Wednesday, March 25, 2026

NO KINGS PROTEST IN NEWARK, NJ SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH


A No Kings III March And Rally to protest policies of the Trump administration will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 12:00 noon, at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue, in Newark, New Jersey.

“The purpose of this march is to protest the racist, fascist, and unjust policies at home and abroad of President Trump, his administration, the Republican controlled Congress, and the ultra conservative U.S. Supreme Court,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 

The march is sponsored by People’s Organization For Progress (POP) and co-sponsored by the Martin Luther King People’s Convention for Justice and Resistance Planning Committee.

Thus far 41 organizations have endorsed the march. They include Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union RWDSU UFCW AFL-CIO, Painters Union IUPAT DC21, 32BJ SEIU, District 1199J/AFSCME, Union of Rutgers Administrators (URA-AFT), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Newark NAACP, Nu Family Foundation Inc, Teaneck Vigil for Peace And Justice, and Sophia Inclusive Community.

Also among the endorsers are New Jersey Black Issues Convention, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, New Jersey Communities for Accountable Policing, New Jersey Peace Action, Leonia Vigil for Peace & Justice, Justice & Unity Coalition, Refuse Fascism - NJ Chapter, New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, Community of Friends In Action, MAL Civic Association, National United Youth Council, and African American Alliance USA.  

Also among the endorsers are Food & Water Watch, New Jersey for Bernie, Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey, Operation Ceasefire Committee of Paterson, Our Revolution New Jersey, Veterans For Peace Chapter 021, Justice for All Party of New Jersey, Unapologetic Amateur Looking for Experts in Africanism, Make The Road New Jersey, Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization, Women Who Never Give Up, Inc, The Association of Black Contractors, Mothers Against Forced Foster Adoption, South Jersey Progressive Democrats, Merchantville Democratic Committee, and Cherry Hill Democratic Committee, Bomba’s Barbershop, Public Service Governance. 

Hamm said he has been asked “why are you marching.”

“We are marching against Trump’s attempts to become a dictator, his criminality, his administration’s flagrant violations of the law and the constitution, his blatant, breathtaking and boundless corruption, and his efforts to repress and crush dissent,” Hamm said.  

“We have a number of demands which include an immediate end to the illegal, unjust and immoral war in Iran, abolishing ICE, releasing all of the Epstein files, removal of all federal troops and national guard from our cities, impeaching Trump, members of his administration and Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito,” he said. 

“We are marching for an end to Trump’s tariffs which are driving up the cost of living, an increase in the minimum wage to $20 an hour, restoration of federal budget cuts and DOGE cuts, rehiring of laid off and fired federal workers, the payment of the TSA workers,” he said.

“We also demand congressional support of pro-labor and union organizing legislation, free college, abolition of student debt, universal healthcare/medicare for all, and for millionaires and billionaires to pay their fare share of taxes,” he said. 

“We are marching to demand that the president and his administration cease all efforts aimed at interfering with, impeding, sabotaging or canceling the congressional midterm elections. We demand the return to Fulton County, Georgia the ballots illegally seized by the Trump administration,” he said. 

“We demand Congress vote against Trump’s Save Act, an immediate halt to all efforts to end mail-in ballots, the passage of the John Lewis voting rights acts at the state and federal level, the passage of same day voter registration legislation, and overturning the Citizens United Supreme Court decision to get big money out of our elections,” Hamm said. 

“We are marching for the prosecution of ICE agents responsible for the deaths of Alex Pretty, Renee Good, Keith Porter, Jean Wilson Brutus and all victims of ICE, an end to illegal detentions and deportations, the removal of ICE from our airports and our communities, the elimination of all warehouse detention centers and a halt to the opening and construction of new ones , the closure of Delaney Hall in Newark, and dropping of charges against Congresswoman Monica McIver,” he said.

“We are marching against Trump’s racist, white supremacist and anti-black policies.  He has targeted the African American community in a particularly destructive way. Trump and his racist and fascist movement have accelerated a sixty year long attack on Black people the goal of which is to roll back the progress we made fighting against the racial inequality, injustice, segregation, discrimination and oppression in this country,” he said. 

“We demand an end to the  
attacks on African Americans and our voting rights, civil rights, human rights, and civil liberties. We are marching to restore affirmative action and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, the rehiring of all workers, including the 300,000 black women who lost their jobs as a result of the elimination of those programs,” he said. 

“We are protesting to demand the reopening and re-staffing of civil rights divisions and offices in all government agencies, the passage of slavery reparations legislation at the state and federal levels, the passage of anti-police brutality legislation including establishment of police review boards with subpoena, investigatory and disciplinary powers, and an end to ongoing discrimination and inequality in housing, employment, education, health care and other areas of society,” he said. 

“Two years ago the FBI and Department of Homeland security said the greatest threat to public safety in America was racist, white supremacist, domestic terror and violence. The Trump administration has attempted to erase this fact, but racist violence and bias attacks are on the rise,” Hamm said. 

“We are marching to demand that the Department of Justice focus its effort on stopping these racist attacks on African Americans and other people rather than looking for some imaginary “antifa” organization. We demand a halt to attempts by Trump’s Department of Justice to drop charges against police officers that killed George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other victims of police brutality,” he said. 

“We demand an end to book banning, an immediate halt to all attempts to remove Black history and Black studies curriculum, programs, courses and departments from our schools, colleges and universities, the full implementation of the Amistad African American history law throughout the state of New Jersey, and removal of all statues and names associated with slavery and the confederacy from all government buildings, parks, and streets,” he said. 

“We are marching to oppose government policies and legislation that discriminate, penalize or harm people because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender. We are marching against attempts to deny, limit, or eliminate women’s equality and reproductive rights. We demand an end to any policies, laws and legislation that will adversely affect or deny the rights of the LGBTQ community,” he said. 

“We are marching for a just, fair, and peaceful foreign policy that respects human rights,  a halt to U.S. support for Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinians and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, and an end to the blockade and sanctions against Cuba and the normalization of relations,” he said. 

“We demand an end to the illegal detention of President Maduro and his wife and their return to Venezuela, the return of money, oil, and resources stolen by the United States from Venezuela, an end to U.S. imperialist domination and repression in Haiti, an end to U.S. support for war and genocide in the Congo, Sudan, and other African countries, and an end to the use of nuclear weapons,” Hamm said.

To get more information and to sign up for the march click on this link:  https://mobilize.us/s/jGDAqY/o . For additional information contact the People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001

Thursday, March 12, 2026

WBGO's Steven A. Williams, Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, and Council Member Carmen De La Rosa Named JPI 2026 Honorees

The board of Jazz Power Initiative (JPI), is pleased to announce the honorees for the Syncopated Celebration 2026 fundraiser, scheduled for May 14 at 6:00 pm at Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 250 West 95th Street, Manhattan.

WBGO President & CEO Steven A. Williams, who joined the iconic radio station and global jazz leader nearly six years ago, will receive the Rothman Family Syncopated Partnership Award.

Mr. Williams, a dedicated jazz enthusiast and self-described “radio guy,” credits his family's musical legacy, especially his grandfather, who introduced him to jazz, for inspiring his passion for music and education.

As WBGO’s leader, Mr. Williams is dedicated to maintaining the station's 47-year legacy of curating, promoting, presenting, and preserving this unique African American music genre, and honoring the creative talents who have inspired generations of musicians worldwide. Through its daily programming and knowledgeable on-air personalities, WBGO has built a global community of enthusiasts who help sustain the station’s independence.

“Being honored by Jazz Power Initiative as part of its Syncopated Celebration on May 14 is profoundly meaningful, as it recognizes not only my personal journey but the rich cultural legacy that jazz continues to inspire in all of us,” says Steven about the recognition. “This celebration embodies the spirit of creativity, community, and collaboration that defines jazz, and I am deeply grateful to stand alongside artists, educators, and leaders who are committed to uplifting this vital art form.”


This year’s Changemaker Award will be presented to Lakecia Benjamin, a six-time Grammy Award nominee, and New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator.

Ms. Benjamin, a respected musician and bandleader who grew up in Washington Heights, is recognized for pushing musical boundaries and developing a distinctive jazz style that draws from R&B, Latin, and funk influences. The New York Times wrote, “...her sound feels rooted in tradition, yet broad enough to encompass R&B and Latin music; its pronounced funk suggests allegiances to hip-hop and dance.”

A powerhouse virtuoso, Lakecia Benjamin has performed with Clark Terry, Terri Lyne Carrington, Gregory Porter, Missy Elliott, Eli Yamin, and Alicia Keys. She studied with jazz veterans Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, Bob Stewart, and Buster Williams, and was mentored by Gary Bartz.

“I love what Jazz Power Initiative stands for and its mission,” says Lakecia. “It resonates deeply with me, especially since JPI and I are repping Washington Heights! I’m so honored to be recognized by an organization that is very special to me and to the jazz community at large.”

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa will receive the Miranda Family Champion of Arts and Culture Award in recognition of her leadership and support for Northern Manhattan’s arts and cultural landscape through legislation, discretionary funding, and capital investments.

Since entering public service, Council Member De La Rosa has advocated for economic justice and against racism and xenophobia. In 2021, she became the first Dominican woman elected to represent New York’s District 10 at City Hall, expanding her focus to include criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, affordable housing and tenant protections, climate justice, taxing the wealthy, LGBTIA rights, and other significant social justice policies.

“I am honored to be Jazz Power Initiative's Miranda Family Champion of Arts and Culture Award recipient. Supporting organizations like Jazz Power Initiative and investing in Uptown's artistic and cultural community uplifts the talent at the heart of our vibrant district, while removing barriers to entry for our youth. Equitable access to diverse art and cultural exploration not only brings our community together but also creates a holistic learning environment for our future leaders. Our artists, educators, and advocates make New York City a global cultural capital, and I look forward to celebrating 22 years of the incredible impact of Jazz Power Initiative," says Council Member Carmen De La Rosa.

For 22 years, Jazz Power Initiative has addressed the need for increased in-school and afterschool arts education in the communities it serves. With the support of its staff and teaching artists, children ages 6 to 18 in upper Manhattan have benefited from free and low-cost programs in voice, piano, dance, and acting. The organization seeks to broaden these programs and reach more participants through jazz arts education and ongoing intergenerational community concerts. Events like Syncopated Celebration 2026 help raise awareness and essential funds to sustain these valuable initiatives.

Eli Yamin, aka “Dr. E,” co-founder, Managing and Artistic Director of JPI said this about this year’s honorees, and their connection to the communities JPI serves, "We are proud to honor Lakecia Benjamin, an international jazz star who grew up in Washington Heights and has supported JPI for years with her dynamic performances at our Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam series and community concerts. WBGO gave me my first job in jazz in 1986 and set the direction of my life as an artist, educator, and advocate for jazz. For 47 years, WBGO has been carrying the torch for jazz and connecting our global community from Newark to Harlem, Brooklyn to Bonn, Washington Heights to Singapore. We are proud to salute WBGO and its stalwart and supremely resourceful CEO, Steve Williams. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa has long been a fighter for our beloved uptown community to have consistent access to high-quality arts and education. I am thrilled we can honor her as our Miranda Family Champion of Arts and Culture!"

Jazz Power Initiative Syncopated Celebration 2026 is being hosted by 11-time Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride. The event will include performances by Christian McBride, Lakecia Benjamin, and Dr. E, as well as JPI students.

Tanya LeMelle, VP at TD Bank/VP of JPI's Board and event chair, stated, “Through its support of the Jazz Power Initiative, TD helps young people discover their rhythm, their confidence, and their voice—an example of what being More Human truly means. Through its commitment to arts and culture across North America, TD helps amplify diverse voices and creates opportunities for the next generation of artists.”

For details about Jazz Power Initiative’s programs, Syncopated Celebration 2026, or to donate, please visit www.jazzpower.org.

SISTERS NETWORK® INC. TO HOST 16TH ANNUAL STOP THE SILENCE NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER 5K WALK/RUN

Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), the nation’s leading voice for Black breast cancer survivors is proud to announce the 16th Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. This year’s theme; “The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength.” The highly anticipated 5K Walk/Run will be hosted in Houston, TX., on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Tom Bass Regional Park, 3452 Fellows Rd., from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Regular registration will be open from February 4th to April 18, 2026. The fee is $45/individual and $450/team for of ten. A portion of the funds raised from the walk support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). Established in 2006, BCAP provides much-needed financial support to survivors and pays for 3D mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women nationwide. To date, BCAP has provided over $2 million dollars in financial support and early detection 3D screenings. Participants can register at www.stopthesilencewalk.org.

Black women are 42% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Black women under 35 are diagnosed with breast cancer at 2 times the rate of White women and die at three times the rate.

