by Stacy Jackson

August 9, 2024

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley On the ‘Stop Project 2025’ Task Force and the Danger of a Trump Presidency

The “Stop Project 2025” task force is working to prevent a Trump White House, which Pressley says would threaten the future of Black Americans.

As a founding member of the “Stop Project 2025” task force, activist and Congresswom Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) is fighting to prevent the policy blueprint of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025—a “damning, frightening look into what could be possible if Donald Trump is reelected”—from becoming reality

Pressley spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about Project 2025 and what it foreshadows for the future of Black America. So, what is Project 2025?

“Institutionalized Trumpism,” she said of the document, which outlines what a “Trump White House, a weaponized Trump Supreme Court and Department of Justice” would mean for Black America. “Ultimately, it means harm to every American. It’s a far right-wing manifesto, a policy and transition plan.”

Preventing this policy blueprint is the main goal behind the assembly of the “Stop Project 2025” task force. “The aim of it is really to leverage every tool of congressional oversight and authority,” she said.

The task force hosts briefings, meetings, and hearings to ensure people are aware of the transition plan that has been laid out in the Project 2025 plan, which, among the many alarming policies, calls for a national abortion ban, threatens to defund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and dismantle the Department of Consumer Protection.

“We have to do everything to ensure that it not become a reality, that this manifesto is not made manifest” Pressley said. “Not only does it have severe implications on the federal government and our democracy as we know it, [but] it also implicates a Supreme Court that we have already seen weaponized, that is in dire need of a binding code of ethics, thorough investigations into any impropriety of which there has been much.” She suggested the critical need to expand the bench, noting that the Supreme Court has been operating in the “absence of justice.”

Pressley asserted the importance of voters electing Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States as she emphasized the harm ahead if the election results in a Trump White House. She believes Harris, who has openly condemned Project 2025, will help build a more just America and and not take Black America backward.

She outlined several ways Project 2025 will impact Black Americans, addressing a national abortion ban as a major issue. A national ban on abortion means “a nation of forced birth,” which the congresswoman said is a “frightening” prospect. Such policies will have a severe impact on Black women.

“We still have a Black maternal morbidity crisis, regardless of socioeconomic status or education levels, that we are still three to four more times likely to die in childbirth or post-birth complications,” Pressley explained. Under the Trump White House, policies will be coming for birth control, contraceptives, IVF, and mifepristone, with additional plans to track pregnancies.

Project 2025 poses a weaponized and emboldened Department of Justice under Trump. Pressley recalled the execution rates under the former Republican president’s rule, putting more people to death in 13 days than in the last six decades. They would “go into a murdering spree,” she said.

Other plans include defunding DEI and even using he term, which poses a threat to any of the programs and initiatives that extend resources to underserved businesses, specifically small business administrations that support and invest in Black-owned businesses; ending Title I funding for K-12 education; and cutting social security and Medicare benefits that Black Americans have earned.

The legislator has already fought for action on student debt cancellation as a lead negotiator in the House, something Black borrowers benefitted from. Although more relief is ahead, Pressley recognized student debt as a racial justice issue. She warned that future relief will be met with a barrier if the Department of Education is dismantled.

Watch Pressley’s interview with BE and learn more about the “Stop Project 2025” task force above.

by Sharelle Burt

August 9, 2024

New Video Shows Ex-Deputy Charged In Sonya Massey’s Death Allegedly Predicting His Release

Think its that easy??

NBC Chicago reports that a new video shows former deputy Sean Grayson allegedly predicting his release while in custody.

The video shows Grayson allegedly talking to the Menard County Jail deputies and telling them that he is only locked up for his safety.

“I can’t imagine that they’re not going to release me…,” he said. The former cop then starts describing the charges he is facing, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. “That’s what the state’s attorney agreed. That’s why the state’s attorney made the charges so. They said this is for my own safety to put me in custody, so … so here I am,” Grayson said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite! (@its_onsite)

The 90-minute conversation happened on July 17, almost two weeks after Grayson shot and killed Massey. Massey called law enforcement to her Springfield, Illinois, home on July 6 after suspecting a prowler on her property. Body cam footage shows the victim telling Grayson and his partner that she “rebukes” them “in the name of Jesus” while picking up a pot of boiling water from her stove.

Grayson claimed he was fearful of his life and safety while she held onto the pot. He shot Massey three times and is accused of refusing to help her after she was shot.

With the jail’s low inmate population, Grayson tells the deputies that he is blaming his booking on the SAFE-T Act, legislation signed in 2021 that expanded efforts for decertified police officers to not work for other departments throughout the state. “Well, this whole SAFE-T Act bullsh*t … that’s why hopefully I’ll be out tomorrow,” he said.

He admits that he was hired to the Sangamon County department in 2023. Before this, Grayson was a member of six other departments in just four years. Despite his anticipation of being released, he has remained in custody and is due back in court on Aug. 9.

The ex-deputy’s medical records reveal he has been treated for cancer and has a colostomy bag. However, he is not receiving specialty treatment.

According to News Channel 20, Grayson’s hiring has raised concerns about the state’s police tracking. The Officer Professional Conduct Database is supposed to document the misconduct of police officers and the consequences made by individual law enforcement agencies. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) confirmed no reports were issued involving Grayson until the July 6 incident, meaning prior conduct was never entered.

Law enforcement agencies have ten days to report an officer who may have violated a policy, according to the Police Training Act, passed in 2022. Several things can happen after the report is filed, including a 10-day suspension, formal investigation, or resignation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 9, 2024

46 Convictions Dismissed After Former NYPD Detective Convicted Of Perjury

Former NYPD detective James Donovan pleaded guilty in 2023 to falsely testifying before a Queens grand jury, thereby tainting previous cases he testified in.

Forty-six convictions have been thrown out by a Queens, New York, judge after a former New York Police Department detective pleaded guilty to giving false testimony in 2023.

According to The Gothamist, Justice Joanne Watters dismissed 46 convictions in Queens Criminal Court on Aug. 8 due to the admission of wrongdoing by ex-detective James Donovan, who pleaded guilty to perjury last year. The decision affected dozens of people convicted of drug possession, trespassing, and other misdemeanor crimes. They will have the charges cleared from their records.

The court took action after Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz petitioned the court to vacate the convictions of the 46 convicted based on Donovan’s testimony. An extensive review of the cases he testified in by the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) helped in Katz’s decision to ask the court to dismiss the convictions.

The former NYPD detective pleaded guilty in 2023 to falsely testifying before a Queens grand jury.

“Today, I asked the Court to vacate and dismiss 46 criminal cases where former Detective James Donovan was the primary witness,” Katz said in a written statement. “We cannot stand behind a conviction where the essential witness was a law enforcement officer convicted of a crime that irreparably impaired his credibility. After an unflinching review proactively conducted by my Conviction Integrity Unit, I believe it is necessary to take this step to protect the public’s confidence in the justice system.”

The judge agreed with the Queens County District Attorney’s office, but it was noted that the dismissals did not state that the defendants were innocent but that it was based instead on a finding of Constitutional error.

Since 2020, the CIU has vacated 148 convictions. One hundred thirty-two convictions were dismissed based on the unreliable police work of former detectives who were later convicted of crimes that were committed while they were on the job, which undermined their credibility. The other 16 were vacated for a variety of other reasons, including newly discovered evidence.

by Shanique Yates

August 9, 2024

Noah Lyles Overcomes COVID-19 To Win Bronze In 200-Meter At 2024 Paris Olympics

Team USA's Noah Lyles wins bronze medal during the 200-meter sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite having COVID.

