Chris Dickerson, First Black Mr. America, Dead at 82

Legendary bodybuilder Chris Dickerson, who made history as the first-ever Black Mr. America, died on Dec. 23, 2021 at the age of 82.

Dickerson died at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after struggling with a heart ailment.

Mr. Dickerson, who stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds, was named Mr. America in 1970 and was one of the first Black men to win the Mr. Universe competition.

Dickerson blazed many trails throughout his career, including becoming Mr. Olympia in 1982. Throughout his lengthy career, Dickerson amassed 50 titles, including wins at International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Grand Prix competitions in multiple states.

He ended his career having won four major titles: Mr. Olympia, Mr. America, Mr. Universe and the Pro Mr. America.

Stacey Abrams thanks Biden for coming to Georgia to speak on voting rights

Talking heads and pundits on the right are trying to make a big deal of Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams not going to President Biden's speech on at voting rights at Morehouse University. Those pundits are trying to make it look like there is a rift between Abrams and Biden.

They are trying this despite Abrams stating that she had a prior engagement to attend.

Abrams does not appear to have an issue with Biden though.

Abrams actually issued a statement Tuesday praising President Biden and Vice President Harris for their speech in Georgia about federal voting rights legislation.

My statement: I thank @POTUS and @VP for returning to Georgia to continue their steadfast advocacy for passage of federal legislation to protect the freedom to vote. They made clear again today that they are committed to restoring the Senate to safeguard our democracy. #gapol🧵

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 12, 2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot test positive for Covid-19

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tested positive for COVID-19, and will be working from home.

Lightfoot announced her diagnosis in a brief statement posted to her Facebook and Twitter pages.

Earlier today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I am experiencing cold-like symptoms but otherwise feel fine which I credit to being vaccinated and boosted. I will continue to work from home while following the CDC guidelines for isolation.

— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) January 11, 2022

Barbie To Release Doll Honoring Journalist And Activist Ida B. Wells

Anti-lynching activist Ida B. Wells has been honored by Barbie as one of its “Inspiring Women” dolls, putting the journalist and suffragist in the company of celebrated poet Maya Angelou and civil rights leader Rosa Parks.

“The Barbie Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to pioneering journalist and tireless activist for racial and gender equality, Ida B. Wells.

This collectible Ida B. Wells Barbie doll wears a beautiful blue dress with lace details at the bodice, collar and waist. A Memphis Free Speech newspaper accessory completes her look.

Ida B. Wells Barbie doll is sculpted to her likeness and features articulation for endless posing possibilities and inspired displays.” ~ Barbie

Wells—who hailed from Holly Springs, Mississippi—tapped into the power of journalism to capture the injustices faced by African Americans in the South. Wells led groundbreaking investigative research around white mob violence and the lynching of Black men. She was one of the founders of the NAACP and played an instrumental role in the women’s suffrage movement. Her purpose was rooted in seeking truth and her legacy lives on through generations of journalists and activists.

Zion Rachelle Foster Is Missing!

EASTPOINTE, Mich. – Eastpointe police are searching for a missing girl whose family believes she is being held against her will.

Zion Rachelle Foster, 17, was last seen Tuesday (Jan. 4) at her home in the 22000 block of Melrose Court in Eastpointe, according to authorities.

She is 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 120 pounds, officials said. She was last seen wearing her Detroit Wing Company uniform, they said.

Family members believe Foster is being held against her will. They believe she could possibly be a sex trafficking victim in another state, according to police.

Anyone who has seen Foster or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call Eastpointe police at 586-445-5100.