President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Black Voters, prescription costs
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 22, 2024

Breaking: President Biden Drops Out Of Race, Supports Kamala Harris As Democratic Nominee

Biden caved into pressure from a growing number of Democrats.

President Biden will no longer seek reelection in the 2024 election. He penned an open letter announcing the decision, while also detailing his support of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

On July 21, Biden posted the news to his personal social media. In his address to the nation, he referred to his presidency as the “greatest honor” of his life.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” wrote the 81-year-old. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term. I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”

He also detailed the accomplishments of his administration, including the passing of climate legislation and expanding affordable health care. Furthermore, he thanked the American people who “protected and preserved” their democracy, and Vice President Kamala Harris for being an “extraordinary partner.”

As for who will secede him, Biden did not explicitly endorse Harris in his initial letter. However, shortly after leaving the race, the president affirmed his support of Harris as the Democratic nominee.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he stated in the post to X. “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

Biden’s decision coincides with mounting political pressure on him to step down. The issue gained significant traction after his poor debate performance in June. Despite calls ranging from members of Congress to Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney, Biden initially reaffirmed that he would stay in the race. However, the growing pushback led Biden to reconsider his campaign, which ended on Sunday.

Biden will continue to fulfill his duties as President until the end of his term, as Harris will now embark on the campaign trail as a presidential candidate.

RELATED CONTENT: White House Press Secretary Blamed For Inaccurate Details Surrounding Pres. Biden’s January Neurologist Visit

Arike Ogunbowale
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 22, 2024

Arike Ogunbowale’s All-Star Brilliance: 34 Points In Second Half Leads Team WNBA To Victory

Ogunbowale was notably left off Team USA's 2024 Olympic roster.

Arike Ogunbowale led Team WNBA to victory during the league’s All-Star game on July 20. The Dallas Wings star was crowned MVP for her performance in Phoenix.

Team WNBA triumphed over Team USA with a score of 117-109. Team USA’s players will head to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ogunbowale, who was notably absent from the Olympic roster, dazzled in the exhibition match by scoring 34 points, all in the second half. The 27-year-old’s record-breaking performance led to the decisive win, and she also grabbed three rebounds and delivered six assists.

However, Ogunbowale has made all-star greatness in past years. In 2021, she took home the MVP honors in another match against Team USA. As for this year’s snub, the athlete revealed she withdrew herself from consideration due to “politics” behind choosing the players.

She shared her reasoning on the Nightcap podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson before the All-Star game.

“I actually took my name out of the pool months ago,” she added. “When the list came out, I know everybody was like, ‘Arike should’ve been on it.’ I knew I wouldn’t be on it. That’s not saying I didn’t think maybe last year I would be on the team, that I was good enough to make the team.”

She added, “I pretty much had an idea that I wouldn’t be on it. I just felt the vibes. When it comes to that stuff, it really doesn’t have much to do with your game…When I think of women’s basketball and how many years I’ve been playing in college and pro, politics is always surrounding it. Whether that’s USA Basketball, All-Star teams, [All-WNBA] first-team, stuff like that — there’s politics. There’s politics in everything.”

Ogunbowale, the WNBA’s leading scorer with an average of 29.4 points per game, may not be joining Team USA in the quest for gold, but her standout performance proves she seems more than ready to shine on any stage.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese Named WNBA Player Of The Week

wardrobe, fashion, employee, work, outfits, summer
by Kandia Johnson

July 22, 2024

There’s No Time Like Summertime For Self-Improvement

Still don't know what to wear to work tomorrow?

Originally Published June 22, 2016.

Is what to wear to work during the summer driving you mad? From wardrobe to work hours, things get more relaxed at the office during the summer. Sure, many companies have a business casual summer dress code, but don’t be fooled by the warmer summer temperatures. Sundresses, flip-flops, T-shirts, sandals, and shorts may not be appropriate for every work environment.

Wearing overly casual clothing can be dress code violation. Regions with extreme heat inspires employees to wear less formal clothing than they usually would. In order to keep cool and stay fly at work here are seven questions employees should ask themselves when choosing what to wear.

Does this follow company policy?

If there’s a written dress code about what to wear to work, abide by it. Also, consider what your manager and co-workers wear, then use that information to guide your choices.

Am I revealing too much?