Noah Lyles defeated the odds to take home the Bronze medal for Team USA during the 200-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Lyles tested positive for COVID on August 6, but by August 8, he was competing in the 200-meter sprint, ultimately walking away with a Bronze medal. The U.S. Track and Field athlete did admit that the virus impacted his performance during the race, noting that he experienced a significant bout of coughing the night before the race.

“I was quite light-headed after that race,” said Lyles, who was wheeled off the track in a wheelchair after struggling to catch his breath after the end of the race. “Shortness of breath, [and] chest pain, but after a while, I could catch my breath and get my wits about me.”

He added, “It definitely affected my performance. I’ve had to take a lot of breaks… I was coughing through the night. I’m more proud of myself than anything, coming out here to get a bronze with COVID.”

Despite being diagnosed with COVID, Lyles still started off the race in great spirits, coming out and energizing the crowd ahead of the 200-meter sprint.

“I already had a bunch of energy,” he said. “This is by far the best day I’ve felt out of the last three days. Still not 100%, but closer to 90 to 95%.”

Lyles, who has been dubbed the fastest man in the world, has been vocal about his struggles with asthma and other health ailments throughout the years, using his 2024 Paris Olympics journey to inspire others.

“I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression,” he wrote in a post shared on X following his gold win. “But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!”

First I want to thank God for getting me through this entire Olympics! Second I want to congratulate @LetsileTebogo3 @kenny_bednarek and everyone else on an amazing Olympic 200m final. Finally I want to thank everyone for the supportive messages. I believe this will be the end of… pic.twitter.com/sfKOpLljAS
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 9, 2024

Previously, Lyles won gold during the 100-meter sprint last week. Following this week’s race, he admitted that he thought his Olympics was over, noting that he would not be competing during the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

by Mitti Hicks

August 9, 2024

10 Years After Michael Brown’s Death, This Organization Is Working To End Police Violence

It’s been ten years since the tragic killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot and killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. Michael Brown was 18 years old and had just graduated high school several days before he was killed. The Midwestern town of Ferguson — a suburb just 10 miles northwest of St. Louis was in the national spotlight with harrowing images of people protesting in the streets and buildings being set on fire, all while Brown’s body lay lifeless in the middle of the street.

His death came two years after Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed on Feb. 26, 2012, in his neighborhood by a self-proclaimed neighborhood watcher. Martin’s death sparked one of the largest social movements in U.S. history: #BlackLivesMatter. That social movement spilled into Ferguson following the death of Brown as people protested in the streets, calling for justice and systematic police reform.

Brown’s death — and others — sparked conversations and organizations like Campaign Zero to launch as an initiative to end police violence.

While leadership says there is still work to be done to achieve justice and accountability, the organization’s members have made some strides in implementing fundamental changes across various cities in the United States.

Campaign Zero Successes To End Police Violence

8 Can’t-Wait

This campaign has successfully passed use-of-force legislation in 24 states, including Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia, and major cities, including Minneapolis and Kansas City, Kansas, to reduce police violence. According to Campaign Zero, this is the single largest change to the power of the police in U.S. history.

In addition, organizers have created the first-ever database of use-of-force policies through 8 Can’t-Wait and continue to be at the forefront of reviewing, grading, and influencing policy and legislative change. Hundreds of city policies are publicly available at 8CantWait.org, alongside state laws impacting use-of-force.

End All No Knocks

Leaders working on the End All No Knocks campaign have worked to ban dangerous police raids and institute stronger restrictions on law enforcement searches. So far, six states and two cities (Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Virginia, as well as Minneapolis, and Birmingham, Alabama) have adopted more restrictive no-knock raid laws.

Mapping Police Violence

Campaign Zero developed and launched the most comprehensive accounting of people killed by police in the United States and made the database a resource for advocates, policymakers, media, academics, and the public.

Police Union Contracts

Campaign Zero has created the first-ever database of police union contracts. The organization has analyzed more than 4,000 contracts, and leaders continue to be at the forefront of reviewing, grading, and influencing the discourse on police union contracts.

