Former U.S. President, Barack Obama released the following statement on the passing of civil rights icon Vernon Jordan:
Like so many others, Michelle and I benefited from Vernon Jordan's wise counsel and warm friendship—and deeply admired his tireless fight for civil rights. We hope the memory of his extraordinary presence and the legacy of his work bring comfort to Ann, Vickee, and his family.
NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement on the passing on civil rights icon Vernon Jordan:
“Today, the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics, Vernon Jordan. An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled. In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of social justice activism. Vernon started his career as Georgia Field Secretary for the NAACP in the 1950s. He served along with Medgar Evers, in Mississippi; Robert Saunders in Florida; and I. DeQuincey Newman in South Carolina during the period after Brown v. Board of Education. He went on to become a courageous leader within the National Urban League and a stalwart in the Movement. He was an NAACP giant and a mover and shaker in the legal and political world. His influence and his inspiration will be missed. His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all those who seek truth and justice for all people.”
=
Sonceria “Ann” Berry was sworn in as the Senate’s new secretary Monday afternoon, becoming the first Black American and eighth woman to hold the appointed position.
A veteran Senate aide, Berry most recently served as deputy chief of staff for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who swore her in for her new role.
“We begin this week on a joyful note welcoming an upstanding individual to serve as the new Secretary of the Senate,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said following Berry’s swearing in. Schumer named her to the position in February.
Schumer added that Berry’s elevation to the position was a “testament to her outstanding career as a public servant of the highest caliber over her 40 years in Washington.”
The Secretary of the Senate has existed since 1789, when Congress was still in its infancy. Per the Senate website, the upper chamber’s secretary is responsible for a wide array of “legislative, financial and administrative functions” in support of the legislative body’s “day-to-day operations.”
NBA star, Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards has announced that he is launching a new middle school and high school called the Russell Westbrook Why Not Academy in the Los Angeles area.
I am excited to announce my @WhyNotFdn is partnering with @LAPromiseFund to launch the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy. Creating & supporting educational opportunities for underserved youth has always been my passion & now it is coming to life...this is just the beginning pic.twitter.com/w5ERsDqbSW
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) February 24, 2021
Rev. Al Sharpton is joined by Vice President Kamala Harris in an exclusive interview. The female first talks the significance of Black History Month, the impact of coronavirus on communities of color, and the safety of getting the vaccine. During the interview Harris implores Black Americans to get Covid vaccines despite 'righteous skepticism'
Watch the interview below:
