Stacey Abrams
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 31, 2025

Stacey Abrams Warns AI Can Become ‘A Tool For Authoritarianism’ If Not Democratized

“What, how, when, who? Those are important questions we should ask of any technology."

Stacey Abrams recognizes artificial intelligence’s growing influence on society and believes that it could become “a tool for authoritarianism” if it’s misused.

Abrams, who recently released her tech-driven thriller Coded Justice, addressed the rise of AI during a fireside chat at AfroTech, noting that the future of the technology will depend on who controls the flow of information.

“Democracy decides what information is available because in an authoritarian regime, we limit access to information. In a democracy, information is free-flowing,” she said, according to Blavity. “If we do not control for and defend democracy, AI becomes a tool for authoritarianism. It becomes a tool for constraining knowledge, for constraining access, and for constraining how our lived experiences and how our lives are actually guided.”

Abrams, who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017 and became the first Black woman to earn a major-party nomination for Georgia governor in 2018, drew parallels to how the internet boom of the ’90s and 2000s was shaped by those in control.

“What, how, when, who? Those are important questions we should ask of any technology. Think about what we could have had if we had asked those questions when the internet was first starting out,” Abrams said.

“If we do not ask those questions, we have to live with the answers someone else gives us. And once those answers become embedded in how our lives are experienced, then we have to worry about someone throttling the algorithm on our TikTok feed, we get stuck and we never get to see anything we want to see.”

Since her gubernatorial run, Abrams has focused her efforts on fighting voter suppression and promoting fair elections through her organization, Fair Fight Action. The group leads public outreach, legal advocacy, and voter education efforts, training advocates and pushing for stronger election laws. Abrams believes the same accountability and ethical standards she and other business leaders apply to their work should also guide the use of AI.

“As an entrepreneur, I believe in the ability to ideate, to build, to launch a product,” she said. “But my responsibility as a citizen means that the safety of my customers, the safety of my community has to be paramount. AI should be held to those same standards.”

RELATED CONTENT: Stacey Abrams Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize

Los Angeles, Black Lives Matter, lawsuit
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 31, 2025

Black Lives Matter Foundation Investigated By DOJ Over Fraud Allegations

The group released a statement insisting the foundation “is not a target of any federal criminal investigation" and being committed to full transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for Black communities.”

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Foundation is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly defrauding donors who gave more than $90 million during the movement uprising in 2020, CBS News reports. 

Federal officials have issued subpoenas and served at least one search warrant to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. — a separate entity from the protest movements — and other organizations led by Black leaders to spotlight racial bias and cases of police brutality. 

A report disclosed that the BLM Foundation raised over $90 million in 2020 and had more than $28 million in assets as of June 2024. The group’s finances were questioned after spending more than $6 million to purchase a house in Los Angeles. In 2022, the group defended the purchase with a statement on its website. They claimed the house served a specific purpose “as a space for Black folks to share their gifts with the world and hone their craft as they see fit, under the conditions that work best for them and in a safe space free from systems of oppression that exist in various creative industries.”

It is unknown when the investigation was first launched; however, the case is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, a President Donald Trump appointee. The group released a statement insisting the foundation “is not a target of any federal criminal investigation.” “We remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for Black communities,” the foundation said, according to the Washington Examiner. 

The announcement sparked questions of bias on social media, given the Trump administration’s recent pardon of former Rep. George Santos for similar charges that BLM is being accused of. The disgraced New York leader pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft charges and was sentenced to seven years in prison in April 2025.

Trump commuted Santos’ prison sentence, claiming he was “horribly mistreated” and set him free since he is “ALWAYS” voting with Republicans.

On social media, users are curious as to why one stands over the other. “Two-tiered justice system. Santos was pardoned by Pedo Trump after pleading guilty to wire fraud/identity theft. Santos deceived donors/stole their identities,” @lqlana wrote.

“Now the DOJ is investigating BLM for fraud. #DemsUnited I guess Republican crime is good crime.”

Others seemingly pushed back on Black voters who supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election with claims that their vote wouldn’t be taken advantage of, wondering if they feel the same.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Leaders Declare Food Emergency, Halts Water Shutoffs Amid Federal SNAP Threat

Trick or Treating, Halloween
by Kandiss Edwards

October 31, 2025

Candy Warehouse Goes Bankrupt Before Halloween As Treat Sales Fall

Despite the bankruptcy filing, CandyWarehouse.com indicated it will continue operations and fulfill current orders. 

CandyWarehouse.com, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. 

The company listed just under $224,000 in assets against roughly $3.2 million in liabilities. The filing comes just days before Halloween, traditionally the industry’s most lucrative sales event.  The company said inflated costs, supply-chain disruptions, and declining e-commerce revenue contributed to the decision to restructure. Revenue at CandyWarehouse.com has dropped significantly, 10% to 20% in 2024. Furthermore, revenue is projected to fall another 20% to 50% in 2025, Today reported.

Despite the bankruptcy filing, CandyWarehouse.com indicated it will continue operations and fulfill current orders. 

In a statement, Robert “Chip” Lane, attorney for the Sugarland, Texas-based company, stated, “Like many businesses in the United States, CandyWarehouse.com continues to recover from the pandemic, rising interest rates, and other economic factors.” 

Analysts said the timing adds additional pressure. “With Halloween spending expected to hit billions, it’s especially significant when a candy-distributor files for bankruptcy just before the season,” said Michael Leibowitz, retail-industry consultant at Big Yard Group. The National Retail Federation estimates Americans will spend about $3.9 billion on candy this Halloween. 

Globally, cocoa-bean prices surged in 2024 because of poor harvests in West Africa, contributing to higher candy prices and shorter pack sizes. The result is that consumers are buying less candy or opting for healthier alternatives. 

Still, the company’s loyal customer base could prove to be an asset during restructuring. If CandyWarehouse.com can streamline its operations, update its marketing, and adapt its product mix, it may yet emerge from Chapter 11 stronger.  Mimi Kwan, CEO of the “little fish” company, is grateful for consumers who have not yet abandoned the brand.

“We’re just a small company competing with giants like Amazon, Target, and Walmart — a little fish in a big sea,” Kwan told Today. “To our loyal customers, thank you, and for those reading this, please remember us the next time you need candy or a little sweetness.”

Founded in 1998, CandyWarehouse.com built its reputation as a woman-owned business offering more than 6,000 varieties of candy. Treats range from novelties to classic favorites. The company supplies consumers as well as hotels, hospitals, and event planners. 

RELATED CONTENT: Healthy Halloween? 38 Desserts Ranked From Best To Worst

Novartis, Wanda Syk\es, breast cancer
by Kandiss Edwards

October 31, 2025

Wanda Sykes Makes It Clear She Bets On Black Women When It Comes To Hiring

Comedian-producer Wanda Sykes said she intentionally hires Black women over men.

Comedian-producer Wanda Sykes said she intentionally hires Black women over men.

During a speech at Variety’s Power of Women event, Sykes told the audience she believes women, especially Black women, bring distinct and valuable strengths to creative environments. Hiring and uplifting women brings Sykes personal joy.

“My joy is when I’m able to hire somebody. And you know who I like to hire? Women. … I’ll be upfront with you. . . I’m hiring the woman. That’s just how I operate. And I’ll be honest with you, if she’s a Black woman — oh, pssh. Girl, you got the job.”

In her address, Sykes encouraged onlookers to pay attention to what is happening in the world. She also stressed that even if no one else speaks up or acts on inequality, she will continue to do so.

“What I plan on doing is to continue to create projects — and even in my stand-up — to speak and represent more of what powerful women can do. We’re at a moment in time where, with everything that’s going on in the government, we need to create projects where life imitates art,” Sykes said.

The event concluded with Sykes reaffirming her ongoing commitment to mentorship and leadership development for early-career women in production-adjacent roles.

According to the Gender In Hiring Report in TV, women currently fill only about 33% of television writing-room seats and about 25% of show-runner roles, underscoring the gap Sykes said she is working to close.

The hiring philosophy aligns with Sykes’ current work as a producer; she has prioritized staffing with women and African American writers and creatives. This pattern is gaining attention as Hollywood faces growing scrutiny over equity and the makeup of writing rooms and production teams. A representative for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) noted that the organization is monitoring how such shifts influence the industry’s broader talent architecture.

As studios change leadership strategies and the WGA pushes for more inclusive rooms, Sykes’s remarks serve as both a beacon and a challenge. Sykes is not just participating in the industry’s evolution. She is actively accelerating it.

“When women thrive, the community thrives. We make everyone around us better, we do.”

RELATED CONTENT: Super Bowl Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness In Novartis Commercial With Wanda Sykes

Dia de los Muertos, Day Of The Dead, San Antonio, Johnny Hernandez, culture,
by Keka Araújo

October 31, 2025

San Antonio Confirms Status As U.S. Dia De Los Muertos Epicenter After Record Festival

San Antonio is a city steeped in culture and history...Día de los Muertos didn't disappoint!

San Antonio concluded its three-day 7th annual Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration Oct. 23–26, reinforcing the city’s status as the premier destination in the United States for the traditional commemoration. The festivities, which featured an illuminated River Walk parade, towering 40-foot Catrina figures, and a conventional Mexican Tianguis (open-air market), anchored the city’s cultural calendar.

The event was curated by acclaimed chef and cultural ambassador Johnny Hernandez, whose vision launched the iconic River Parade. 

Touted as the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, the nightly spectacle transformed the San Antonio River into a moving canvas, featuring handcrafted barges, artistic displays, and live performances, which guests viewed from the Arneson River Theatre and designated free areas along the River Walk.

The central hub of the three-day festival was Maverick Plaza in the historic La Villita arts village. It hosted the largest Catrin and Catrina sculptures in the nation, symbolizing the connection between the living and the departed. 

A Grand Altar or ofrenda stood at the plaza’s heart, meticulously adorned with marigolds, papel picado, and pan de muerto to honor loved ones.

Additional artistic highlights included the Calavera Collection of decorated giant skulls and the Alebrije Exhibit—brightly colored spirit animal sculptures—which were on display throughout La Villita and the River Walk. The plaza and surrounding area were filled with vibrant Mexican music and dance, along with a wide array of authentic street cuisine, with Chef Hernandez’s La Gloria and Maverick Coffee joining the culinary offerings.

The festival weekend also hosted the Calaverita Run 5K and Family Walk, a spirited event that fused fitness with profound remembrance. Starting near Chef Hernandez’s La Gloria restaurant at the Historic Pearl, participants traversed the course carrying mementos of loved ones, a poignant acknowledgment that “Their legacy runs in you.”

The run culminated at a community altar, where these tributes were placed in a collective display of honor. Registration information for this event was provided at: https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/calaverita-run/.

Beyond the Day of the Dead, Chef Hernandez is recognized for his cultural stewardship across the city. His Grupo La Gloria restaurant collective and True Flavors Catering celebrate authentic interior Mexican cuisine.

Furthermore, his Kitchen Campus Foundation hosts the annual Paella Challenge, providing high school students with culinary mentorship and educational opportunities at the Culinary Institute of America. 

Through his continuous work with art collaborations, La Villita event management, and civic engagement, Chef Hernandez remains a force in San Antonio’s culinary and cultural landscape.

For more information about the parade, festival, and related events, visit www.DayoftheDeadSA.com.

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Mayor Andre Dickens, homeless, Atlanta, Homelessness Crisis, unhoused
by Keka Araújo

October 31, 2025

Atlanta Leaders Declare Food Emergency, Halts Water Shutoffs Amid Federal SNAP Threat

The orders remain in effect through Jan. 31, 2026, or until the federal shutdown ends, whichever comes first.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens today launched ATL CARES (Community Action & Relief for Emergency Support), an urgent initiative designed to protect thousands of residents from the impending loss of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The program, enacted in response to ongoing federal funding uncertainty and the threat of a government shutdown, immediately mandates a moratorium on water shutoffs and residential evictions, a spokesperson told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Joined by city council members and key nonprofit leaders, Mayor Dickens emphasized that the City of Atlanta is committed to bridging the gap for vulnerable residents who rely on SNAP as a critical lifeline.

“No resident should go hungry or wonder how they will put food on the table because of a government shutdown or a failure to agree on policy decisions,” Mayor Dickens stated. “We care and are standing in gap—not as a substitute for federal benefits, but as a bridge to ensure our residents’ basic needs are met.”

Moratorium on Evictions and Utilities

The centerpiece of the ATL CARES response is administrative order directing key city departments and sponsored entities to cease financial penalties and termination services. The orders remain in effect through Jan. 31, 2026, or until the federal shutdown ends, whichever comes first.

The order directs the Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management to refrain from terminating the water services of any residential customer due to non-payment.

Additionally, the order establishes a temporary moratorium on residential evictions and filings across City-owned, City-sponsored, and City-funded housing units. Entities, including the Atlanta Housing Authority, Invest Atlanta, and the Atlanta Beltline Inc., are instructed not to issue termination notices or initiate evictions for non-payment of rent, nor to impose late fees for late or non-payment.

Community Partners Mobilize Millions

To address the resulting food insecurity immediately, the city is coordinating rapid-response efforts with local partners. The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced it is drawing $5 million from its reserves to purchase more than 6 million pounds of emergency food.

“The Food Bank has taken decisive measures to purchase additional food and increase our distribution capacity by nearly 85%,” said Kyle Waide, president and CEO of Atlanta Community Food Bank. “These additional funds will allow us to reach thousands more households struggling to put food on the table and ensure that no family in Atlanta goes hungry during this critical time.”

The Dickens administration is actively seeking further resources from private and nonprofit partners to sustain the effort.

“The City of Atlanta urges residents, faith leaders, nonprofits, and businesses to join ATL CARES in supporting the city’s most vulnerable. Together, Atlanta can ensure every neighbor has access to the essentials they need, even amid federal uncertainty.”

ATL CARES encourages everyone to join the city in meeting the moment through three key actions:

  1. Contribute to local food banks and community pantries. Partners like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr, and Hosea Helps are positioned to stretch donations efficiently and deliver immediate support to families. Visit acfb.org/shutdown, Goodr.co, and 4Hosea.org to donate and for further details.
  2. Support a local family through your Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) or neighborhood association. Neighbors helping neighbors strengthens Atlanta’s social fabric and keeps families stable during challenging times.
  3. Host or participate in community food drives. Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to collect food items or organize donation drop-offs to help fill the gap in groceries for families affected by the SNAP lapse.

Please visit our website atlantaga.gov or the City of Atlanta’s social channels for a list of resources.

Understanding the Regional Impact

The potential funding lapse poses a severe crisis for the metro area. Approximately 260,000 people in the Atlanta metro region —about 13% of the population —receive SNAP benefits. Across the 11-county Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) region, nearly 580,000 people receive assistance. In Fulton County alone, more than 51,000 residents depend on the program. Statewide, 1.6 million Georgians rely on the aid annually.

The city is urging residents, businesses, and faith leaders to join the ATL CARES effort by contributing to local food banks, supporting neighbors through Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), and hosting community food drives.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

Keith Lee,turkey giveaway
by Selena Hill

October 31, 2025

The Rise Of Keith Lee: From Food Reviews To Cultural Impact

From humble beginnings to cultural impact, Keith Lee’s story is proof that authenticity, faith, and purpose are the real ingredients for success

What began as one man filming himself while eating takeout from local eateries has evolved into a movement that’s reshaped the economic trajectory for countless small restaurants across the country. Keith Lee, the former professional MMA fighter-turned-social media powerhouse, now holds the key that determines success for restaurateurs without big marketing budgets.

With over 17 million followers on TikTok and 2.6 million on Instagram, Lee’s food reviews have become a viral phenomenon. The restaurants featured in his videos — many of which are Black-owned and/or family-run — often experience what is now known as “The Keith Lee Effect,” which ushers in long lines, sold-out menus, and newfound media attention that can change a business’s trajectory overnight.

“I’ve been on TikTok since 2020,” Lee told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “But it wasn’t until December 2022 that I realized people were taking it way more seriously than me just eating food. I still just be eating food, praying, and staying with my family—but it’s spiraled into something much bigger in other people’s eyes.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7306701439605230878?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7564799054874904094

One of the reasons behind Lee’s viral reach is his humility and transparency, which have made him one of the most trusted voices on the Internet.

“I just be chilling,” he said with a laugh. “I understand that I’m put here by God and I have a purpose, but I’m just a vessel. The real heroes are the people who wait outside for two or three hours to support those small family-owned businesses.”

Still, not every city has welcomed his honest reviews. Lee’s comments about food scenes in Atlanta and D.C. sparked public backlash. Still, he remains grounded. “I don’t take it personal,” he said. “I get that people take pride in their city’s food culture. I just mind my business and adapt.”

However, he won’t remain silent if criticism erupts into attacks on his family or small business owners. “I’ll take the heat before letting those restaurants be at the forefront of negativity,” he said. “This is their livelihood—it’s way more serious for them than me just eating food.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee125/video/7565754223653129502?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7564799054874904094

Despite his fame, Lee insists that money has never been his motivation. “I don’t make a lot of money on social media itself,” he said. “Most of it comes from companies with marketing budgets who want to collaborate. But I don’t take a dime from small restaurants.”

Kieth Lee has also turned down multi-million-dollar offers that didn’t align with his values. “Not all money is my money,” he said. “If you take what’s not meant for you just because it looks good, you block the blessings that are.”

Still, Lee’s business savvy is undeniable. He teased that he’s working on new products and long-term projects slated for release over the next few months. “I’ve been meticulous about it,” he said. “Everything coming at the end of this year or next has been thought about for a very long time.”

As Lee’s millions of followers know, faith and family are at the center of his empire. “I pray before everything—before I eat, before I drive, before an interview,” he said. “And I don’t ask for anything. I just thank God in advance.”

It’s that gratitude and groundedness that keep him balanced amid fame. “We were happy when we were living in a two-bedroom apartment on food stamps,” he said. “As long as my family is healthy and together, I’m more than happy. Everything else is extra.”

Watch Keith Lee’s full exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE below.

Ghana President, Reparations, UN
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 31, 2025

Ghana Mandates Use Of Local ‘Mother-Tongue’ Languages in Schools

Ghana’s government introduced the policy as a means of cultural empowerment after generations of English, inherited from colonial rule and white supremacy.

The Ghanaian government has announced a new mandate requiring the use of “mother-tongue” local languages in all schools as part of its effort to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural identity.

On Oct. 24, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said teachers are now required immediately to use local languages as the primary medium of instruction in basic schools, Africa News reports. The policy represents a major step in improving learning outcomes and preserving Ghana’s cultural identity, while challenging decades of English-language dominance in the country’s education system.

The policy change follows a 2022 study by UNESCO and the World Bank, which found that children learn more effectively and confidently when taught in their mother tongue, particularly in early education. Teaching in their native language helps build a strong foundation in literacy and cognitive skills, with research showing that children are more likely to read with comprehension and achieve academic success when they understand the language of instruction.

Ghana’s government introduced the policy as a means of cultural empowerment after generations of English, inherited from colonial rule and white supremacy, as the primary language of instruction. The approach of aligning education with cultural identity is also gaining traction in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.

However, the policy shift presents significant challenges. Ghana is home to over 70 languages, with only about 11 officially recognized for education and broadcasting, including Akan (Twi and Fante), Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Nzema, and Gonja, making it challenging to select a single language for instruction.

The government says schools should teach in the “dominant local language” of each area, but defining this is not always straightforward. Most textbooks are in English, so translating materials into multiple local languages, training teachers to use them, and ensuring nationwide consistency could take years.

“We already struggle to get basic materials in English,” one teacher in Accra said. “Now we’ll need books and training in 10 different languages. It’s a good idea, but we’re not ready.”

Ghana’s first attempt to implement mother-tongue instruction in schools was in the early 2000s, but the policy faded after a few years due to limited support, poor execution, and parental resistance, as parents feared it would hinder their children’s English proficiency.

Critics argue that teaching in colonial languages can isolate students and limit comprehension. In contrast, others worry that removing English too early could put African students at a disadvantage in global spaces where English remains dominant.

“It’s a tough balance,” a university lecturer, Dr Ernest Kissi of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, said. “We want to preserve our identity, but we can’t ignore the realities of global communication and opportunity.”

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Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle ,Kevin Johnson, Killed, Los Angeles
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 31, 2025

Former Football Player Deland McCullough Discovered Former Coach Was Biological Father

The former Miami University of Ohio player, who was adopted, learned that his coach at the school, Sherman Smith, was his real father

A former NFL player, Deland McCullough, who was adopted, discovered, while searching for his biological parents, that a football coach he had gotten close with, Sherman Smith, was actually his father.

McCullough appeared on the Today show to discuss the revelation that his former coach, a man he had gone to for guidance, shared the same genes with him. They met when Smith was the running backs coach at Miami University in Ohio, and McCullough was being recruited to play there as a 16-year-old. Without knowing the bloodline between them, Smith immediately took to the football player and wanted to play a part in his development as an athlete.

Smith was an alumnus of Miami of Ohio, where he played football before making it to the pros and playing eight seasons in the NFL. He was a member of the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers during his career.

“The statement that I would make to the players as I coached them, I would say, ‘You may not be looking for a father, but I treat you like you’re my son,’” he stated on the program.

Although McCullough made it to the NFL, his career ended prematurely after he suffered a knee injury. Not having a playing career, he went on to coach the sport as well.

He wanted to find out who his biological father was, so after finding out who his birth mother was (through adoption records), he discovered she lived several minutes away and went to meet her. When they met face-to-face, he inquired about his paternal parent.

“So I said, ‘Well shoot, who’s my dad, you know?” he said. “And she said, ‘Your dad is a man named Sherman Smith.’”

McCullough was shocked to hear that Smith was his real father. He also learned that his father never knew that his mother had given birth to a child. However, after discovering that the boy he had taken under his wing was his own son, the next time they were together, he welcomed him with open arms.

“He opened the door, and he just opened his arms. He said, ‘My son,’” McCullough said.

The story of the father and son has been adapted into a book, with potential plans to turn it into a movie.

“I want Denzel Washington to play my part,” Smith said. “I’m putting it out there, Denzel. I want you to know that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Winston-Salem State University Honors Former Football Coach, Bill Hayes, With Honorary Doctorate

brandon scott, Baltimore
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 31, 2025

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Supports Residents Affected By Shutdown With $4.6M Funded Program

With one in eight Americans depending on the service as a source of nourishment, Scott wants his constituents to know the city has their backs.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a $4.6 million-funded program to assist residents affected by the government shutdown, now in day 30, The Baltimore Sun reported. 

With $4,685,000 to spend, the program comes out of a four-part aid package carried over from fiscal year 2025 and American Rescue Plan Act allocations provided to the city. “This funding will help residents put food on the table, pay rent and cover child care, and will support hospital-based violence responders whose institutions depend on federal support to provide life-saving services,” the mayor said at the Oct. 28 news conference.

The mayor’s program is in response to the shutdown, which is cancelling SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, by Nov. 1. With one in eight Americans depending on the service as a source of nourishment, Scott wants his constituents to know the city has their backs. “Our city dollars will never be able to fill the gaps left by this administration and their friends, but we are committed to doing what we can to support the folks that are the most directly impacted by this shutdown,” Scott said. 

“If nobody else got us, we have to have our own selves.” 

Out of the massive funds, $1.7 million will be allocated for food assistance toward the Maryland Food Bank and for grants awarded to service organizations such as the Food Project, So What Else, and the Baltimore Hunger Project, according to CBS News. 

Close to 12,000 government workers call Baltimore home, with specific amounts of funds being allocated to guarantee assistance to those who may have been furloughed during the shutdown, already the second-longest in history. Close to $1 million will be geared toward assisting impacted federal workers in need of childcare services, and another $1 million for rental and living assistance, with workers being eligible to apply to have their rent covered. 

Another $975,00 will be used to support hospitals that work with community violence prevention programs. “We know that because of this shutdown, these institutions were facing the risk of layoffs by the end of the week,” the young mayor said. 

“This is about keeping our neighborhood safe, getting our residents the care they need, and protecting the folks that keep our city healthy, while continuing to drive down violence at historic rates here in Baltimore.” 

Maryland is home to more than 60 federal facilities, close to 300,000 federal employees, and 200,000 federal contractors. Since the shutdown’s Oct. 1 announcement, state leaders have banded together to make sure their residents don’t fall behind. Days later, Gov. Wes Moore established a Federal Shutdown Loan Program through the Department of Labor to provide financial resources to state residents defined as “excepted” federal employees. Maryland Democratic Reps. Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski, who represent the Charm City area, applauded Scott’s efforts. 

Both present at the press conference, Mfume criticized the Trump Administration for putting funds towards other initiatives over what’s needed. “If we had half of that money — $20 billion aimed at providing healthcare subsidies that are going to go away — aimed at making sure that SNAP is taken care of, we would be halfway out of this issue,” the congressman said. 

“$40 billion to Argentina when we only needed $20 [billion] to get us started on the road here, something’s wrong with that picture.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mayor Brandon M. Scott Stands On Business And Virtue

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