Joe Biden Receives Thunderous Applause, Gives VP Kamala Harris A Passionate Endorsement At DNC
Biden received his flowers from the crowd of thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career.
The Associated Press reports that day one of the 2024 Democratic National Convention started with President Joe Biden passionately endorsing his Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.
During his valedictory address on Aug. 19, Biden received his flowers from thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career. “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said. With tears in his eyes, the President was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you, Joe” after being introduced by his youngest daughter, Ashley.
What I admire most about Joe is his decency, his resilience, and his unshakable belief in the promise of our country. Over the last four years, those are the values America has needed most. I am proud to call him my president, and I’m so grateful to call him my friend. pic.twitter.com/7eI4pc5VOQ
Despite protests from pro-Palestian demonstrators outside the United Center on the opening night of the DNC in Chicago, it seemed designed as an enthusiastic exit for Biden while setting up a successful transfer of power to Harris. He reminisced about his thought process in selecting the California senator as his running mate, calling it “the best decision” he had made in his career.
“She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story. And like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.”
According to Politico, the President took some of the attention off of him as the crowd thanked him. “Thank you, Kamala, too,” Biden said at one point. “We’ve had the most extraordinary four years of progress ever. When I say ‘we,’ I mean Kamala and I.” Once the applause died down, it wasn’t long before Biden started to rip into his former presidential opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump, warning Dems of the dangers he would bring if elected again. “Donald Trump calls America a failing nation. He says we’re losing,” Biden said.
“He’s the loser. He’s dead wrong.”
Several Democratic speakers and supporters highlighted similar fears during their remarks. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) geared his remarks toward GOP VP nominee J.D. Vance, reminiscing on the horrific Jan. 6 insurrection where “patriots” were calling for former Vice President Mike Pence to be hung for not supporting Trump’s rhetoric. “JD Vance, do you understand WHY there was a job opening at the top of the ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor,” Raskin said.
Jamie Raskin: “JD Vance, do you understand WHY there was a job opening at the top of the ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor.”
Georgia Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock took viewers and attendees to church while highlighting how a Harris administration will promote peace and opportunity for all people around the world. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.) shared her witty use of words to jab at Trump’s attack on voters’ rights. “The question is, will a vindictive vile villain violate voters’ vision…for a better America or not?” she asked while met with laughs and applause.
“We deserve better. We deserve a President who can be a bright light in darkness. One who will pull us forward because we won’t go back.”
Other standout moments included Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow carrying an oversized copy of “Project 2025” to the podium, civil rights activist and founder of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition Rev. Jesse Jackson making an appearance, and abortion rights activist Hadley Duvall making brave remarks on women’s reproductive rights.
NJ Bus Driver Arrested After Beating Passenger Who Allegedly Spat On Him
Toron Walker and the passenger were both arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
After a passenger allegedly spat on a New Jersey Transit bus driver, the driver purportedly retaliated by beating the man, and both the driver and passenger were arrested. The incident was caught on a passenger’s mobile phone.
According to RLS Media, the bus driver was seen on video taking down the individual after a confrontation at the front of the bus. The fight occurred in Newark, NJ, and a video clip posted to social media shows the bus driver, identified by the New York Post as Toron Walker, telling passengers at the front of the bus to back up as the man stands in Walker’s face. When the other passengers moved out of harm’s way, the confrontation ensues as one of them yells out, “What you gonna do?” In that instance, Walker is then seen striking the individual.
Walker continues to pummel him, and the man falls to the ground as the other passengers try to yell for the bus driver to stop, no one intervenes, and Walker is heard saying, “You f**ed up. What the f**k is wrong with you? You want to spit?” He continues to punch the passenger in the head multiple times before the video clip ends.
Bus driver absolutely demolishes a passenger after the man allegedly spit on him in Newark, New Jersey.
The driver could be heard directing people to the back of the bus to keep them out of harm’s way before he started walloping on the man.
The New York Post reported that in a statement to the media outlet, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé stated that the incident took place at Court Street near Broad Street, and police officers boarded the bus to stop the fight. Both men were charged with aggravated assault.
NJ Transit also released a statement in response to the incident.
“This matter is currently under investigation, and we’re unable to comment on any specific details at this time. We don’t condone any form of assault aboard any of our vehicles or within our facilities,” a NJ Transit spokesperson said.
“We can confirm that our driver was assaulted prior to the altercation. We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that assaulting a transit employee is a serious offense and can result in a fine, jail time, and/or a ban from riding the transit system.”
The passenger reportedly didn’t suffer any serious injuries.
A Celebration Of Black Film And Excellence On Martha’s Vineyard
Filmmakers, elected leaders, celebrities, and influencers descended on the Island during the 2024 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
The 22nd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) kicked off August 2 with nine days of programming, movie screenings, panels, and parties highlighting Black filmmakers, actors, and producers. At the backdrop of the festivities was Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint Massachusetts island on the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod marked by lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland.
Each year, the festival brings together vibrant celebrations of culture and community that spotlight successful Black professionals, creatives, and trailblazers. This year, about 70 shorts, features, TV series, and documentaries were screened at the MVAAFF. It was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance to amplify Black voices, storytelling, and culture and is now an Oscar-qualifying annual film festival in the short film category.
In addition to attending screenings, panels, and social events, festivalgoers reveled in the beauty of the Vineyard — a charming New England colony that has been a summer escape for Black vacationers and luminaries for generations. In the 20th century, when segregation barred Black Americans from beaches, pools, and resorts, they flocked to the island town of Oak Bluffs. The destination attracted Black families as well as prominent leaders and artists including Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke, and Maya Angelou. Today, the small island is a haven for Black Hollywood and high-profile figures like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, and the Obamas.
Here are some highlights of the events and programming that took place during the MVAAFF.
World of Hyatt on the Vineyard
Source: Tyronne Stoudemire, SVP of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, speaks at Hyatt’s Bar Noir event at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
On August 8, the World of Hyatt held Bar Noir featuring an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community building at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Vineyard Haven. During the event, Tyronne Stoudemire, the Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, talked about the hospitality brand’s commitment to advancing and supporting Black entrepreneurship.
“Many organizations either reacted or responded to the death and murder of George Floyd,” said Stoudemire, a recognized global DEI thought leader. “We responded with a program that’s called Change Starts Here.” Launched in 2020, Stoudemire touched on the initiative’s effort to address systemic racism through three key areas: who they employ, develop, and advance; the communities they support; and who they buy from and partner with. In addition to employment opportunities, the program also opens doors to further managerial advancement, community development, and supplier diversity. Furthermore, it has provided $1 million over three years to six community-based organizations located in Chicago, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
“It’s just not about the money, it’s about care. It’s just not about care, it’s about helping people to grow [and] invest in businesses,” he added.
Source: Attendees at the World of Hyatt Bar Noir event at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
The Black Excellence Brunch
Source: L-R: Janelle Stephens, founder of Camille Rose, actress Sanaa Lathan, and Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch
Over 200 guests dressed in all-white ensembles gathered for The Black Excellence Brunch held at the Atria, an outdoor venue in Edgartown, on August 9. The invite-only affair honored actress and director Sanaa Lathan for her contributions to Hollywood over the past 20 years. During a live fireside chat with Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch, the 52-year-old Love & Basketball star opened up about her family’s history with addiction and her own journey to sobriety.
“I stopped drinking six years ago,” Lathan revealed. “Addiction runs in my family. I just did Finding Your Roots and it was crazy because I found all these generations of alcoholics that had literally died.”
The Brown Sugar star also mentioned the impact alcohol had on her life. “It was affecting my health. The people that I was allowing to be around me wasn’t right. And so, I decided, this is something that’s in my family. I need to nip it in the bud.”
Rather than enrolling in Alcoholics Anonymous, Lathan says she quit drinking on her own shortly before the pandemic. She then went on to direct and co-star in On the Come Up on Paramount+ in 2022, where she played a recovering addict and mother.
Source: L-R: Nick Arrington, Trell Thomas, and Alex Tyree
The brunch, which was sponsored by Camille Rose and offered specialty drinks provided by Ciroc, also included notable attendees like filmmaker Will Packer, Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eddy, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard cast members Alex Tyree and Nick Arrington.
“The Black Excellence Brunch was beautiful,” said Arrington, likening the event to the vibrant sense of community felt at an HBCU homecoming or Black family reunion. “It was a beautiful thing, and everybody looked good,” he continued. “I think the best way to describe Trell’s brunches are, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of us.”
Source: Attendees at the Black Excellence Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo courtesy of the Black Excellence Brunch)
Founded in 2017, Thomas said he created the event series to foster community and connection while paying tribute to the legacy of Black excellence. The series reimagines the Sunday dinners he had with his family while growing up in South Carolina. What started as a local gathering in Thomas’ home has since morphed into a global celebration of under-recognized cultural figures from New York to New Orleans to South Africa and Ghana.
“Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to excellent Black people, and it was amazing to join in on the celebration of Black Excellence hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Vineyard,” said Thomas, a seasoned media expert, in a statement to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was truly an honor to give flowers to so many amazing people and celebrate the cultural icon that is Sanaa Lathan.”
The Director’s Brunch
Source: The Director’s Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo: Black Enterprise/Selena Hill)
On Saturday, August 10, MVAAFF, Comcast NBC Universal, and Black Experience on Xfinity teamed up to present “The Director’s Brunch” in celebration of storytellers of color. Held at the Atria, the soiree included a buffet-style brunch, live DJ, and a panel discussion featuring MSNBC president Rashida Jones, award-winning filmmaker B. Monét, director Gia-Rayne Harris, Robert Baltazar, NBCU Launch’s Vice President of TV Programming DEI, and moderator Loren Hudson, Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. During the discussion, the panel touched on the challenges Black filmmakers face when trying to break into the business.
“I think the path of being a director, especially if that’s what you want to be, it’s not just cut and dry,” said Monet. It’s not “like you go to film school and then you’re just going to make it. You know? I mean, the rules, unfortunately, are different for us,” she said.
Rather than pursuing a linear path, Monet encouraged young filmmakers to try to explore alternative methods to break into the industry, such as producing short films and shadowing other producers and artists.
Fight Night
Source: L-R: Tiffany Cross, Will Packer, Shaye Ogbonna, Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
The MVAAFF ended with a punch featuring a special screening, star-studded panel, and after-party for Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist on closing night.
The evening kicked off with live music from DJ Trauma before the festival’s founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, introduced acclaimed filmmaker and the series’ executive producer, Will Packer, who participated in a one-on-one fireside chat with journalist Danielle Cadet on Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.
“All kinds of interesting people have sat on and have had conversations on this couch. This is the kind of cultural thing that is for us [and] that we get to do at a Martha’s Vineyard film festival [and not] elsewhere,” said Packer to a sold-out audience.
Source: Danielle Cadet and Will Packer at MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
The show, which will be released September 5 on Peacock, tells the story of a brazen armed robbery that took place in Atlanta on the night of Muhammad Ali’s famous return to the ring in 1970. Based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist chronicles how the infamous robbery ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.”
The story centers on a hustler named Chicken Man (played by superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart) who hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest and most notorious gangsters. However, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (played by Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice.
Source: L-R: Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF on August 10, 2024 (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
Following the screening, Packer returned to the stage with showrunner, creator, and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna and cast members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey for a discussion moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross.
“I have always loved and admired working with Will, and to have this opportunity come to fruition was really, really cool,” said Bailey. “I’m an Atlanta native and I have never heard of this heist story. And then to hear that I get to work alongside Taraji and Don and Samuel (Jackson) and the most incredible actors in the game meant so much to me.”
Source: Guests at Peacock’s Closing Night Party at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs during the MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
To close the evening, Peacock hosted the Closing Night Party of the festival at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs. The 70s-theme party was decorated with roses, disco balls, and plush red carpets. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, songwriter Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, President of MSNBC Rashida Jones, and Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett were in attendance.
Black Businesses Still Need Investments To Thrive Equitably
According to The Economist, while campaigns emphasizing the support of Black businesses are important, the more vital contributions come from recieving equitable access to capital, education, and connections.
In June 2020, The Economist discussed ways Black businesses needed investment beyond placing the onus on consumers to support Black businesses through “buy Black” campaigns.
According to the outlet, while such campaigns are important to the success of Black-owned businesses, the more vital contributions come from receiving equitable access to capital, education, and connections.
Recently, INC laid out its own suggestions for ways to help support Black-owned businesses, and unsurprisingly, the advice remains much the same as it was in 2020. This is a sign that despite some policy and funding access improvements, there has not been much change on an institutional level since The Economist’s report.
As Shaundell Newsome, the founder of Sumnu Marketing, argued in an op-ed for Fortune, although there has been some assistance provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, mentorship in the Black economic community can also boost these businesses.
Newsome also called for larger corporations to support these businesses by creating or participating in programs that give financial assistance or resources that meet the specific needs of African-American-owned businesses.
Black-owned and operated businesses have been experiencing something of a renaissance, according to Isabel Casillas Guzman, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, who stated in a January press release, “America’s great diversity continues to propel entrepreneurship with Black, Latino, and women founders starting up at higher rates than ever. As we enter 2024, the SBA will continue its work to increase access to the resources needed to start and grow resilient new businesses, harnessing the unique optimism and ingenuity of American entrepreneurs.”
The same press release pointed out that Black business ownership was at its highest level in 30 years, a small business boom precipitated by $52 billion in funding from the SBA, of which over 32% was allocated to these small businesses.
“One of the biggest and greatest challenges that African American business owners face is not getting access to the capital they need. Cisco data points out the fact that Black people get turned down at a much higher rate than Caucasians, even with the same credit scores and same factors being considered.” Ivory said.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the 40-year-old White was to extend contracts valued at $5.6 million in exchange for the cash. Furthermore, the payments represented a three percent cut of the contract, paid to White by a confidential source on four separate occasions. White’s interaction with his alleged source was captured on video.
According to Matthew M. Graves, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, the arrest and charges happened quickly due to the circumstances.
“Because the investigation into the alleged bribery scheme involved contracts that could soon be awarded and other potential official acts that could be taken, our Office took swift steps to address the alleged crimes we were investigating.”
According to NBC News, White was generally silent during his court appearance on Aug. 19 and did not enter a plea. White was dressed casually, wearing a grey sweatshirt, black pants, and grey sneakers. If convicted, White will face a maximum sentence of 15 years.
To be released on bail, White will be required to surrender his passport and guns, if he has any, and notify pretrial services if he plans on traveling outside of the D.C. area. He will also need the court’s permission to travel internationally. He cannot speak with any witnesses in the case, which NBC News notes will be difficult as he will have to interact with those individuals during his job.
White has represented Washington D.C.’s Ward 8 since 2017 and recently won the Democratic primary in June. White’s next court appearance is a status hearing on Sept. 19. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI Washington Field Office, the D.C. Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Washington Field Office are handing the current investigation into White’s alleged involvement in the scheme.
Black Heart Association Shares The Importance Of Heart Health In Harlem With Free Screenings
Thank God Tara is here to tell her story!
PIX 11 reported that Black Heart Association Founders Tara and Frederick Robinson stopped in Harlem to promote the importance of heart health and to provide free screenings.
The Texas-based nonprofit provided Harlem residents free heart screenings on Aug. 18 during a stop on its Guard Your Heart Tour, sponsored by biotech company Amgen. The goal is to provide free health screenings to 2,500 people by the end of 2024. Founder Tara Robinson and her husband, Frederick, started the company in 2014 after Robinson suffered three heart attacks over seven days. The third one almost cost her her life.
The Robinsons sat down with Black Enterprise to tell their story and discuss why their work is so important.
“I ended up having a massive heart attack with 99% blockage in my left artery. That type of heart attack is known as the ‘widow maker.’ So I was 40 years old at the time of my heart attacks, and I almost didn’t make it to my 41st birthday,” Robinson said. “That led me to start advocating and volunteering and that led me to start my own nonprofit when I saw that the gap was not being filled; that we needed to have up close and personal relationships with our community on our health.”
According to WCNC Charlotte, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave an alarming statistic that Black women suffer from higher rates of heart disease, coronary disease, and stroke deaths in comparison to white women in the U.S. “I’m the strong Black woman,” Robinson said. “I think I’m the poster child for it. That’s definitely part of why I had my heart attacks because I internalized stress so much.
In February 2024, the organization partnered with the CDC Foundation’s Live to the Beat campaign for a new initiative entitled the Heart2Heart Challenge, with the goal of assisting Black women in protecting their heart health. The Director of the CDC’s Office of Health Equity, Dr. Leandris Liburd, encouraged women to make small commitments to addressing heart health.
“In that challenge, we are asking for three things: One is to make a commitment to take one small step, and that one small step can be walking every day,” Liburd said.
”We can reduce this burden of heart disease with good medical care and also by making good lifestyle changes.”
The CDC recommends a self-care routine that includes finding ways to limit stress, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, and having a solid support system. The Robinsons use their Black Heart Mobile Unit to give people their cholesterol numbers and AC-1 numbers (diabetes).
The campaign of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has refocused the lens on Black men, identifying them as the most persuadable groups of voters for both parties. The parties have heard the concerns of Black men, who often feel their experiences and political preferences are pushed aside in public debate ahead of the election.
Across the country, organizations have gathered to host Black men and provide a safe space to voice opinions. The Black Man Lab, a weekly “safe, sacred and healing space” for those in the metro Atlanta area, sees close to 100 men per week who come together to pray and talk through challenges and triumphs facing them and their communities.
In a meeting that occurred shortly after President Joe Biden stepped aside to allow Harris to take over, Black men were identified as the target of both parties. “Black men are the target, and we hold the keys to the kingdom. This is our moment,” Lance Robertson, executive director of the Black City Councilmen of Georgia, said.
“The Black man has built America. Now it’s time for the Black man to save America.”
According to the outlet, traditionally, the demographic tends to lean toward the Democratic ticket, but in 2024, those under age 40, in particular, are being labeled as attainable voters. Experts are watching how the demographic turns out at the polls as they hold a strong deciding factor in November. Bishop Reginald Jackson believes that Black men were skeptical about this political season from the beginning, and with all the changes, the suspicion kept up. “To be frank, I think early on in this process, a lot of Black men viewed this election with much skepticism and dread,” Jackson, who presides over the 534 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia, said.
“But since the change in the Democratic ticket, there has been a turnaround. I think they feel they have something that they can support. I think a lot of issues which made a lot of them skeptical are being addressed.”
Younger voters’ concerns lean toward wealth creation, entrepreneurship, police reform, and anti-discrimination policies in the workplace. However, economic policy is at the top of older voters’ minds. According to Newsweek, Black men have been hesitantto announce which ballot they are supporting because of a sense of entitled loyalty to Harris as a Black woman. “It seems that Harris is entitled to the Black male vote simply because she is a Black woman. I do not recall an election where working-class Black men resoundingly decided that Harris should be the party’s nominee for U.S. president,” writer Irami Osei-Frimpong said.
“But apparently, that’s irrelevant. Apparently, we’re not allowed to question the best candidate or best economic policy for us. Instead, we are expected to surrender our vote to party leadership and pull the lever based on the candidate’s race and gender.
Some have a hard time identifying why they are supporting Trump over Harris. Journalist Don Lemon interviewed Black voters on Atlantic City’s boardwalk, and when he asked one Black man why he was voting red in November, he couldn’t come up with a reason other than that he just thought Harris would only make a good vice president.
Meet The Black Woman In Charge Of The Country’s First Fully Digital Presidential Library
Phillips brings her own extensive history into the inaugural role overseeing the Obama Presidential Library.
Another Black woman has made history. Dr. Kenvi Phillips is the director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library, the first of its kind to be fully digital.
According to People Of Color In Tech (POCIT), Phillips began her inaugural role on June 16, putting her in charge of all the programs and activities at the library—virtually, of course. As the Obama Foundation decided not to construct a physical building to host the traditional establishment, its records, with approximately 95% already made digitally, are now being kept in this virtual forum.
While this innovative project is new, Phillips’ career is rich with its own history. The two-time Howard University graduate is no novice in library and archival management.
Not only has she served as the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Brown University Library, but Phillips has also devoted her time and leadership to her alma mater’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. The center hosts the largest amount of resources and documents on the global Black diaspora.
With over two decades of experience, Phillips is a beacon of representation and proficiency for this groundbreaking role. Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, shared her excitement about the appointment in a press release.
“I am excited Dr. Phillips is joining the National Archives as the Director of the Barack Obama Presidential Library. With her extensive experience in libraries and archives and her passion for public history, she will be an excellent steward for our archival and artifact collections and public engagement work,” said Shogan in May. “As the Director of the first digital presidential library in our system, Kenvi will help shape a new course for how we think about access to, and engagement with, the stories and decisions that helped shape our nation.”
The Obama Foundation CEO Valeria Jarrett also emphasized Phillips’ storied history in archiving materials.
“Her strong experience in archives and collections will help make the digitized records a great asset that will be available to everyone, everywhere, including historians, researchers, educators, and students,” explained Jarrett. “We look forward to continuing to work with the National Archives as they provide access to these historic records, and we look forward to displaying artifacts from the Obama Presidential Library in the Foundation’s Obama Presidential Museum, which we will open on the South Side of Chicago in Spring 2026.”
While making history herself, Phillips will offer her leadership and expertise to promote Obama’s legacy through these collections.
Mayors In Virginia Urge Black Men To Become Mentors
According to Richard Mason, the chair of the Hampton City School Board, research shows that children with mentors are less likely to get into trouble at school.
The mayors of Newport News and Hampton, Virginia, are urging Black men to become mentors to Black boys in middle school.
According to 13th News Now, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck held a joint press conference at Crittenden Middle School in Newport News to bring attention to the issue.
“We need men in our community to step forward and become mentors to middle school males,” Mayor Jones said.
“When you talk about black males, there are individuals that feel like they can’t relate to me. They cannot identify with me. It doesn’t matter about race, it’s just whether or not you are comfortable trying to work or create a relationship with a young person,” Mayor Tuck said.
Tuck continued, “Unfortunately, the fact remains that many of our young Black boys in father-absent families have no male role models or men involved in their lives unless they’re involved in athletics.”
Richard Mason, the chair of the Hampton City School Board, stated that research shows children who have mentors are less likely to get into trouble at school and often experience a positive impact on their emotional health.
Pastor Willard Maxwell, the Pastor of New Beech Grove Baptist Church, and a community member in Newport News who works with youth, told the outlet that working with children is sometimes as simple as listening to what they have to say.
“A lot of time, it’s just listening and allowing them to speak out. Finding mentors can sometimes be a challenge because so many people work. But if we can work together and have, you know, maybe you have more than one person for a person.”
Maxwell also committed to using the resources at his disposal, “I’m going to meet with the Men’s ministry. I’m going to meet with the different ministries of the church and make sure we get some volunteers. They love doing that type of stuff, especially our retired people.”
Mentoring Black youth is happening on a global scale.
Across the border in Canada, a student-led initiative at the University of Alberta is helping to bridge the gap in mentorship programs. A facilitator for The Black Youth for Social Innovation program, (BYSI) Seon Yuzyk, spoke to CBC News, highlighting the role the program is playing.
“BYSI is serving a critical role in creating a space of belonging. Equity, diversity and inclusivity are great, but it’s meaningless if youth don’t feel welcome in those spaces.” Yuzyk said. “Black youth needs, perspectives and experiences are so dynamic and always changing. I would love to see BYSI continue to be like a tree, grow, and die when it needs to…when Black students feel that they belong here and on other campuses across Canada.”
In London, Tarik Kifle is spearheading a mentorship program designed for Black high schoolers in her role as a graduation coach. Kifle told CBC News that she wished she had access to this pool of resources during her days in high school.
“It’s really about community building, at the end of the day. It is targeted and direct to supporting Black students, and addressing barriers earlier on. It’s things I wish that I’d had when I was in high school — someone to guide me to post-secondary pathways and life in general,” Kifle said.
Charlamagne Tha God Invests In AI Software Company MeetKai: ‘I See It As The Future Of Social’
Charlamagne Tha God will also become MeetKai's first strategic advisor.
Charlamagne Tha God has invested in the AI software company MeetKai and became the company’s first strategic advisor.
The renowned radio personality is venturing into the AI industry with a new brand that leverages artificial intelligence technology to create both traditional and virtual reality environments, making these innovations more accessible to everyday users. According to a press release, Charlamagne’s involvement will drive rapid expansion and product innovation for MeetKai.
The Breakfast Club host will also oversee partnership development and the integration of entertainment, gaming, and e-commerce across virtual worlds created within the MeetKai metaverse.
“MeetKai is redefining the future of entertainment. I see it as the future of social, shopping, gaming, and content creation, all while being excitingly immersive,” Charlamagne says of the new venture. “It’s where the boundaries of reality and digital innovation blur, creating endless possibilities for connection and creativity.”
Additionally, Charlamagne will guide MeetKai on fully maximizing value and generating revenue for content creators, influencers, and brands who use the platform. The popular radio and TV host will also help introduce MeetKai to the masses through innovative experiences and premium content.
As part of his investment into the platform, Charlamagne will launch his own original programming in new virtual formats using MeetKai’s AI-powered metaverse solutions. The Black Effect Podcast Network founder will debut a more immersive version of his content on the platform later this year.
“Charlamagne is one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry today,” says James Kaplan, CEO and co-founder of Meetkai. “He understands the new types of experiences consumers are interested in and how virtual formats, such as the metaverse, will transform the future of content creation and brand experiences for all. We are delighted to welcome him as a strategic advisor as we continue to evolve and grow.”
Since launching in 2018, MeetKai has been at the forefront of web technology, offering AI solutions to over 40 million users worldwide. The company is now expanding its leadership team, with Charlamagne joining Kaplan, Chief Business Officer Peter John Alexander, and co-founder Weili Dai.
