by Stacy Jackson

April 3, 2025

Black Patient Blasts Medical Assistant For Writing ‘King Kong’ On Test Kit

"That’s unacceptable. Even if it is a typo," King said before she asserted that she would report the "racist" gesture.

Kierra King, a Black woman in Southern California, was offended when she found her name was changed to King Kong on the label of a vial during a visit to the doctor.

“This is beyond unacceptable,” King captioned a video she posted to TikTok, where she showed followers the label that read “King, Kong” instead of King, Kierra.” She continued to film as she questioned a health care employee who claimed she was unsure who had printed the label. “Can you understand why I, as a Black woman, would have a problem with that?” King asks the employee in the video. “That’s unacceptable. Even if it is a typo, which if they want to pull that and say what it is, how?! Seriously?!”

King requested for the unidentified employee to see who made the label and said that she would not leave the office without raising the concern. The woman assured King it was not her and did not know how the mistake happened. The woman returned with the medical assistant who admitted to creating the label. However, she claimed it was a mistake and said, “It wasn’t really my intention to put your name like that.” She continued to say that they gave the vial to King to double-check the information and claimed King “didn’t mention anything” about any information being incorrect. However, according to King, nothing was “double-checked” as far as the name.

After seemingly accusing King of not saying anything about the name earlier when she did her sample, the medical assistant told her, “If you feel some type of way about how I wrote it, and you want to report me, that is totally fine.”

@kierraking616
@Perlmanclinic this is beyond unacceptable. my story is just one instance of blatant racism. things like this are happening every single day. i am making the decision to use my personal social media as a platform to continue to bring awareness to the gravity of how out of control things have gotten in the united states and in the world. this action is incomprehensibly bad. it’s the kind of action that leaves one without words. do better humans. do better. #california #unitedstateshealthcare #unacceptable #racism #disappointedbutnotsurprised
♬ original sound – kierraking616

According to King’s TikTok post, the incident occurred at Perlman Clinic, which serves San Diego and Orange County.

Following the outburst from TikTok users, the clinic issued the following statement:

“At Perlman Clinic, every patient is important to us. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and cared for. Diversity is at the heart of who we are, and we strive to ensure that each person who walks through our doors receives compassionate care tailored to their unique needs. Your health and well-being are our top priority.”

King said her incident is just one instance of “blatant racism” and chose to use her social media platform to raise awareness. A 2024 analysis published by KFF revealed that Black women are more likely than other groups to report unfair treatment from healthcare providers due to race and ethnicity. For Black women who used health care in the past three years, 34% reported worse health, being less likely to seek care, or switching health care providers.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 3, 2025

Miami’s Haitian Community Holds Onto Faith Amid Ongoing Violence And Uncertainty On The Island

More than a million Haitian residents were forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing gang violence

Thousands of Haitian American parishioners gathered for Lenten worship services at Notre Dame d’Haiti, a Catholic church in the heart of Miami’s Haitian neighborhood. Meanwhile, their homeland endures increasing violence, food insecurity, and diminishing humanitarian aid.

Kettelene Fevrier attended the service on March 29. The immigrant expressed her unwavering faith that things will improve in her homeland and that she will have a bright future living in the United States.

“We believe in him. We pray for possibilities,” Fevrier told the Associated Press.

Fevrier fled Haiti in 2023 under the Biden administration’s Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) Program, a temporary humanitarian protection initiative established to safeguard foreign nationals during global crises. In March 2025, the Trump administration announced its intention to revoke the program that provided aid to 530,000 migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end deportation protections, but the bill’s future remains uncertain.

Sandina Jean, who also left Haiti two years ago, tells the AP that returning to Haiti is out of the question.

“Haiti is getting worse. We don’t have a home to go back to,” Jean told the outlet.