First launched in April 2010, the Stop the Silence® 5K Walk/Run is the first and only national breast cancer walk hosted by a Black-founded organization specifically for Black women. The historic walk is hosted during National Minority Health Awareness month and welcomes over 3,000 participants from around the United States who come together to walk in honor, memory, and celebration of the women they love who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Now in its 16th year, the Stop the Silence Walk is a living reminder of what happens when Black women choose community over fear and action over silence. The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength, is more than a theme. It symbolizes the power of love we wrap around survivors and the strength and courage it takes to keep showing up for ourselves and each other. We walk united to remember those who lost the battle and to keep breast health at the forefront, because early detection, awareness, access, and support save lives,” said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network® Inc.

To learn more about the walk and to register, please visit www.stopthesilencewalk.org. For more information about Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org or call (866) 781-1808. Follow us on social media, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

ABOUT SISTERS NETWORK® INC.
Sisters Network® Inc. was founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, 31-year, and 4-time breast cancer survivor. Today, SNI is the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States and a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer in the Black community. Sisters Network Inc. National headquarters is in Houston, Texas. The organization has over 25+ survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide, located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Andrew Jacked wins 2026 Arnold Classic

Nigerian bodybuilder Andrew Jacked ( Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) came out on top at the 2026 Arnold Classic! He took home the title and a $750,000 prize. Andrew Jacked faced remained in stiff competition with former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan, fan favorite Nick Walker, who won the Arnold title back in 2021, and 2019 Mr Olympia Brandon Curry.

Ultimatey Jacked's size, posing routines, and symetry was too much for the competition and he won his first big shwow.<.p>

Top 5 at the Arnold Classic 2026

Andrew Jacked: Winner

Nick Walker: 2nd

Hadi Choopan: 3rd

Martin Fitzwater: 4th

Brandon Curry: 5th

Check out Andrews Jacked's post show interview with RX Muscle:

Saturday, March 07, 2026

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL BEGIN ANNUAL VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE TODAY, ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY


PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL BEGIN ANNUAL VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE TODAY, ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY


CALLS FOR NATIONAL JESSE JACKSON VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE


The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) will start its Empowerment Saturdays Voter Registration Drive today, Saturday, March 7, 2026, 3:00pm to 5:00pm on the corner of Broad and Market Streets (near 777 Broad Street) in Newark, New Jersey. 


“POP will start registering voters on Saturday because it is the anniversary of Bloody Sunday when 600 civil rights marchers were attacked and beaten by state troopers and sheriff’s deputies while trying to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 


“When they attempted to cross that bridge they were marching for voting rights and to protest the murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson who was killed by police,“ Hamm said. 


“Jackson had been killed the previous month during a peaceful protest for voting rights. During the march many were hurt including John Lewis and Amelia Boynton Robinson,” he said. 


“However, their struggle was not in vain because the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson five months later on August 6, 1965,” he said 


“Empowerment Saturday is extremely important to me. You see, we do voter registration because many people suffered and died so that we could have the right to vote,” Steven Hatcher, who leads the POP voter registration team, stated. 


“We want to make sure that as many people as possible are able to do so,” Hatcher said. 


“In addition, we are calling this year’s effort the Jesse Jackson Voter Registration Drive in his honor because he continued the fight for civil rights, voting rights, and human rights after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King,” he said. 


“We would like to see what we are doing at the local level to become a national effort. We would like to see a National Jesse Jackson Voter Registration Drive,” he said. 


“We believe this is appropriate because he inspired millions of people to register and vote, particularly during his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns,” he said. 


Hamm said that he plans to attend Jackson’s funeral on Saturday in Chicago.


He also said that he will be leaving Chicago to go to Selma, Alabama to participate in the annual march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge that commemorates what happened on Bloody Sunday. 


“We will start registering voters this weekend and we will continue to do so every Saturday, weather permitting, until the cutoff date for registration in October when the drive will end,” he said. 


“Voter registration takes on increased importance in our current environment especially when there are racist and fascist forces in this country that are trying to place limits on our right to vote,” he said. 


“There are Trump administration policies, court decisions, and legislation at federal and state levels designed to interfere with, impede, and even prevent some people from voting,” he said. 


Hamm said the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit to force New Jersey to give up its list of registered voters to the federal government is one such effort. 


“We are opposed to this attempt to seize the state’s voter rolls. We believe that the Trump administration will use that information to engage in some form of voter suppression during the midterm elections,” he said. 


POP is a grassroots, all volunteer organization that works for racial, social, economic justice and peace. Voter education, registration, and participation, have been key activities of the group since it was founded forty-four years ago.