NAACP SAYS FEDERAL NEGLIGENCE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES

The NAACP released the following statement in regards to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases spreading across the United States:

The recent news of record spikes in COVID-19 cases across the country is truly alarming. Our nation is in peril because of this pandemic and as a result of negligence by this Administration in the infancy of this virus and its refusal to lead on critical preventive measures now. Inaction, which disproportionately impacted the Black community, is now being compounded by inadequate oversight, as states were urged to reopen, prioritizing economic profits over the well-being of American citizens.

The notion that this virus that has now claimed over 120,000 American lives and offers a recent single-day record of over 50,000 cases will suddenly “disappear” is both egregious and dangerous to the American people. Recent confirmation by this Administration that federal funding to testing sites across the country will be cut as hospital admissions across seven-states hit record highs in the last week can only be considered social malpractice.

At a time where our country is becoming even more vulnerable by the spread of COVID-19, the need for continued funding for expanded testing and nationwide protocols that follow the guidelines recommended by public health experts — wearing face coverings in public, maintaining physical distance, exercising proper hygiene, minimizing crowds and reopening businesses carefully — should be the only alternative to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect and save lives. These measures will also help us move forward together as safely as possible.

As numerous states pause reopening efforts and reenact more stringent policies and practices for social engagement, we urge all federal, state and local government leaders to take necessary precautions toward an effective and responsible resuming of activities and to ensure that the lives of our people are weighed more prominently than economic profits.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms reissues stay at home order as Covid-10 cases rise

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued an Order directing the City of Atlanta’s five-phased reopening plan to be moved from the current Phase II back to Phase I effective immediately in response to the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia. The Mayor’s reopening plan was drawn from the recommendations of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Reopening Atlanta. The reopening phases are based on milestone metrics and recent data.

“Based upon the surge of COVID-19 cases and other data trends, pursuant to the recommendations of our Reopening Advisory Committee, Atlanta will return to Phase I of our reopening plan,” said Mayor Bottoms. “Georgia reopened in a reckless manner and the people of our city and state are suffering the consequences.”

Phase 1: Stay at Home guidelines are as follows:

Individuals:

• Stay home except for essential trips;
• Wearing a face mask in public is a mandate;
• Frequent handwashing; and
• Social distancing followed and enforced where practical.

Businesses:

• To-go and curbside pickups from restaurants and retail establishments;
• Continue practicing teleworking; and
• Frequent cleaning of public and high touch areas.

City Government:

• Non-essential City facilities remain closed;
• Moratorium on special event applications; and
• Establish and continue communication with local and State authorities to monitor public health metrics.

Earlier this week, Mayor Bottoms issued Executive Order 2020-113 requiring all persons to wear a mask or a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth within the city of Atlanta in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections. Today, Mayor Bottoms issued Executive Order 2020-114 which prohibits gatherings of any number of individuals on city of Atlanta property.

A comprehensive list of actions taken by Mayor Bottoms during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found online here.

The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here.

Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections, monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials.

Delaware State Univ. to make historic acquisition of Wesley College

Delaware State, a historically Black university, has signed an agreement to take over financially struggling Wesley College.

Under the deal announced Thursday afternoon, Delaware State would become the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to acquire a non-HBCU school. That’s according to former DSU president Harry Williams, who now heads up the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

“This is an unprecedented landmark in the long history of HBCUs,” Williams said. “I am not surprised that Delaware State University is leading the way.”

The acquisition would fill DSU’s long-time need for campus presence in downtown Dover and would allow for more growth for the school that’s seen enrollment increase by 40% in the past decade. That growth has bucked the trend for HBCUs nationally.

The takeover fits in with current President Tony Allen’s mission to make DSU “a substantively diverse, contemporary and unapologetically historically Black college or university.” Wesley College is classified as a minority-serving institution and 63% of its student body are students of color.

The agreement calls for the two schools to figure out a path forward for an official takeover by June 2021. Part of that discussion will be about tuition. DSU’s tuition for the past school year was $3,519/semester for Delaware students and $8,258/semester for out-of-state students. Wesley students paid $13,467 per semester for the 2019-2020 school year.

[SOURCE: WHYY]

HBCU LeMoyne-Owen College Beneficiary of $40M Endowment

UNCF-member institution LeMoyne-Owen College, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Memphis, Tenn., has been named the beneficiary of an endowment of $40 million, one of the largest gifts to any HBCU and the largest for the school in its 158-year history. The endowment was created from assets from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, an organization that works to strengthen the community through philanthropy.  

Like other colleges across the country, LeMoyne-Owen College is working to ensure their students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees, return to school following the pandemic. Recent initiatives include partnerships to provide Wi-fi access and electronic devices to students for remote learning, emergency assistance for displaced students and scholarships for students in need.  

“Even before the pandemic, there has been transformative work happening at LeMoyne-Owen College,” Bob Fockler, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis president says. “The college offers unique opportunities for African American students, and we are committed to ensuring that work continues to benefit students and their families for years to come.”  

The endowment fund is a major stepping stone on the path toward advancements in the quality education the college can provide for a larger number students, at a critical time when HBCUs nationally face unique funding challenges and equity issues. LeMoyne-Owen College has the lowest tuition rate of any of the private colleges in the state of Tennessee; nearly 90 percent of students qualify for financial aid or currently receive Federal Pell Grants. 

“Many of our students and their families were already struggling, even before COVID-19. Recent demonstrations have heightened our awareness and commitment to do more to address the inequality and racism that has led to their financial challenges and the critical need to create a more equal and just world,” says Dr. Carol Johnson Dean, interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College. “The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis has generously and courageously helped LeMoyne-Owen College take a huge step forward in educating our future leaders and providing a stronger financial foundation from which to grow.” 

“UNCF expresses sincere gratitude to the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis for this historic gift to LeMoyne-Owen College. In times like the present, it’s encouraging to see philanthropists who continue to recognize the needs of the HBCUs’ vitality, communities they serve and step in to help eliminate financial challenges,” commented UNCF President and CEO, Dr. Michael L. Lomax. “LeMoyne-Owen is a college that generates $40 million annually in economic impact to the Memphis community. Philanthropic investments like these to HBCUs make an enormous difference in not just the lives of the students who are greatly impacted, but to the communities in which they live and work.” 

This beneficial gift allows unrestricted use of the funds for purposes determined by LeMoyne-Owen College. The money will be distributed to LeMoyne-Owen College annually in an amount equal to 5% of the average balance of the Fund. Annual distributions will be made as long as the college maintains its active nonprofit status and continues to perform its mission as publicly stated.  

Joy Reid to host 'The ReidOut' weeknights on MSNBC

Joy Reid, an MSNBC political analyst and weekend host, has been tapped to lead the 7 p.m. weeknight hour, the network said Thursday.

Reid's new Washington-based show, “The ReidOut,” will debut July 20. It will feature one-on-one conversations with politicians and newsmakers and cover the political issues of the day, drawing from Reid’s experience of covering the intersection of race, justice and culture.

Reid, one of the network's most prominent Black on-air personalities, will take the time slot previously occupied by Chris Matthews, who announced his retirement in March after a series of events that resulted in criticism of his statements about Bernie Sanders, Black lawmakers and comments he had made to female journalists and coworkers.

Reid is the host of the weekend show "AM Joy," which will feature a rotating lineup of hosts until a permanent replacement is named in the fall.

[SOURCE: NBC NEWS]