Last week, Catholic Legal Services held an immigration session that lasted until 1 a.m. due to the high demand for advice amid uncertainty about their future in America. Jean Souffrant, who leads the church’s Leadership and Learning Center, states that parishioners are experiencing elevated levels of stress as they confront the possibility of being forced out of the country that once welcomed them.

Haiti has faced persistent gang violence since 2021. The gangs that now dominate the majority of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, have escalated their attacks, resulting in the deaths of over 5,600 people in 2024. The UN estimates that more than 1 million individuals have been displaced as a result of the violence.

The U.S. Census estimates that nearly half a million Haitians live in South Florida, making it the largest Haitian community in the United States.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 3, 2025

Young Thug’s Freedom At Risk After District Attorney Files Motion To Revoke Probation

Young Thug called out a "liar" which may land him back in jail.

Fulton County prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke probation for Jeffery Lamar Williams, the rapper known as Young Thug, citing a social media post they allege threatens the safety of a key witness in his criminal trial.

The motion, filed on April 2, claims Young Thug’s actions compromise ongoing legal proceedings and are deemed a violation of his probation. According to the filing, Young Thug reposted an image of Investigator Marissa Viverito, who testified in the YSL RICO case.

The accompanying caption read, “Marissa Viverito is the biggest liar in the DA’s office.”

The Just How It Is rapper’s post reportedly garnered over two million views before being deleted. Prosecutors contend that the repost led social media users to dox Viverito. Though Young Thug did not post any of the investigator’s information, Viverito’s home and parents’ addresses were released. This resulted in increased security measures for the county. They argue that criminal organizations often use these tactics to harass witnesses.

“These actions mirror the established tactics of criminal organizations, as defined under O.C.G.A. § 16-15-3, which are designed to instill fear, silence witnesses, and interfere with judicial proceedings. As a direct consequence of these actions, law enforcement resources have been required to provide security in response to the escalating threats and intimidation,” the motion read.

This is related to yesterday's post calling Viverito "the biggest liar in the DA's office".

They are blaming Thug for the actions of other random people in the reply "as a direct consequence of these social media posts" https://t.co/ffCnIT06Oe pic.twitter.com/4MGDPZTk7x
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) April 3, 2025

In response, Young Thug posted on X denying any intent to threaten or harm, stating, “I don’t make threats to people. I’m a good person. I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love.”

I don’t make treats to people I’m a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love
— Young Thug ひ (@youngthug) April 3, 2025

Williams’ attorney, Brian Steel, spoke to WSB-TV, calling the motion “baseless.” Steel emphasized that his client had done nothing wrong and expressed confidence in seeking a dismissal of the petition.

This development follows Williams’ October 2024 guilty plea to multiple charges, including violating Georgia’s RICO Act. He was sentenced to 40 years, with five years commuted to time served and the remaining 15 years on probation. The probation terms include restrictions on associating with known gang members and requirements for community service.

Prosecutors are requesting that Young Thug be taken into custody immediately and that he reimburse the costs associated with the enhanced security measures necessitated by the threats. They assert that his continued freedom under probation presents a clear and present danger to public safety and undermines the rule of law.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 3, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar And Keke Palmer Secure 2025 Webby Award Nominations

The Webby People's Voice voting period is open from Tuesday, April 1 through Thursday, April 17

The 29th annual Webby Awards ceremony is on the horizon, and several of Black Hollywood’s biggest stars are among the nominees.

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences presents the awards to digital innovators in various categories, including websites, podcasts, apps, software, games, and social media influencers.

In the General Video & Film category, Megan Thee Stallion snagged a nomination for her hit, “Mamausi,” which pays homage to anime culture. The statuesque rapper will compete against Kendrick Lamar, who earned a nomination for his chart-topping single, “Not Like Us.”

Keke Palmer is nominated for two Webbys this year. Her podcast, Baby, This is Keke Palmer, is in the running for Best Host and Best Talk Show.