If you have to ask yourself this question, the answer is likely “yes.” Avoid clothes that show too much skin, and err on the side of caution when displaying tattoos or piercings.

Is this distracting?

Wearing wild or bright prints can attract attention for the wrong reasons. In most workplaces, neutral colors and simple patterns, such as pinstripes, are a safe bet.

Am I overdoing it?

Take a subtle approach to jewelry, makeup, perfume, and cologne. Also note that unconventional hair colors or styles and unkempt facial hair may be frowned upon at more conservative companies.

Do I feel confident?

If you’re uncomfortable in your outfit, it’ll show. Make sure your clothes fit well and don’t require a lot of readjusting.

Will I offend anyone?

Steer clear of wearing apparel with profanity, political statements, or other questionable material.

Does it pass the final check?

Give yourself a once-over from head to toe. Look out for wrinkled, torn, or stained garments and scuffed shoes.

RELATED CONTENT: Lil Mama Claims She Was ‘The Face Of Fashion And Beauty’ For The Black Community

Brittney Griner, Cherelle Griner, maternity, hotshot, shirtless, topless, pregnant, WNBA, player
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 21, 2024

WNBA Star Brittney Griner And Wife, Cherelle, Welcome Their First Bundle Of Joy

Griner and her wife shared the news of their son's arrival this month.

Congratulations to Brittney Griner! The WNBA star has welcomed her first child with her wife, Cherelle.

The couple shared the news of their baby boy to CBS Sports on July 19. While they did not disclose a name, they did reveal the child was born on July 8, weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces.

The 6’9″ Phoenix Mercury player was overjoyed by the announcement, sharing to the news outlet that he is “amazing.”

“That’s my man. He is amazing,” exclaimed the 33-year-old. “They said as soon as you see them, everything that you thought mattered just goes out the window. That’s literally what happened.”

While excited about stepping into parenthood, the athlete will also have to step away for a few weeks. Griner will compete for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite missing some quality time, the two-time Olympic Gold medalist believes her son will understand.

She added, “It kind of sucks because I have to leave, but at the same time, he will understand.”

The basketball star hopes to bring home another gold medal to her growing family. She also has twin girls she shares with her ex-wife and fellow WNBA player, Glory Johnson. The Griners revealed the news of this newest addition back in April.

The couple also celebrated their six-year anniversary this past June. This year has been a whirlwind for Griner, who also released her memoir in May.

The book, Coming Home, details Griner’s 2022 prison experience in Russia. The controversial sentencing captivated the media, where Griner spent almost a year incarcerated due to drug possession charges. The book became a New York Times Bestseller, as Griner continues to work with Bring Our Families Home to help Americans detained overseas.

Now, Griner is healing from the past and focused on her future, which now includes her first son.

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner Goes Topless For Maternity Photoshoot With Wife

Quincy Wilson, Olympics, Track, mens 4 x 400, mens, Richardson, Paris olympics, track and field
by Daniel Johnson

July 21, 2024

Teen Track Phenom Quincy Wilson Shatters His Own 400m World Record–Again!

And he's just 16 years old.

Quincy Wilson, the 16-year-old track and field prodigy, has once again broken his own U18 world record in the 400m dash, marking another bullet point on a very strong résumé for his inclusion on the 4×400 relay squad in Paris. Wilson blazed to a 44.20 at the Holloway Pro Classic on July 19, breaking the record set twice at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

According to The Athletic, Wilson’s time was pushed by the 2023 national champion, Bryce Deadmon, who ran a 44.23 to come in second place. As it relates to Wilson’s chances to make the 4×400 team, the top three times (Quincy Hall, Michael Norman, and Chris Bailey) from the Olympic Trials are entered in the pool by default and tradition holds that Vernon Norwood, the fourth place finisher at the trials, will earn another spot. The remaining two spots are determined by the coaches, and Wilson has placed himself firmly in competition for one of those spots with his times and performances. 

The relay team is expected to be announced later in July, and Wilson’s chances are only improved with each performance he lays down on the track. Currently, he is the youngest male track athlete to make a U.S. Olympic team and the Bullis School student currently has an NIL deal in place with New Balance. In June, Wilson’s coach, Joe Lee, described to The Athletic how Wilson has dealt with the pressure that comes with performing on this level with a measure of maturity that belies his age.