One Music Fest, 15 years, celebration, Atlanta, music, hip-hop, culture

by Kandiss Edwards

August 9, 2024

One Music Fest Is Celebrating 15 Years Of Black Cultural Excellence

One Music Fest is back in Atlanta celebrating 15 years of joy.

One Music Fest is celebrating its 15th year of bringing urban culture and joy to Atlanta. The festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26–27.

The festival has evolved from its meager beginnings in King’s Plow parking lot, now hosting 100,000 plus attendees at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with One Music Fest Founder J. Carter to discuss 15 years of Black cultural excellence.

Carter’s passion for One Music Fest is palpable. His vision led him to financial loss for many years, yet he was undeterred. The visionary founder credits his wife with encouraging him to take the glass half-full approach and see the venture as a long-term investment.

He recalls, “It was my wife who said, ‘You can look at it as one of two ways: losing money or investing money.”

This advice and his belief in the marketability of Black culture paid off—the Harlem native invested in his dream, Atlanta, and hip-hop culture. Peep what Carter had to say about his 15-year journey and 2024 OMF.

***

Congratulations on reaching the 15-year mark with One Music Fest. How are you feeling about it?

Excited. It doesn’t feel like 15 years. I’m super, super excited to release the lineup. One Music Fest hit a record 100,000-plus attendees at Piedmont Park last year.

Do you think you’ve reached a plateau, or do you think there’s more to climb as far as numbers are concerned?

I definitely think there are higher numbers, too, to achieve. But, we don’t solely base achievement on attendance. From day one, it’s been about how do we impact culture. How do we present Black culture in a different light to build a safe playground for us to celebrate each other, celebrate our music, celebrate our food, and celebrate our differences? Our motto and battle cry was and still is unity through music.

Are you concerned that more attendees will compromise the authenticity of the space? Or will more attendees aid in OMF’s evolution?

So, we can never be stagnant. I do believe we always need to evolve. A key thing we do is try to keep young energy around us. We like to incorporate how Gen Z or Gen Alpha moves into our growth and evolution. We want to thrive, right? Everybody deserves joy, right? So, what does your joy look like? I think we do a very good job of reaching back.

There’s a younger generation that’s progressive enough and gets it. My job is to be able to tap into and reach them. Ten years ago, we celebrated Nas’s 20th anniversary of Illmatic. Kendrick Lamar was a little bigger at that time, and yet he said Nas should headline. So, I do believe that there’s the younger generation that has a level of respect and understanding, and nostalgic stuff is cool to them. Young cats are buying vinyl now.

You’ve said that your first five years were unsuccessful. How did you get sponsors and investors to hop on board for a” failing venture?”

On the outside looking in, we weren’t failing. We were growing financially on the books. We were experiencing 80% to 100% growth. Attendance and sponsors were increasing as well.

The budgets we were given, however . . . there comes a point where you have to stop and say, you know what, I know my value. We stopped undercutting ourselves and said, ‘Nah, brands, this is how y’all gotta show up if you want to talk to the culture.’

What can we look forward to for OMF’s 15th year?

Women are just carrying the torch in politics, at the Olympics, especially Black women, when you look at what’s charting, women, even in hardcore hip-hop. So, as we were booking, there are a lot of incredible women on this lineup.

The 15th year is almost an ode to incredible women doing incredible work and music over the years. It’s a range of talent if you can even imagine, from a Cardi B to a Jill Scott, Glorilla to a Fantasia.

One Music Fest, line up, J Carter, Piedmont park, Atlanta — Courtesy Of One Music Fest

The city of Atlanta gets fed from this event. If you had to ballpark the amount of money they get from your event through tourism and commerce, what number would you imagine?

It could be around the $50 million mark. We bring in 5,000 people to work the event. When you think about vendors, food vendors, and tourism, 50% of our audience is not from the greater Atlanta area.

You’ve said OMF will never leave Atlanta. Are you standing on business about that statement?