Palmer is no stranger to the Webbys. In 2024, the actress won four awards. She earned the Best Host and Best Video Series Awards for Baby, This Is Keke Palmer. She also received the Best Advertising/PR Award for Dinnervention, a collaboration with Hello Fresh. Additionally, the starlet was honored with the Special Achievement Award.

In the television and film category, The Jennifer Hudson Show was nominated for The Spirit Tunnel, during which the show’s staff lines up to serenade guests with original songs or chants featuring catchy beats as they make their way to the stage. RuPaul’s Drag Race is also among the nominees in this category.

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A post shared by The Jennifer Hudson Show (@jenniferhudsonshow)

A$AP Rocky received two nominations: the digital ad for his collaboration with Puma is up for Best Edit and The Fashion and Lifestyle awards. If the rapper attends the awards ceremony, he will likely be accompanied by his girlfriend, Rihanna. Her Fenty Beauty brand is nominated for two Webbys.

This year, the academy introduced new categories for content creators to acknowledge the growing influence of digital creators in marketing and entertainment.

Nominees in these categories include Kai Cenat, who gained internet fame for his comedic streams on Twitch. Cenat also received a nomination in the Top Video or Film Comedy category for the short video “Thanksgiving,” which features Druski and Kevin Hart.

Fans can visit the Webby website to vote for their favorite nominees. The winners of the 29th Annual Webby Awards will be announced on Tuesday, April 22. The awards ceremony will be streamed live on Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. EST.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 3, 2025

Amazon Jumps In With Last Minute Bid To Save TikTok From U.S. Ban

Amazon issued a bid letter to Vice President JD Vance and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick just days before the April 5 deadline.

Associated Press reports that Amazon placed a last-minute bid to purchase the popular video-sharing app TikTok before the April 5 deadline for selling the company to an American company.

The offer letter was submitted on April 2 in a letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Under a law upheld by President Donald Trump, TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, is required to sell the platform to an approved buyer or risk having it banned in the U.S. President has floated the idea of extending the deadline but said he “expects” a deal to be made on time.

White House officials said, “If and when there is an announcement on TikTok, it will come from President Trump,” however, according to NBC News, he has leaned on Vance and national security adviser Michael Waltz to lead the effort to save the app from going black. Vance, who worked in the venture capital space before entering politics, is trying his hardest to avoid a deadline extension, highlighting that deals involving more capital take a certain amount of time. “Typically, some of these deals that are much smaller and involve much less capital take months to close,” Vance said.

“We’re trying to close this thing by early April. I think that the outlines of this thing will be very clear. The question is whether we can get all the paper done.”

Prior to Trump taking office, former President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, giving ByteDance until January 2025 to sell the app. Bipartisan efforts supported Biden, with lawmakers pushing a narrative of national security concerns, claiming the company was sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government.

The FBI and the Federal Communications Commission warned that TikTok could share user data like browsing history, location, and biometric identifiers with China’s authoritarian government. However, TikTok defended itself, saying that has never happened and it wouldn’t do so if asked.

The U.S. government has yet to provide evidence of its claims.

After the President said, “We have a lot of potential buyers,” the Trump administration listed “four different groups” they are working with to potentially solidify a sale. Amazon is now on the list with Project Liberty, an organization led by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, with support from “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian, and internet celebrity “Mr. Beast.”

Other potential suitors include former video game CEO Bobby Kotick, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, and Microsoft. Last-minute bidders wanting to knock Amazon out of the bidding war are also listed, including the founder of payroll firm Employer.com, Jesse Tinsley, who said he offered ByteDance over $30 billion for the platform and Wyoming small business owner Reid Rasner, who threw in a bid to pay the company $47.5 billion in exchange for ownership.

by Keka Araújo

April 3, 2025

20-Year-Old Man Arrested After Money Dispute Leads To Alleged Double Murder

By pure coincidence, Sessoms was apprehended in Michigan on the same day on unrelated burglary charges.

A 20-year-old man, who reportedly believed that his mother stole his money, has been charged with the murders of his parents in a motel room.

