President Joe Biden meets with wife of Brittney Griner

President Joe Biden met on Friday with Cherelle Griner, wife of Brittney Griner, and reassured her that he is working to gain the WNBA star's freedom.

Biden sat down in the Oval Office with Cherelle Griner as well as Elizabeth Whelan, sister of detained former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. Biden conducted the separate meetings to assure the families that the detainees "are at front of mind," said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

"We're going to continue to do everything that we can, working tirelessly every day, to make sure that we get them home," she told reporters.

Biden "appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Brittney and Paul from those who love them most, and acknowledged that every minute they are being held is a minute too long," Jean-Pierre said in a statement after the meetings.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan joined Biden at the meetings, the White House said.

Cherelle Griner thanked Biden in a statement, saying it was an honor to speak to him about "the Brittney we know and love."

"I've felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her," she said. "I look forward to the day my wife is back home. As my family and I continue on this journey, I'd like to thank the broad coalition of friends, leaders and supporters who continue to stand with us and advocate for Brittney's swift and safe return. Let's share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones. Together We Are BG."

[SOURCE: ESPN

Department of Education giving grants to HBCUs that received bomb threats

The Department of Education on Thursday is announcing grants for two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have received bomb threats this year.

The Department will award $420,000 in Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) funds to Tougaloo College in Jackson, Miss., and $80,000 to Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C.

“As Secretary of Education, I want to make it abundantly clear that the Biden-Harris administration will not tolerate bomb threats or any efforts to terrorize students of color and everyone who lives, works, and studies at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said.

“The bomb threats made against HBCUs earlier this year not only strained institutions’ resources by prompting costly campus lockdowns, class cancellations, and law enforcement activities, but shattered students’ sense of safety and heightened anxiety throughout these campus communities,” Cardona added.

The grant money is targeted for the universities to support student trauma recovery programs, adding security officers, and expanding their mental health support.

In a press release, the Department of Education said it will announce more Project SERV grants following the Tougaloo and Fayetteville grants, and a $133,000 grant to Southern Law University Law Center last month.

According to the Department of Education, more than 50 HBCUs – out of 101 total – have received racially motivated bomb threats this year.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Help make The Woman King a boxoffice success this weekend!

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

The Woman King starring Viola Davis opens this Friday and is expected to open #1 at the box office, but only with a $15 million opening per Variety.

That is simply not good enough if we wish to see different African American or Black stories told on the big screen. Black people, we need to show up at the theater this weekend and support this movie!

I read all the time on social media how many in the Black community love Viola Davis. I read how great of an actor many believe she is. I read how everyone is proud and supports her work to support women and Black people in the entertainment industry.

 I read how many African Americans are tired of comedies and "gangsta" movies featuring a majority Black cast. I read how you want to see different stories featuring Black people! I read how you would love to support different and something that was a quality motion picture.

If all of that is true then those same people who love Viola Davis on social media should show up to the movie theater this weekend and help The Woman King gross over $25 million.

Don't just show up because the cast is majority Black (although if that's your reason I ain't mad at you), show up because the reviews are excellent and The woman King currently holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Go see it because many reviews say that it's a rousing action adventure.

Most importantly go see it if you truly want to see different Black stories told!

Support The Woman King!

NAACP statement on Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver suspended, fined $10 million

The NAACP has a released a statement on Robert Sarver, owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, who has been suspended one year and fined $10 million by the NBA for racist and sexually suggestive comments made to players,employees, and staff.

NAACP statement via Twitter:

So remind us again why a $10 million fine and a 1 year suspension is really teaching anyone a lesson with as extensive a track record of just not caring what anyone thinks or fearing what the consequences of those actions are?

This punishment is a JOKE!

Broadway theater renamed in honor of James Earl Jones

Legendary stage and screen actor James Earl Jones received a rare honor Monday as a Broadway theater was renamed after him.

The Cort Theatre is now, the "James Earl Jones Theatre."