1000%.

I don’t think One Music Fest could have happened in any other city. This is Atlanta. We’re standing on the shoulders of giants, bridge builders, and bricklayers who have done the work. I don’t know many places like Atlanta that give you the opportunity to be, to exist, to thrive. Where you can dream and go for that dream safely. Everything you need is about 2-3 calls away in Atlanta.

***

One Music Fest’s tickets are in high demand. According to Carter, VIP sells out within the first two weeks of the event. So, if you are that person who likes plush seating and “white glove” treatment, grab those tickets ASAP.

Tickets are on sale at the official website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 9, 2024

New York City Subway’s Air Quality Is Toxic For Commuters

The air is worse for Black workers as they face PM2.5 exposure levels at 35% higher than white workers

A recent study has revealed that the air that New York City subway commuters inhale is at levels that are toxic for New Yorkers, specifically Blacks and Latinos.

According to Bloomberg, a report published by PLOS One (a publication that publishes research in areas across science, engineering, medicine, and the related social sciences and humanities) signified high levels of the dangerous fine-particle air pollution known as PM2.5. The report found that it is “exceptionally high” on subway platforms and train cars, based on a new study on New York City’s air quality.

According to the New York State Department of Health, PM2.5 is particle pollution from fine particulates. “Breathing in unhealthy levels of PM_2.5 can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight. Unhealthy levels can also reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy.”

The study concluded that the average concentrations of PM2.5 on subway platforms and train cars were 10 and 7 times higher than the 24-hour guideline set by the World Health Organization.

“The particulate concentration was quite high, a lot higher than one would want to imagine,” said Masoud Ghandehari, a professor in NYU Tandon’s Civil and Urban Engineering Department, who was in charge of the research team.

The research was specific to data on home-to-work commute patterns for 3.1 million workers across four boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx). Commuters with longer travel time in the subway were more exposed to PM2.5.

Researchers discovered that rubbing metal wheels and brakes on the subway rails releases metal particles, which, in turn, appear in particular concentrations when the trains roll into a station.

“We noticed that when a train arrives at the station, the concentration in the air shoots up, and about 15-20 seconds after it leaves, the concentration slowly comes down,” said Ghandehari. “This implies that it is the stuff at the bottom of the tunnel that gets churned up and deteriorates the air.”

The study also unveils that minority and low-income communities have the highest exposure to PM2.5. Black workers face PM2.5 exposure levels at 35%, while Hispanic workers are at a level of 23% higher than Asian and white workers.

MTA Communications Director Tim Minton questioned the study and stated: “Every serious person knows transit is the antidote to climate change, the one reason NYC is the greenest city around, and an engine of equity for people of all communities who need an affordable, safe way to get to jobs, schools, and opportunities of every kind.”

grants, black owned business, black founders, business tips

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 9, 2024

If You’re Starting A Business Here’s Advice From Black Founders

There’s no better way to assure business success than by learning from other successful Black founders.

As every entrepreneur can tell you, starting a business can be difficult, more so if you’re from a minority group in America. For Black founders, the challenges are numerous. Many Black Americans have reported obstacles with capital or funding. Many of them use their savings and investments, some turn to family and friends for a loan, and others tap into their 401(k) plans just to get the money. These challenges might even double if you’re a woman.

But despite challenges, Black entrepreneurship lives on—and there are silver linings. Studies have found that more and more African Americans are quick to start their own businesses, often from the age of 18.

More Black millennial founders have emerged through the years, particularly women. It should be noted, too, that the average female-led small business is typically at 27%, but 35% of Black small business founders are women.

And if you’re here today, you might be wondering how to start your own business despite the challenges and mistakes new founders might face. Our advice: take it from the experts. After all, there’s no better way to ensure your new business’s success than by learning from other successful Black founders.

Here are five pieces of business advice from Black startup founders.

