’t make ends meet because their wages are too low. Citizens are being denied equal access at the ballot box because of voter suppression. We have a criminal justice system that still treats Americans better if they are rich and guilty than if they are poor and innocent. Black boys and girls are dying prematurely from gun violence while Black women are losing their lives during childbirth.

“These are just some of the real crises confronting America. Mr. President, it’s time to finally demonstrate the leadership worthy of the office you hold.”

Black Panther Scores 15 NAACP Image Awards Nominations

Marvel’s “Black Panther” scored 15 NAACP Image Awards nominations between the film categories and the recording categories for its soundtrack featuring Kendrick Lamar.

The award winners will be announced at the 50th annual NAACP Image Awards.

The ceremony takes place on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from the Dolby Theatre.

The show will air on TVOne.

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The 15 nominations are:

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:

Chadwick Boseman - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:

Michael B. Jordan - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Winston Duke - Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Danai Gurira - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Letitia Wright - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Lupita Nyong'o - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Letitia Wright - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Winston Duke - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

"Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Motion Picture

"Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)

Ryan Coogler - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

RECORDING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

"All The Stars" - Black Panther" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

"All The Stars" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation

"Black Panther The Album Music From and Inspired By" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA feat. 2Chainz, ScHoolboy Q, Saudi, Khalid, Swae Lee, Vince Staples, Yugen Blakrok, SOB x RBE, Jorja Smith, Anderson .Paak, Ab Soul, Reason, Zacari, Babes Wudumo, Sjava, Travis Scott (Interscope Records)

WRITING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)

Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole - "Black Panther (Marvel Studios)