“If you knew the pressure and the weight of what he’s had to endure,” Lee said. “And he’s done it with a smile on his face. I’ve got to give credit to his parents for raising just such an amazing kid…It’s some stuff he’s had to endure that he doesn’t deserve. The hate. People saying things that are negative. Show me something that you can see wrong with this kid. Obviously, you don’t want to pay attention to that. But you know, he’s 16.”

But Lee said he still sees people rallying behind Wilson, “I’m happy that they’re supporting such a good young man… It’s about this was a young kid who is trying to fulfill his dreams.”

RELATED CONTENT: Quincy Wilson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Running And Representing For Team USA

Alexis Smith, miss kansas
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 21, 2024

Miss Kansas Goes Viral For Powerful Pageant Speech: ‘My Abuser Is Here Today…But That’s Not Going To Stop Me’

Alexis Smith, Miss Kansas 2024, has become a voice against domestic violence following her call out of abuser.

The newly-crowned Miss Kansas has reclaimed her empowerment. During the June 8 competition, the pageant queen confronted her former abuser who was in the audience.

Alexis Smith already made history as the state’s third Black woman to win the contest. Now, her speech declaring her abuser in the crowd has gone viral as a clip of the speech was posted on social media July 16, with many applauding her strength and bravery. Smith shared the moment.

When asked about her vision if she won the title, Smith detailed her goal of eliminating “unhealthy and abusive relationships.” However, her next words shocked viewers as she announced her abuser was in the room.

“Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today,” revealed Smith in the speech. “But that’s not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas. I and my community deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a domestic [violence]-free life.”

Smith has taken the moment to continue her advocacy against domestic violence. She hopes to “amplify” her mission through the Miss America program, as told to People.

“As Miss Kansas, my platform is deeply rooted in empowering people to break free from cycles of domestic violence and unhealthy relationships,” explained Smith. “My answer on stage reflects my commitment to fostering a world where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.”

She added, “Through the Miss America program, I have found a powerful platform to amplify my voice and advocate for those who may feel silenced or alone. I will use my story as a catalyst for change kicking open doors to inspire others and create a society where everyone can live free from fear and abuse.”

Smith has remained vocal against domestic violence, sharing to Leader and Times that it is a personal experience she and the women of her family have all faced. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 45% of Black women have experienced some form of stalking or physical and sexual violence.

Smith also continues to heal from her long-term abusive relationship. However, she refuses to let it hold her back in her mission to end the cycle of domestic abuse. Moreover, Smith uses her unique talent of ventriloquism to show examples of positive relationships to the youth.

“My voice and advocacy will empower everyone to reclaim their own power in their own unique way,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I might be small in statue, but I stand tall in strength, purpose, and power with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.”

Donald Trump. Black Americans, Immigrants
by Daniel Johnson

July 21, 2024

Trump Pushes Divisive Conspiracy, Claims Immigrants Will ‘Decimate’ Black Americans

'The Black population in this country is going to die because of what’s happened,' claims Trump.

Donald Trump and the far right have spent a considerable amount of time amplifying a conspiracy theory that immigrants are coming into America to replace white Americans, and he has recently expanded that theory to play on fears and divide Black people and immigrants.

According to Bloomberg, Trump claimed in an interview published on July 16 that “The Black people are going to be decimated by the millions of people that are coming into the country.”

Trump continued, “There will never be a decimation like this, and they’re already feeling it. Their wages have gone way down. Their jobs are being taken by the migrants coming in illegally into the country.”

Trump’s words echo the Great Replacement Theory, which notoriously spurred neo-Nazis and Klan members to march and terrorize students and residents in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, chanting “Jews will not replace us.”

Today, Trump’s unsubstantiated claims only got more hyperbolic from there, as he went on to claim that, “The Black population in this country is going to die because of what’s happened, what’s going to happen to their jobs — their jobs, their housing, everything. I want to stop that…They’re taking everything.”

Trump’s rambling long-form interview was, of course, fact-checked by Bloomberg, and they noted that Trump’s claim that 100% of the people employed by Biden are migrants was not supported by statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

“Employment gains since 2018 have almost entirely come from non-native-born workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but those numbers are largely naturalized US citizens and legal residents—not migrants. The trend also reflects a shrinking native-born working-age population.”

Trump also repeated a false claim, one he has repeated several times, about countries sending individuals with criminal backgrounds. According to the fact checkers, “There is no evidence for this claim, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which quoted a US border official who said ‘a very small amount’ of migrants have criminal backgrounds.”

Trump’s comments harken back to his “Black jobs” remarks at the June 17 Presidential Debate on CNN and his statement during a December 2023 rally in New Hampshire, where he claimed immigrants are poisoning the blood of America — a remark that drew widespread comparisons to Adolf Hitler and the rhetoric of Nazi Germany.

According to NBC News, the Biden campaign released a statement decrying Trump’s use of the phrase. “Donald Trump channeled his role models as he parroted Adolf Hitler, praised Kim Jong Un, and quoted Vladimir Putin while running for president on a promise to rule as a dictator and threaten American democracy. Trump is not shying away from his plan to lock up millions of people into detention camps and continues to lie about that time when Joe Biden obliterated him by over 7 million votes three years ago.”

Chris Christie, a Republican, said that the larger problem was members of the Republican Party that went along with Trump’s claims. “He’s disgusting, and what he’s doing is dog-whistle to Americans who feel absolutely under stress and strained from the economy and from the conflicts around the world, and he’s dog-whistling to blame it on people from areas that don’t look like us,” Christie said. “The other problem with this is the Republicans who are saying this is OK.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tim Scott Defends Trump’s ‘Black Jobs’ Remark In Interview

Odell Beckham Jr, NFL, Quterback room
by Daniel Johnson

July 21, 2024

Odell Beckham, Nike Both Declare Victory In Legal Draw

A jury found neither party’s claim was sufficient to be awarded a judgment.

Odell Beckham Jr. sued Nike in 2022, alleging that the company withheld royalties due to him as dictated by the terms of their sponsorship agreement, and the company responded with a countersuit, claiming the wide receiver violated the terms of their agreement by making customizations to his Nike branded gloves that were outside of the bounds of their agreement and violated the contract by publicly disclosing the terms of his deal. 

According to The Portland Business Journal, Beckham was seeking $862,000 in damages, the total he claimed Nike withheld from him in royalty payments, and in Nike’s countersuit, they sought between $7 and $15 million in damages. However, a jury in Oregon’s Multnomah County Circuit Court found neither party’s claim was sufficient to be awarded a judgment. That resolution, however, led both parties to declare a victory of sorts. 

The lawsuit stems from a 2017 deal worth as much as $47 million from Adidas for Beckham to switch apparel endorsement companies, but Nike retained the right to refuse to let Beckham leave. Eventually, Beckham did agree to a new five-year deal with Nike. In the closing arguments, Beckham’s counsel, Chad Colton, argued that Nike’s contention over Beckham’s customization of his gloves didn’t arise until it was time for the star to resign from the company.

On Instagram, Beckham posted a picture of himself smiling with his legal team, with the caption “JUST DO RIGHT Nike. I wanna take this time to thank God first and foremost thank you Heavenly Father. I wanna thank my team for every hour they have spent preparing on this case. I wanna thank the jury for simply doing what’s right in a world full of wrong…my message to whoever needs this is, STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN! JUSTICE WAS SERVED!!!”.

Nike, meanwhile, issued a statement to Complex through a representative for the company, “With this verdict, all of Mr. Beckham’s claims have been decided against him without any monetary award. The decision confirmed that Nike complied with its commitments. Nike is grateful to the jury and the Court for their careful attention to this case.”

Although both parties struck a celebratory tone in their statements, the legal reality is that they essentially fought to a draw, and both sides can now appeal the jury verdict if they wish. Ahead of his initial suit in 2022, Complex reported that Beckham felt his responsibility was to stand up for other athletes.

“I’m taking a stand not just for me, but to set a precedent for all athletes who have dedicated their life to the sport they love—especially those who don’t have the means to stand up for themselves.” Beckham said. “We are held responsible for fulfilling our obligations under our contracts, but we also have to hold powerful companies like Nike accountable for honoring their commitments, too.”

RELATED CONTENT: Nike Releases Kevin Durant’s ‘USA’ Sneakers Weeks Before Paris Olympics

DEI, John Deere
by Daniel Johnson

July 21, 2024

John Deere Bows To Conservative Pressure, Ends Support For Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Initiatives

John Deere’s sharp pivot seems to be driven by criticism directed at the company from conservative activist Bobby Starbuck.

