Statement from Barack Obama of Bill Russell on his passing

Barack Obama released the following statement on the passing of NBA great Bill Russell:

Today, we lost a giant.

As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.

Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali.

For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life.

Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.

Statement from the son of Nichelle Nichols on her passing

On July 30, 2022 Nichelle Nichols, best known as Lt. Uhura on the TV show Star Trek passed away. Her son released the following statement on her death:

Dear Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World,

I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.

Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light, however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration.

Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

I, and the rest of our family, would appre2ciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.

Live Long and Prosper,

Kyle Johnson

Statement from the family of Bill Russell on his passing

The family of NBA great Bill Russell released the following statement on his passing at the age of 88:

Rep. Donald Payne statement on passage of assault weapons ban in the House of Representatives

NJ congressman Donald Payne Jr. released the following statement after the House passed a bill banning assault weapons:

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. helped pass a bill today to prevent the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines for civilian use. The bill, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 (H.R. 1808), would reduce the amount of such weapons on American streets and allow states to use grants to buy back semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines from Americans who own them already. America had a similar ban on assault weapons from 1994 to 2004. During that time, mass shooting deaths dropped 70 percent and there were 40 percent fewer crimes committed with assault weapons.

“There is no reason why civilians should have assault weapons or high-capacity magazines,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “They are weapons of war and should not be on American streets. This bill will lower the incidents of gun violence and save lives. In addition, I am proud that this bill includes a provision to provide communities with federal grants to buy back assault weapons from American owners. I introduced a bill called the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act, which would fund such grants and local gun buyback programs. I hope the Senate passes this bill soon because we must do more to prevent gun violence across America.”

A CONVERSATION WITH NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES & JELANI COBB IN NEWARK NJ

November 18th 7-9 PM at the NJPAC: A conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Jelani Cobb. The event is free and open to the public.

NJPAC will begin taking reservations for seats on Octobr 7, 2022.

Click the picture for more information.