Business tips from Black founders

Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth —Chris Bennet, founder of Wonderschool

In an interview with Forbes magazine, Chris Bennet, founder of Wonderschool, has an important note about customers. When asked about how his school started getting its first customers, here’s what he says:

“Most of our first teacher customers came to us through referrals or by attending in-person events that we hosted—they loved everything about Wonderschool. Relationship building and trust are critical to our success.”

Word of mouth is free marketing for your business, and people are more often than not willing to trust other people’s recommendations about a product or service. In fact, a Nielsen study found that up to 92% of people trust recommendations from their friends and family.

Interestingly, word of mouth transcends personal relationships, meaning it’s not only effective between people who already know each other—84% of consumers are also likely to trust reviews and testimonials given by complete strangers as if a friend had recommended them.

Initially, focus your efforts on providing top-notch service and nurturing your relationship with those first few customers. They are, after all, key to getting rave reviews and much-needed word of mouth.

You have to be willing to take risks —Zim Ugochukwu, founder of Travel Noire

When Zim Ugochukwu launched Travel Noire, a website dedicated to offering guides and services for who she calls “the unconventional Black traveler,” she says she faced a number of challenges as a young founder. Yet, despite all the hurdles she had to overcome, her popular travel guide was acquired as a subsidiary of the successful Black publication Blavity, a dream for most startup founders.

When asked what advice she had for other aspiring startup founders, she says this: “With no risk, there’s no reward, and you either get comfortable with uncertainty and not knowing where you’re going to end up, or you settle, and you live this life that you don’t want to live.”

Disappointments can be conquered —Sevetri Wilson, founder of Solid Ground Innovations and Resilia

In a 2018 interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Sevetri Wilson—the only woman in New Orleans to raise $2 million in startup capital—gives other entrepreneurs a piece of valuable advice:

“[You] have to know that disappointments are certain; disappointments are constant, but disappointments can be conquered. For Black people, I feel we experience a large deal of disappointments and they can deliver the type of blows that some find hard to recover from. Learning to deal with disappointments and having the ability to get back up after you ‘ve been knocked down over and over again is what it takes to be successful.”

In a New York Times bestselling book, Asian American author Angela Duckworth writes about grit or the powerful synergy of passion and perseverance. Wilson’s advice encapsulates grit—and luckily, according to Duckworth in her book, grit can be learned and improved.

Trust in the process —Jahkeen Washington & Thomas Boatswain, founders of JTW Fit

Founders Jahkeen Washington and Thomas Boatswain are on a mission to promote better health and fitness in Harlem, New York. Considering the average salary of a fitness trainer is about $59,000, both founders are strongly committed to their customers, providing personalized fitness programs for individuals and groups at a fraction of typical costs.

Their advice (that both entrepreneurs and their customers can learn from) is to trust the process. This is often easier said than done when in business, where you need to put in the work before you start seeing results. But as the young founders said, trust the process.

You have to put in the work —Kim Kimble, founder of Kim Kimble Salons & Kimble Haircare System

Celebrity hairstylist and Founder Kim Kimble, whose impressive range of clients include megastar Beyoncé, has this advice for fellow Black entrepreneurs:

“Faith without work is dead—you have to put in the work and take control for the success of your business.”

While it’s impossible to guarantee when your business breaks even its initial capital or when you can enjoy a steady stream of clients and customers, business owners must be the hardest working person in the room.

But this also requires putting in hours to rest and reflect on your next business moves. Burnout is a major problem affecting all kinds of persons, founder or not, Black or white—23% of respondents in a Gallup survey reported feeling burnt out ‘all the time’ while 44% reported feeling burnt out ‘sometimes.’

Part of taking control of your business means taking control of your life. So, work hard, but work smarter to grow your business.

Kamala Harris, Trump, Philadelphia, debate

by Sharelle Burt

August 9, 2024

It’s On! Kamala Harris And Donald Trump Finally Agree To Sept. 10 Presidential Debate

Get your popcorn ready!