John Deere, one of America’s preeminent farm equipment manufacturers, announced on July 16 that it was discontinuing participation in any diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

According to USA Today, the company is reassessing its internal policies and initiatives and said in a statement that its decision is an attempt to ensure that its customers maintain trust and confidence in the company. 

“We will no longer participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events,” the statement read.

The statement also said that John Deere would be completing audits of its company policy, saying that it would be “auditing all company-mandated training materials and policies to ensure the absence of socially motivated messages,” as well as “reaffirming within the business that the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy.”

John Deere’s sharp pivot seems to be driven by online criticism directed at the company from conservative activist Bobby Starbuck, who accused the company of funding Pride events for children, encouraging its employees to list their pronouns, and having employee resource groups for people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

According to USA Today, Starbuck’s social media campaign is also responsible for the similar pivot of Tractor Supply Company in June, but the two company’s moves are outliers compared to a survey from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals and YourCause from Blackbaud. 

In that survey, 96% of corporate social impact professionals across 125 major companies reported that 83% of DEI commitments remained the same and 13% increased. The association’s president, Carolyn Berkowitz, told the outlet that the survey is a “clear signal” that despite conservative actions, corporate support for DEI has not weakened.

Joelle Emerson, the co-founder and CEO of Paradigm, told USA Today in May that while companies have changed their approach to pursuing DEI, their support for these programs remains unchanged.

“While the anti-diversity rhetoric has had an overall chilling effect and certainly gave companies who never really valued diversity, equity, and inclusion cover to pull back on their efforts, we’re actually seeing most companies are continuing their work, just less vocally.”

John Boyd Jr., the founder of the National Black Farmers Association, told The Washington Post via an emailed statement that like it did with Tractor Supply, the association would be calling for a boycott of John Deere and the resignation of its CEO, John C. May. 

“We will continue to see more companies downplay diversity goals and scale back DEI programs created to encourage the advancement of marginalized groups,” Boyd said. 

Eric Bloem, the vice president of the Human Rights Campaign’s programs and corporate advocacy department, told the outlet that he was disappointed by John Deere’s decision.

“Decisions to cut DEI initiatives risk alienating customers and employees to appease extremists who care about neither,” Bloem said, before adding, “decisions to abandon values of diversity and inclusion are detrimental to any company’s bottom line and the American economy writ large.”

RELATED CONTENT: Anti-DEI Efforts Are Putting A Damper On Black Student Recruitment At Medical Schools 

HBCU, Barbara-Scotia, Reaccreditation
by Mary Spiller

July 21, 2024

HBCU Barber-Scotia To Apply For Reaccreditation After Two Decades

The school lost its accreditation 20 years ago.

Barber-Scotia, a Historically Black College in North Carolina, is working to regain its accreditation 20 years after losing it. The Concord-based HBCU plans to apply for re-accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities, HBCU Gameday reported.

According to HBCU President Chris Rey, although the school is still able to confer degrees, without an official accreditation, the students enrolled cannot apply for federal financial aid. With tuition currently $2,500 per semester, Barber-Scotia seeks to make its school more accessible for those needing financial assistance by regaining its accreditation. 

Rey said, “I always want to make sure that people know that Barber-Scotia is authorized by the state of North Carolina to confer degrees to individuals.”

“As we reposition ourselves to be in a position to receive federal financial aid, I will tell you that Barber-Scotia is on track for reaccreditation. Our plan, if everything goes right, is to submit our application for re-accreditation in October of this year.”

The school, originally founded to educate Black women in education and social work careers in 1867, has been working hard to stay open after losing its accreditation. As one of 11 HBCUs in North Carolina, it has suffered the loss of its once-successful football program and six of their 15 campus buildings. Under Rey’s guidance, Barber-Scotia persevered and launched an online learning program with the help of eLearning platform Skilldora.

Rey explained, “We have been working very hard over the last year with the team that I have assembled to address the 17 standards by the TRACS organization that we are going to be working with to get reaccredited so that our future students will get access to federal financial aid.”

Rey added, “When I took over, we had no potential students that were interested in Barber-Scotia. As of today, we had over 60 applications for potential students for the college for this fall that we’re working through right now.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cheyney University, Oldest HBCU In U.S., Has Accreditation Reaffirmed

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