Vice President Kamala Harris opened her remarks at a campaign event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, responding to a high school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that killed four and injured multiple others. Watch her remarks below.
Wednesday, September 04, 2024
THE NATIONAL BLACK COLLEGE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION, INC. ANNOUNCES THE 2024 HONOREES
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. will host its 39th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Each year, graduates of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are inducted into the Hall of Fame for significant contributions made in their respective fields. This event promotes the viability of HBCUs and highlights the accomplishments of their alumni. The Foundation is pleased to announce its stellar class of graduates from HBCUs who will be inducted into the 2024 NBCA Hall of Fame. Joining over 300 previous inductees will be:
- Arts: Bernard & Shirley Kinsey, Florida A&M University
Renowned collectors of African American art, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have curated the Kinsey Collection, which has been seen by over 16 million people worldwide. Their collection documents African American achievements from 1595 to the present.
- Athletics: Lemar Parrish, Lincoln University Missouri
Former NFL cornerback and return specialist, Lemar Parrish played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, and Buffalo Bills, earning eight Pro Bowl selections during his illustrious career.
- Business: Dr. Kara R. King, Hampton University
A biopharmaceutical industry expert, Dr. Kara R. King leads Pfizer's third-largest manufacturing site, overseeing the production of drug products for the hospital business unit. Her leadership has been instrumental in crisis management and operational recovery.
- Civil Rights: David Dennis, Sr., Dillard University
A civil rights veteran, David Dennis, Sr. played a pivotal role in the 1960s civil rights movement, including his work with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
- Community Service: Ernest & Floretta Collins, Prairie View A&M University
Dedicated community advocates, Ernest and Floretta Collins have made significant contributions to agriculture, education, and civic engagement, impacting countless lives through their service.
- Education (Posthumously): Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University
Founder of Voorhees College, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright overcame numerous obstacles to establish an educational institution for African American youth in South Carolina, leaving a lasting legacy.
- Faith & Theology: Rev. Otto Duncan, Jr., Dillard University
A retired AME pastor, Rev. Otto Duncan, Jr. has dedicated his life to ministry and community restoration, playing a crucial role in rebuilding his home church after Hurricane Katrina.
- Government: Rosemary Cloud, Clark Atlanta University
The first African American female Fire Chief in the United States, Rosemary Cloud led fire operations in Atlanta and East Point, Georgia, and served on the White House National Security Council as a Subject Matter Expert.
- Law: The Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Spelman College
A Senior Executive Service member at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Shirley Jones is the first African American woman to hold this position in the agency's Office of General Counsel.
- Lifetime Achievement: Judge Merl F. Code, North Carolina A&T State University
A trailblazing judge and attorney, Merl F. Code has served as a leader in law and community service, breaking barriers as the first African American to hold numerous leadership positions in Greenville, SC.
- Medicine: Dr. Vernard Hodges, Fort Valley State University
A co-star of Critter Fixers: Country Vets on National Geographic Wild, Dr. Vernard Hodges is a veterinarian and entrepreneur who has trained over 100 veterinary professionals and authored the bestselling book Bet on Yourself.
- Science: Dr. Terrence Ferguson, Fort Valley State University
Also a co-star of Critter Fixers: Country Vets, Dr. Terrence Ferguson is a dedicated veterinarian who has grown Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital into a thriving practice while mentoring students through his community programs.
The Induction Ceremony is part of the 39th Annual NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend. Other events include The Competition of Black College Queens, Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. HBCU Golf Classic, The Legacy of Leaders Alumni Honors, Positive Image Program, Call to Womanhood and Call to Manhood Symposiums, and other Forums intended to empower and equip HBCU alumni to better serve their alma maters and communities as a whole.
The mission of the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation is to serve as a catalyst and partner for ensuring the stability, strength, and excellence of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For more details on the events of the 2024 NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend and information on the programs and initiatives of the Foundation, please visit the website at [www.nbcahof.org](http://www.nbcahof.org).
Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Blood donations critical as new sickle cell treatments bring hope
While new cell-based gene therapies provide groundbreaking treatment options for people battling sickle cell disease in the U.S., blood donations remain critical to helping ensure these medical procedures can be completed.
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is hosting over 500 blood drives nationwide and highlighting the vital role of blood donors to support these and other life-changing treatments for patients with this inherited blood disorder. As many as 50 units of blood and up to 25 units of platelets may be needed for a single patient undergoing gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle cell disease undergoing gene therapies and stem cell transplants, as well as those who need regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease. Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
"Since the FDA approved these new cell-based gene therapies in December 2023, there has been a lot of excitement in both the sickle cell and medical community about the potential impact on the future health of patients," said Dr. Yvette Miller, executive medical director of the American Red Cross. "However, what's not being discussed is the crucial role blood donors will continue to play. Without their generosity, these treatments simply won't be possible."
Patients undergoing gene therapy will need the support of blood and platelet transfusions before, during and post treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Individuals awaiting gene therapy often need ongoing blood transfusions for several months to help maintain stable hemoglobin levels and bone marrow health. They will also undergo stem cell collection as part of their treatment and require red blood cell exchanges, a non-surgical therapy that removes abnormal red blood cells and replaces them with healthy red blood cells obtained from blood donors.
Additionally, after being treated with chemotherapy in preparation for cell infusion, red blood cells and platelet transfusions are needed to help carry oxygen and prevent life-threatening bleeding complications and stroke.
