Phylicia Rashad Wins Second Tony Award

Phylicia Rashad has won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for SKELETON CREW. She won for her performance as Faye in the play.

This is Rashad's second Tony award. She received her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, as Lena Younger in the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun.

"You don't come to this place alone. You've heard it several times tonight, and it's true. It takes the work of many people," she said in her acceptance speech. "It's wonderful to be a part of this commiunity. It's wonderful to present humanity in its fullness and to feel it received. Thank you all so very much"

Her additional Broadway credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, August: Osage County, Cymbeline, Gem of the Ocean, Jelly’s Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, The Wiz and Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death. She has numerous directing credits, including productions of Gem of the Ocean at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Mark Taper Forum and Fences at both the Long Wharf Theatre and the McCarter Theatre.

Civil: Ben Crump documentary to be released on Juneteenth

CIVIL is an intimate look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump and his mission to raise the value of Black life in America. Through the lens of award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren (Becoming), CIVIL follows a year in the life as Crump takes on the civil cases for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Black farmers and banking while Black victims.

The film was produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams, Lauren Cioffi and Nadia Hallgren

Civil: Ben Crump will be released on Netflix June 19, 2022

WATCH THE TRAILER

Rev. Al Sharpton test positive for Covid-19

Legendary civil rights leader, reverend and NAN (National Action Network) founder Al Sharpton has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19. The statement came a day after he had officially received his results.

“On Friday, I tested positive for COVID-19 but have not displayed any symptoms at this time. On my doctor’s advice, I am quarantining over the next several days to keep those around me safe,” Sharpton stated. “I will continue to do my radio and TV shows remotely over that time. Please continue to get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.”

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Senate Group Reaching Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill

Senator Cory Booker (Dem-NJ) released the following statement after a group of 20 U.S. senators, of which he was one reached a deal on the framework for bipartisan legislation on gun control:

I support these bipartisan measures that would begin to curb gun violence in America. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will find a way to make these changes and provide these resources. We need to continue our efforts to pass common sense gun safety laws. 

The proposal includes:

 

Support for State Crisis Intervention Orders

• Provides resources to states and tribes to create and administer laws that help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others, consistent with state and federal due process and constitutional protections.

 

Investment in Children and Family Mental Health Services

• National expansion of community behavioral health center model; major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention and recovery.

 

Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

• Convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in NICS, including those who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

 

Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services

• Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including: early identification and intervention programs and school based mental health and wrap-around services.

 

Funding for School Safety Resources

• Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts and provide training to school personnel and students.

 

Clarification of Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.

 

Telehealth Investments

•  Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.

 

Under 21 Enhanced Review Process

• For buyers under 21 years of age, requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.

 

Penalties for Straw Purchasing

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.

Stacey Abrams says that she will raise teacher pay in Georgia

During an appearance on Symone Sanders' MSNBC show Georgia gubanatorial candidate Stacey Abrams made news by announcing that she would raise teacher pay in Georgia.

“We invite anyone who wants to see Georgia move forward to come here, that means President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris” Candidate for GA Governor @staceyabrams tells @SymoneDSanders whether @POTUS and @VPOTUS will join her on the campaign trail. pic.twitter.com/ZheRM78BIE

— SYMONE (@symonemsnbc) June 12, 2022