Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar released the following statement and video on the death of Kobe Bryant:
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Former United States President Barack Obama released the following statement on the death of Kobe Bryant:
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
Shaquille O’Neal tweeted a statement on the death of his longtime Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant who was killed in a California helicopter crash:
There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my neice Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!
In a release from the Department of Defense on Saturday, it was announced that Spc. Antonio I. Moore of Wilmington, N.C. died while deployed overseas.
Moore, who was just 22 years old, was assigned to the 363rd Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade. He died in a rollover accident while conducting route clearing operations in Deir ez Zor Province, Syria. He was deployed to Syria as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The 363rd Engineer Battalion is deeply saddened at the loss of Spec. Antonio Moore,” said Lt. Col. Ian Doiron, 363rd Engineer Battalion commander. “Antonio was one of the best in our formation. He will be missed by all who served with him. We will now focus on supporting his family and honoring his legacy and sacrifice.”
Moore’s awards and decorations include National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He is survived by his mother, stepfather, three brothers and one sister.
New Jersey State Senator and Black Caucus Chair Ronald L. Rice released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:
“Since my earliest days as a City of Newark Council Member and Deputy Mayor, through my 34 years as a State Senator, I have done my best to bring attention to and correct social injustice in all its forms. As the longest-serving African-American legislator in state history, I have fought hard for comprehensive criminal justice reform; accessible, affordable health care; world-class, transformative education for our children and compassionate, empowering services for seniors. I have stood up for the rights, well-being and prosperity of all, regardless of neighborhood, social status and zip code.
“As America approaches the most consequential crossroad of our lifetimes, I raise my voice against the harm inflicted by our current President and stand in proud solidarity with those who choose to forge a future of fairness, decency, progress and hope. I stand united with those especially wounded by the current administration, black and brown citizens who’ve been neglected, abandoned and jeopardized by the nomination of right wing judges and oppressive legislation.
“Today, as an extension of my commitment to those I serve, I announce my support of Joe Biden for president of the United States. I do so with full confidence that he will stand up for all of us, and that he will especially champion the advancement of people of color. Since civil rights first brought him into public service, Joe Biden has never shied from calling out and tackling systemic racism. His vision for America is one based on equal opportunity for all — which is why I’m proud to endorse Joe Biden for president.”
Senator Rice’s endorsement builds on the strong foundation of support that Joe Biden has already established in the state of New Jersey — including the recent endorsements of Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10), Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-7), and former governors of New Jersey Jim Florio and Richard Codey.
Senator Rice’s endorsement highlights the breadth of Biden’s proven record and commitment to the kitchen table issues that working families prioritize including comprehensive criminal justice reform, health care, education for our children and services for our aging population.
Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,100 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.