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplants: The Role of Blood Donations
While gene therapy offers hope for the future, accessibility remains limited due to a number of factors including age restrictions, patient health history and cost. Currently, bone marrow (mostly offered in pediatric settings) and stem cell transplants are the only known cures for sickle cell disease. These transplants also depend on the availability of closely matched blood and platelet donations to reduce the risk of transfusion-related complications. For patients with sickle cell disease, blood donors who are Black are almost three times more likely to be a match for the blood most often needed, compared with donors who are not Black or African American.
As sickle cell gene therapies, bone marrow and stem cell treatments evolve, the demand for blood and platelet donations will continue in order to support both for these treatments and for patients who need regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage the complications of their disease.
Helping Patients Thrive through the Sickle Cell Initiative
The Red Cross launched its national Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease and improve health outcomes. One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease.
Since the launch of the initiative, the number of first-time African American blood donors giving with the Red Cross has grown to more than 108,000 — helping to strengthen and diversify the blood supply, while reversing the trend of declining donors overall for this group. Additionally, through this work, the Red Cross has provided more than 224,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors who self-identify as African American, Black or multiracial.
Partnerships with national and local organizations within the Black community remain critical to building trust, sharing information and working together to engage new donors and help save lives. Learn more by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
Blood Donor Eligibility
A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, all who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card to their merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details.
Illumin8 Entertainment & Pizarro Creative Announce The Upcoming Short Film “KAMALA”
KAMALA is a project born from the collaboration of underdogs telling an underdog story, with co-directors Zakir and Pizarro bringing their unique vision to the screen. The film captures Kamala Harris’s unwavering dedication to well-being, both personally and in her service to the nation, while delving into the conflicts, trust issues, and untold stories that have shaped her journey.
Kamala is more than just a film—it’s a piece of art that offers an original perspective on one of the most influential figures of our time. Through innovative storytelling, animation, and interviews with celebrities, family, close friends, leading political figures and more, KAMALA reveals the untold stories and personal sacrifices that have shaped Vice President Harris’s journey. The symbolism of the lotus flower, representing growth and resilience, is woven throughout the film.
“This film is about more than Kamala’s political journey—it’s about her humanity. It’s about the joyous warrior she is, working to elevate the well-being of all people,” said Gerard Pizarro, who co-directed, wrote, and produced the film alongside Samir Zakir. “As an underdog and new filmmaker, myself, I’m honored to tell the story of another underdog—a Black and Indian woman who has broken barriers and inspired millions.”
Meet the Team Behind KAMALA:
• Samir Zakir (Co-Director, Writer, Producer): A visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Samir Zakir is known for his commitment to creating positive cultural change through storytelling. As the Founder and CEO of Illumin8 Entertainment, he has dedicated his career to producing entertaining yet impactful content that resonates worldwide, focusing on themes of mental well-being and holistic wellness.
• Gerard Pizarro (Co-Director, Writer, Producer): A former trial lawyer and advocate for social justice, Gerard Pizarro has transitioned from the courtroom to filmmaking, bringing a deep sense of empathy and human connection to his work. KAMALA is a personal project for Pizarro, reflecting his own family’s story of resilience and the powerful influence of his immigrant mother.
• Wendy Pizarro, Esq. (Producer): Wendy Pizarro, an award-winning attorney and biopharma executive, is a trailblazer in health and wellness innovation. As Chief Legal Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at Calidi Biotherapeutics, Wendy has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her passion for wellness and justice aligns closely with Kamala Harris’s own mission, inspiring her to bring this story to the screen.
• Bakari Sellers (Producer): Bakari Sellers joins the KAMALA team as a Consulting Producer. Bakari Sellers was the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. Sellers is a CNN political analyst
Monday, September 02, 2024
Michael Bailey Named President of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, a board-certified veterinary radiologist and researcher, became the AVMA’s first Black President-Elect, pledging to offer “robust, effective, and diverse leadership that inspires innovation.”
Dr. Bailey earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. He then obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Tuskegee University in Alabama and later completed a comprehensive internship and radiology residency at Michigan State University.
Dr. Bailey has served on the faculties at Tuskegee, Michigan State University and The Ohio State University. He pioneered Ohio's inaugural private practice advanced veterinary CT imaging services and launched referral and emergency imaging facilities in Pittsburgh. As the lead radiologist for a nationwide veterinary practice with more than 1,000 facilities, he was pivotal in nationwide distributed veterinary imaging services and telemedicine. Dr. Bailey currently serves as the director of medical innovations in telemedicine for a global telemedicine consultant business, where he brings his extensive telemedicine expertise to the forefront. Dr. Bailey also was an AAAS/AVMA Congressional fellow, serving as a full-time scientific legislative advisor in a congressional office.
Dr. Bailey has been engaged in organized veterinary volunteer leadership at the state and national levels. His leadership journey includes serving on the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) board and as PVMA president. He recently completed a six-year term on the AVMA Board of Directors, representing District 2, which encompasses New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
“The AVMA as a member association thrives on our collective efforts,” Dr. Bailey said. “Our esteemed members and colleagues are not just a part of the AVMA but its essence and backbone. Together, we can inspire our colleagues back home to join this journey of service. Their involvement is essential to our collective success.”
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