Russell Westbrook helps to donate 4.2M masks, PPE to medical workers in African American communities

NBA star Russell Westbrook is joining an effort that will donate millions of masks and other personal protective equipment to medical workers serving the African American community.

African American communities have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has infected and killed African Americans at disproportionately high rates.

The Houston Rockets point guard is joining Tulco founded by Thomas Tull to help launch Operation 42 in celebration of Jackie Robinson.

Operation 42 will donate 4.2 million masks and other personal protective equipment to medical workers in African American communities hit hardest by COVID-19.

I am proud to join Tulco founded by my friend Thomas Tull to help launch #Operation42 in celebration of Jackie Robinson. #Operation42 will donate 4.2M masks & other personal protective equipment to medical workers in African American communities hit hardest by COVID-19 @WhyNotFdn pic.twitter.com/a25Xw1HsGy

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) April 16, 2020

Dusty Baker laments lack of African-Americans in baseball

Houston manager Dusty Baker celebrated Jackie Robinson’s legacy on the 73rd anniversary of the fall of the major league color barrier and lamented the lack of African Americans in today’s game.

“It’s frustrating because we’ve talked about it forever … but it seems like the numbers are dwindling instead of increasing,” Baker said Wednesday.

Only 7.7% of big league players on opening day rosters last year were African American, down from 17% in 1990. Baker and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts are the only two African American managers in the majors.

Baker appreciates that the league is making a “conscious effort” to get more young African Americans involved in baseball through programs like Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities and is optimistic there can be a turnaround in the upcoming years.

“Hopefully in this decade and the next decade there will be more guys that get a chance,” Baker said. “All they need is a chance. A lot of guys have been bypassed and overlooked.”

Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His No. 42 was retired throughout the major leagues in 1997 by then-Commissioner Bud Selig. An annual Jackie Robinson Day started in 2004 and since 2009, all players, managers, coaches have worn his No. 42 to mark the day.

Baker didn’t have the opportunity to meet Robinson but heard plenty of stories about him from Hank Aaron and other players and managers. He idolized Robinson growing up because of stories his father told him from the time he was a young child.

“He was a man that made it possible for me to not only play but manage and gave us all a great sense of pride about being a black American,” Baker said.

[SOURCE: AP]

Congressman John Lewis shares message of support for SPLC

A longtime friend and supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Lewis leads and annual civil rights pilgrimage for members of congress to Montgomery to mark the anniversary of the 1965 voting rights march from Selma.

As the SPLC welcomes new President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Huang, Lewis shared the following message of support:

I am glad to be joining with all of you at the Southern Poverty Law Center at a moment when your work is more critical than ever. Today, we are witnessing an incredible transformation of our world – and at the same time, we see the continuation of the struggle in which we’ve been engaged for the last many decades. While this pandemic has had an awful impact on our economy, on our social engagements, and on our political arena, it has not changed the urgent mission of overturning the ugly legacy of hate and extremism in the United States.

The SPLC has been a champion of inclusion, equity and justice for nearly 50 years. Your mission has never been more relevant, more critical, than at this moment. White supremacy and white nationalism groups have seized this moment to step up their recruiting efforts, using digital engagement to reach new audiences spending more time online. Educators, who have long championed efforts to teach children about a more inclusive world, are now separated from their charges and working to keep them fed and supported during this difficult time. Families who were already struggling economically are now desperate to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. We need SPLC to continue to lead – to fight the extremists, to teach empathy and belonging, and to champion those who seek justice.

I am glad to see new leadership at the SPLC, bringing energy, compassion and strategic vision that will help the organization play its vital role in our society. I wish Margaret and all of you at the SPLC my very best, and know that you have friends and allies in the larger social justice movement who are ready to stand with you.

—Congressman John Lewis

Black Businesses Scream as CARES Act Attempts to Eliminate Affirmative Action

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, April 15, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) finds it shocking that the Department of Labor of the Trump Administration has made a move to eliminate Affirmative Action – a movement with roots within the Republican Party from the CARES Act (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security). We must act now, join us Thursday, April 16 to hear our plan of action.

Dr. Arthur Fletcher is “rolling” in his grave as the Cares Act gives permission to eliminate the application of Affirmative Action – a process he introduced in 1972 under the Nixon Administration.

“This is a sucker punch!” Says NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford, “The damage will be immense if we don’t act quickly. Our businesses will drop like flies. President Trump must step in and clarify this situation before the damage becomes too great,” says Alford.

Larry Ivory, Chairman of the NBCC and President of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce states: “We have come too far to let this set-back stop our momentum. President Trump needs to step in.”

“Through the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors they helped contribute to making America great! However, time and time again, our contributions and relevance to sustaining our country are forgotten. We need the Trump Administration and the United States Congress to remember that we matter, and respond to calls for inclusion in measures to improve the health and mortality of Blacks in America, as well as the equitable inclusion of authorized economic resources from our government immediately,” adds John Harmon, President of the African American Chamber of Commerce
of New Jersey.

In order to be a part of the solution join us on our call Thursday April 16, 2020 at 5:00 pm EDT. Click here to register. Here are the call-in details: 1-408-418-9388 and access code: 790 100 800. Join the NBCC conference call as we detail the agenda to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. We will lift the incredible voices of black businesses across the country as we fight and speak truth to power for our resilient future.

Senator Tim Scott Says Getting COVID-19 Information To African Americans Will 'Save Lives'

During an interview on NPR's Morning Edition, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) stressed the importance of federal government outreach to African Americans about preventive measures like wearing face coverings and hand-washing. "It's important for us to have a specific and unique campaign to communicate the importance of following the protocols within the African-American community," the senator said.

Listen to his comments below: