Thursday, October 03, 2024

Three officers found guilty in the Tyre Nichols federal case

Three former Memphis police officers were convicted of witness tampering in the 2023 beating of Tyre Nichols but were acquitted of the most severe civil rights charges related to the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols in 2023.

The jury reached a mixed verdict Thursday the three former Memphis police officers. The officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—were convicted of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the brutal beating but were acquitted of the most severe civil rights charges they faced.

American Nurses Foundation Awards HBCU Nursing Program $339,000 Grant to Support Programs for Male Nurses of Color

The American Nurses Foundation (the Foundation) is excited to announce that one of its premiere nursing research grants, Diversify Nursing Research through Support of Minority Institutions, focused on both increasing ethnic minority nurse researchers and expanding diversity of topics and perspectives, is already yielding tangible results. The $339,000 grant was bestowed in April to Southern University and A&M College, a historically Black institution of higher learning (HBCU) in Louisiana. And some male student nurses of color within the cohort that received this funding have shared a viral video on social media showcasing the positive impact of this award.

Three minority serving institutions of higher learning were solicited for this grant opportunity and a diverse, independent review panel of three nurses selected the proposal from Southern University and A&M College. The proposal “Workplace Racism, Perceived Stress, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors Among African American Registered Nurses” was chosen due to its comprehensive approach to engage both faculty, students, and early advance career nurses.

"African American nurses account for 11% of the registered nurse workforce in the United States and even less than that are African American men. Southern University School of Nursing (SUSON) is the largest producer of African American nurses in the state of Louisiana, playing a critical role in addressing racial and gender disparities in nursing,” said the Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing and Allied Health at Southern University School of Nursing. “Through support from the American Nurses Foundation, we are closing the gap and increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations."

This three-year grant partnership was developed out of the desire to address some of the barriers faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the field of nursing. As one of the main funders of nursing research, the Foundation responded to insights released from the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing workgroup on racism in nursing research, which was the catalyst for the creation of this grant. The goal is to fund meaningful research led by diverse nurses to advance the nursing profession and promote equity and diversity of thought.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see bright minds benefiting from the Foundation’s support of this program and excited about their future careers in nursing. The American Nurses Foundation is a leader in nurse-led research and funding opportunities for bold projects to advance the nursing profession. In that respect, we are strategic and intentional with our investments,” said Adriane K. Griffen, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, Interim Executive Director and Vice President of Programs at the Foundation. “My father was a registered nurse, so this is personal for me - and this work is a great step forward in shaping the profession to be more diverse and inclusive.”

To learn more about this opportunity and the other research grants sponsored by the Foundation, please visit the Foundation’s Resource Center on Nursing World.org

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About American Nurses Foundation
American Nurses Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association (ANA), with the mission to transform the nation’s health through the power of nursing. The Foundation supports research, education, and scholarships, which improve health, wellness, and patient care. For more information visit 
www.nursingworld.org/foundation

About the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information

Wednesday, October 02, 2024

UNCLE NEAREST, INC. LAUNCHES NEAREST GREEN TENNESSEE WHISKEY

Uncle Nearest, Inc., the makers of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey for six years running, announces the arrival of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey. While Uncle Nearest's current premium whiskeys boast proof points starting at 93, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at 84 proof. With this lower proof and approachable price point of $29.99, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey was created with inclusivity and versatility in mind—an everyday bourbon that bars and restaurants can confidently pour as their first choice for cocktails or when reaching for a bottle to satisfy any call for bourbon.

Crafted by four-time Master Blender of the Year and 5th-generation Green descendant, Victoria Eady Butler, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is designed as the perfect companion for bartenders and at-home mixologists alike. Whether mixing a classic—like a Manhattan, Whiskey Smash or Hot Toddy—or experimenting with a fresh take—like a whiskey spin on a Sidecar, Victoria's personal recommendation—this new whiskey delivers. Its standout taller, slimmer bottle ensures an easy pour, while fitting seamlessly into the Uncle Nearest portfolio with the same signature front label shape.

"Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey captures the spirit of my great-great-grandfather, Nearest Green, while still upholding our pillars of excellence and unmatched quality," said Victoria Eady Butler. "With this new brand, we're not just expanding our offerings—we're expanding the Uncle Nearest family, reaching new consumers who may not consider spending more than $50 on a bottle. Our goal is simple: To make Nearest Green a household name, bringing people together to honor our past while embracing the future of Tennessee Whiskey."

Starting today, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is available for order on the Uncle Nearest website via their e-commerce partner ReserveBar. Beginning Saturday, October 5, it will also be available for purchase at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee­­—the 7th most-visited distillery in the world—where Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, and Victoria Eady Butler will celebrate its release with their community. Shortly after, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will begin rolling out to stores, bars, and restaurants, starting with Uncle Nearest's home state of Tennessee.

As Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey rolls out nationwide this fall, the brand will launch its newest guerilla marketing campaign "Nearest vs. Everybody Part II." Aiming to ignite excitement around the new release, the campaign will host a series of blind taste tests in bars across the country. Starting in Tennessee, Uncle Nearest team members will challenge patrons in bars to taste Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey alongside the bar's well bourbon—without knowing which is which. This competition draws inspiration from Jack Daniel, Nearest's mentee, who in the late 1800s would walk into bars, place a silver dollar on the counter, and offer it to anyone willing to taste his whiskey against their usual pour, confident that none would surpass liquid made by his master distiller, Nearest Green. There is one caveat to 'Nearest vs. Everybody Part II': Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will not compete against Jack. As it was in their lifetimes, Nearest and Jack won't compete today.

"The 'Nearest vs. Everybody Part II' challenge is our way of inviting people to experience firsthand the legacy and craftsmanship of Nearest Green," said Fawn Weaver. "By going bottle to bottle blindly with the best in the market, we're confident that Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will shine through, just as Nearest himself did over a century ago. This is a celebration of excellence and an open invitation for everyone to taste history in the making."

The launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey follows the release of Fawn Weaver's best-selling book Love & WhiskeyThe book provides a deeper understanding of Nearest Green's impact, recounting the true story of the master distiller and his mentee Jack Daniel, while also delving into the unprecedented rise of Uncle Nearest. Since its release in June, Love & Whiskey has captivated readers, debuting as an instant New York Times best-seller, and remaining on the list for two consecutive months. The book currently holds a 4.8 star rating on Amazon. 

To celebrate the launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, Uncle Nearest is offering a special online promotion. Customers who order their bottles can email NGTW@unclenearest.com to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of 50 signed copies of Love & Whiskey, along with exclusive swag. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on October 30.

For more information about Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, or to find it at a store, restaurant or bar near you, visit www.unclenearest.com or follow @unclenearest on Instagram.

About Uncle Nearest
Uncle Nearest pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, amassing over 1,300 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 710 Gold medals or higher, which includes 125 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 92.1. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Dorothy E. Roberts Named 2024 MacArthur Fellow

Dorothy E. Roberts, George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology & Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, has been named a 2024 MacArthur Fellowby the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The MacArthur Fellowship is a five-year grant to individuals who show exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits.

“Dorothy Roberts’ groundbreaking work at the intersections of law, race, and social justice has profoundly impacted scholarship, public policy, and political mobilization,” says Dean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law Sophia Lee. “Her recognition as a 2024 MacArthur Fellow is fitting for a scholar who has reframed debates on critical issues ranging from child welfare to the biological basis of race. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and fortunate to have her as a faculty member at Penn Carey Law.”

Roberts is the first Penn Carey Law community member to receive a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” since restorative justice attorney sujatha baliga L’99 was chosen in 2018. Esteemed civil rights and criminal defense attorney, Senior Fellow David Rudovsky, was awarded a genius grant in 1986.

The Fellowship is designed to provide recipients with the flexibility to pursue their own artistic, intellectual, and professional activities in the absence of specific obligations or reporting requirements. Fellows are nominated anonymously by leaders in their respective fields and are considered by an anonymous selection committee.

Roberts is a legal scholar and public policy researcher exposing racial inequities embedded within health and social service systems. Her work encompasses reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare. She sheds light on systemic inequities, amplifies the voices of those directly affected, and boldly calls for a wholesale transformation of existing systems.

“I am extremely honored to receive a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship,” said Roberts. “It is my hope this award will shine a light on Black women’s visions and struggles for reproductive and family justice.”

“The transformative scholarship of Dorothy Roberts focuses on some of the most pressing issues facing our society, addressing issues of inequality, social justice, and race,” said Interim President J. Larry Jameson. “As a scholar, award-winning author, and now MacArthur Fellow, she exemplifies Penn’s commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary, creative pursuits.”

Roberts’ major books include Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty (Pantheon, 1997); Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare (Basic Books, 2001); Fatal Invention: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-First Century (The New Press, 2011); and Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families – and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World (Basic Books, 2022), as well as more than 100 scholarly articles and essays in books and journals, including Harvard Law ReviewYale Law JournalStanford Law Review, and The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story.

Her work has been supported by the American Council of Learned Societies, National Science Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Harvard Program in Ethics & the Professions, Stanford Center for the Comparative Study of Race & Ethnicity, Northwestern Institute for Policy Research, and the Fulbright Program. Recent recognitions of her work include elections to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Philosophical Society, and National Academy of Medicine. She holds an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Rutgers University, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,  received the Society of Family Planning Lifetime Achievement Award, and an American Psychiatric Association Solomon Carter Fuller Award.

[SOURCE: UPENN.LAW]

Princeton Professor Ruha Benjamin awarded MacArthur ‘genius’ grant

Ruha Benjamin, the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, has been awarded a 2024 MacArthur Fellowship(Link is external) for “illuminating how technology reflects and reproduces social inequality and championing the role of imagination in social transformation.”

“By integrating critical analysis of innovation with attentiveness to the potential for positive change, Benjamin demonstrates the importance of imagination and grassroots activism in shaping social policies and cultural practices,” the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation said in its announcement.

Benjamin is one of 22 MacArthur Fellows in the 2024 cohort, a group of scientists, artists, scholars, and activists who will each receive an $800,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation over a five-year period. The prestigious fellowships, known informally as “genius grants,” recognize individuals who have demonstrated “exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits.”

“Ruha Benjamin’s innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship has brought critical new perspectives to our understanding of racial and social inequities in technology, science, and medicine,” said Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber. “Professor Benjamin is a strikingly original and creative thinker, writer, and educator who inspires her students and readers.”

In her scholarship, Benjamin studies the social dimensions of science, medicine and technology. She joined the Princeton faculty in 2014 and is currently on sabbatical.

She is a 2017 recipient of the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching and the founding director of the Ida B. Wells JUST Data Lab(Link is external). She was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) from 2016 to 2017.

Her research has been published in journals such as Science, the American Journal of Law & Medicine, and Science, Technology, & Human Values. Benjamin was among the Marguerite Casey Foundation and Group Health Fund’s inaugural cohort of Freedom Scholars in 2020. 

She is also an award-winning author and popular speaker who has delivered talks on both the TED and TEDx stages and has written for The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN and The Guardian, among other publications.

Her most recent book, “Imagination: A Manifesto(Link is external)” (Norton, 2024), showcases artists, educators and activists in a narrative that she has called “a proclamation of the power of the imagination.” Her acclaimed 2022 book, “Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want(Link is external)” (Princeton University Press) won the 2023 Stowe Prize for Literary Activism, which recognizes “a distinguished book of general adult fiction or nonfiction whose written work illuminates a critical social justice issue in the tradition of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’”

Benjamin is also the author of “Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code(Link is external)” (Polity, 2019) and “People’s Science: Bodies and Rights on the Stem Cell Frontier(Link is external)” (Stanford University Press, 2013). She is the editor of “Captivating Technology: Race, Carceral Technoscience, and Liberatory Imagination in Everyday Life(Link is external)” (Duke University Press, 2019). 

Benjamin received her B.A. in sociology and anthropology from Spelman College and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California-Berkeley.

She completed postdoctoral fellowships at UCLA’s Institute for Society and Genetics and Harvard University’s Program on Science, Technology, and Society. She was an assistant professor of sociology at Boston University before joining Princeton.

In addition to her tenure at IAS, she has received fellowships and grants from the American Council of Learned Societies, the National Science Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

“MacArthur Fellows are nominated anonymously by leaders in their respective fields and considered by an anonymous selection committee,” according to the foundation’s announcement of 2024 fellows.

[SOURCE: PRINCETON.EDU/NEWS]