NAACP releases statement on the passing of Colin Powell

The NAACP released the following statement on the passing of Colin Powell:

The NAACP mourns the passing of General Colin Powell, the first Black U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose influence was felt globally.

"Gen. Colin Powell lived a life of honor and integrity. A four-star general, the first Black US Secretary of State, and an NAACP Spingarn Medal recipient. He was a good man who inspired many," said Derrick Johnson, president, and CEO, NAACP. "He will be remembered as an outstanding public servant and a proponent of civil rights. He will be remembered for serving with wisdom and strength. We honor his life and mourn his passing."

His timeless leadership and unyielding commitment to the progression of American diplomacy during his tenure are exemplary. In addition, his time as a U.S. Army soldier; his appointment as a national security adviser to President George HW Bush, to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Secretary of State is marked by many notable military awards, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

In 1991, he received the NAACP's highest honor, the Spingarn Medal. Among other awards, he also was honored with the President's Citizens Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his life of service.

A longtime member and supporter of the NAACP, General Colin Powell's resilience as a prominent leader and trailblazer will be sorely missed.

The NAACP extends our sincerest condolences to the family of General Powell and sends prayers of comfort and strength now and always.

Family of Elijah McClain settles lawsuit with city of Aurora

The family of Elijah McClain, the Black man who died in 2019 after an encounter with police officers in Aurora, Colo., has settled a lawsuit with the city.

Ryan Luby, a spokesman for the city of Aurora, confirmed the unspecified settlement on Tuesday in an email to The Hill.

"City leaders are prepared to sign the agreement as soon as the family members complete a separate but related allocation process to which the city is not a party," Luby's statement said. "Until those issues are resolved and the agreement is in its final form, the parties cannot disclose the settlement terms."

Luby added that no monetary amount was discussed at a recent telephonic court hearing regarding the case.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

1 dead, 1 critical in second shooting at Grambling State University

A person was killed in a shooting early Sunday at Grambling State University in Louisiana just days after a person was killed in a similar incident on campus.

A shooting occurred at about 1:15 a.m. in the quad area at Grambling State University in Grambling, between Monroe and Shreveport, the school said in a statement. A person who was not an enrolled student died, and seven other people were injured, authorities said.

One person was in critical condition, and the other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Louisiana State Police said.

"At the time of the incident, a homecoming event was underway in McCall Dining Center," the statement said. "All persons present sheltered in place and were released once the all-clear was given by University Police."

State Police confirmed that detectives are investigating.

The school canceled its homecoming events Sunday and classes on Monday, offering counseling services to students and staff members.

[SOURCE: NBC NEWS]

Stacey Abrams campaigns in Virginia for Democrat Terry McAuliffe

Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams on Sunday urged Black churchgoers to turn out for Democrat Terry McAuliffe in next month’s Virginia governor’s election, saying that what happens in the most watched race this year will “show the world who we are” in future contests with even higher stakes.

Abrams has become a leading national voice in the party since narrowly losing the 2018 race for governor in Georgia. With her appearances at three churches in Norfolk, Abrams is joining other political heavyweights in trying to ensure that a state trending increasingly Democratic in recent years does not flip back to the Republican column on Nov. 2.

McAuliffe, governor from 2014 to 2018 and a former Democratic National Committee chairman, visited separate churches and later led a rally with Abrams outside an early voting station. “We gotta get everybody out to vote,” he said.

[SOURCE:AP NEWS]

Maj. Gen. Linda Singh Honored In Maryland

The Maryland National Guard Freedom Readiness Center will get a new name, under a proposal to be introduced by Governor Larry Hogan to the Board of Public Works.

Hogan said over the weekend that he will seek to name the Sykesville facility in recognition of Major General Linda Singh, the first African-American and the first woman to lead the Maryland National Guard.

General Singh’s 38 years of service included assignments in Kosovo and a combat tour in Afghanistan. She retired in September 2019. General Singh is also on the Maryland Coronavirus Response Team and continues to advise state officials on emergency response and preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“General Singh’s incredible life story and her amazing career have served as an inspiration, not only for the next generation of National Guard soldiers and airmen, but for young women everywhere,” Hogan said as a portrait of General Singh was unveiled. “She is a shining example that there is no amount of adversity that cannot be overcome through sheer hard work, relentless determination, and strength of character.”

https://www.africanamericanreports.com/2021/10/maj-gen-linda-singh-honored-in-maryland.html