Presidential nominees Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have reached an agreement to debate for the first time on Sept. 10, ABC News reported.

The announcement came a few days after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he wouldn’t be appearing on ABC due to pending litigation. However, during a press conference from his Mar-A-Lago estate, he changed course. “I think it’s very important to have debates,” Trump said. “I look forward to the debates because I think we have to set the record straight.”

Harris appeared delighted by the news as she confirmed her participation while talking to reporters in the metro Detroit area.

“Well, I’m glad that he finally agreed to a debate on Sept. 10. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope he shows up,” she said.

VP Harris to NBC News in Wayne, MI:

“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump and we have a date of September 10. I hear he’s finally committed to it and I’m looking forward to it.” pic.twitter.com/PlogS652o3
— Shaquille Brewster (@shaqbrewster) August 8, 2024

According to the Associated Press, the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, said during a fundraiser in Paris that he “cannot wait” to see his wife debate Trump. Social media shared the same sentiments once the news was shared.

“This is going to be a must-see television,” @english_shamar said.

This is going to be must see television.
— I have so many questions? (@english_shamar) August 8, 2024

Another used an popular meme of comedian Spice Adams superimposed with the Vice President’s face. “She finna destroy him,” @eddluxe wrote.

She finna destroy him! pic.twitter.com/zC0ydNKiJF
— ✨ Ed 🤦🏽‍♂️ ✨ (@eddluxe) August 8, 2024

In the past, Harris accused Trump of “running scared” of debating her. After the Trump campaign caught wind of Harris’ comments, Jason Miller, a senior advisor, said during an MSNBC interview, “Of course” the GOP candidate will debate the Democratic nominee. Still, they are just waiting on the party “to pick who their ultimate nominee is going to be. That needs to be formalized before we go and lock in all the debates.”

While Trump went on record to propose two other debates—one on Fox News on Sept. 4 and another on ABC on Sept. 25—Harris hasn’t confirmed her participation, though she did say during a Michigan campaign stop she would be “happy to have that conversation.”

ABC correspondents David Muir and Linsey Davis have been set to moderate the Sept. 10 contest, which promises to be a key turning point in a tight race.

HBCU Go, HBCU GO Secures 10-Year Partnership With The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, SIAC, streaming, Allen group, media rights, 10-year, deal

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 9, 2024

Ida B. Wells Textbook Fund Provides Aid For HBCU Students

The Ida B. Wells Textbook Fund, a communal resource to aid HBCU students as they continue their academic journeys, is on its way back for another year to address students’ needs as they matriculate through school.

When the fund started in 2016, the original allotment was to lessen the burden of rising textbook costs, as many students face barriers such as food and housing insecurity despite receiving financial aid to attend school. However, the need for reliable support has made this direct resource invaluable to students; one’s ability to complete their coursework should not be dependent on their financial status, especially at HBCUs that host extraordinary Black minds.

As young academics deal with health, family, and other issues while trying to obtain a degree, the fund promotes outreach and awareness to help uplift individuals and acknowledge their determination to better their lives. This commitment has resulted in raising more than $200,000.

For this upcoming semester, the goal is to raise $25,000 for 70 students’ textbook fees at Morgan State and Howard University.

Students complete a form and receive the funding on a first-come, first-served basis; the maximum allotment is $250. However, student needs often extend beyond standard textbooks, and the money can go toward items such as course software, wi-fi hotspots, and digital equipment.

The demand of this fund is “immense,” but with more support, more students can acquire the tools they need most for a successful school year. Funding from the community is essential to its existence, as each semester requires new money for aid.

Currently, the fund is less than $10,000 away from meeting its goal, but urges those who support Black education to contribute. Journalist, Stacey Patton hopes to advance the lives of Black students so that it can create generational progress: “By Investing in our young individuals today, we are investing in a brighter future for us all.”

Keep an eye out for the activation of the text book fund.