Jason Sessoms was accused of fatally shooting his father, 42-year-old Marvin Sessoms, and his mother, 38-year-old Maleeka Sessoms, inside the Extended Stay Kansas City motel in Northland on March 29.

Kansas City police officers responded to the motel in the 4300 block of North Corrington Avenue at approximately 3:45 a.m., where they discovered the Sessoms couple unresponsive, their bodies riddled with gunshot wounds, according to Kansas City Police Department spokesperson Capt. Jake Becchina. Marvin and Maleeka died at the scene.

By pure coincidence, Sessoms was apprehended in Michigan on the same day on unrelated burglary charges. A subsequent interview with the suspected killer’s 10-year-old brother, who was traveling with Sessoms, provided a harrowing account. The juvenile allegedly told Michigan police that his older brother had killed their parents earlier that day, according to court documents.

Further investigation revealed that the Sessoms family had been en route to Georgia to visit Marvin Sessoms’ sister. However, they had returned to the Kansas City area to retrieve the youngest son’s laptop. The sister also told investigators that the family had been fleeing because Jason Sessoms believed someone had “put out a hit on him,” according to the affidavit.

In Michigan, Sessoms was armed with two handguns when he was arrested. He is currently being held at the Van Buren County Detention Facility in Paw Paw, Michigan, facing charges of home invasion, attempted disarming of a police officer, unlawful driving away of an automobile, carrying a concealed weapon, and resisting and obstructing a police officer. A Michigan judge set his bond at $2 million.

Kansas City Police Department detectives traveled to Michigan to interview Sessoms about the killings of his parents. During the interview, Sessoms initially provided conflicting accounts, attempting to deflect blame. He first claimed a “tall and buff” Hispanic male had killed his parents and intended to harm him. However, after detectives confronted him with evidence, Sessoms provided multiple, varying versions of the events leading to his parents’ deaths, according to court documents.

The Clay County Court has charged Jason Sessoms with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. No information has been released regarding when Sessoms will be extradited to Missouri to face these charges.

The motive for the killings, as alleged by authorities, stemmed from Sessoms’ belief that his mother had taken his money to rent the motel room. The details provided by the 10-year-old child and the family members painted a picture of a volatile individual.

Sessoms faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Clay County, Missouri, following the deaths of Marvin and Maleeka Sessoms. He is currently detained in Michigan on separate charges, pending extradition.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 3, 2025

Morehouse College Becomes First HBCU To Win National Boxing Tournament

21-year-old Kaleb Hudson and 20-year-old Elijah McLean brought home national championship belts

Morehouse College boxed its way into history when they became the first HBCU (historically Black college and university) to be involved in the U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Tournament.

According to Atlanta First News, the Morehouse Boxing Club participated in the tournament, and two of its members, 21-year-old Kaleb Hudson and 20-year-old Elijah McLean, were able to bring home national championship belts. McLean defeated Glenville State University’s Aaron O’Connor to take home the 168-pound Men’s Open title. Hudson took down the University of Washington’s Evan Lee to win the 140-pound Beginner B bracket.

Morehouse Chief of Police, Charles Prescott, helped the boxing club by raising money for the athletic group, even going into his own pocket to pay for the club’s lodging and travel. He took to his Instagram account to acknowledge the boxing club’s historic victory.

“This week, history was made at Morehouse College!

“Our Morehouse College Boxing Club hit the road and traveled to the National Intercollegiate Boxing Association’s National Championship, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Out of seven participants, we brought home impressive results: two National Champions, one 2nd ranked Champion, and four who finished in the top four in their weight classes.

“This marks a monumental moment for Morehouse College as we celebrate our first-ever National Boxing Champions and make HBCU history as the first team from Morehouse and the first HBCU to achieve this honor.”

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A post shared by Charles Prescott (@charlesprescott_ii)

On the school’s Instagram account, it also stated that the boxing club’s publicity chair, Alofamonie “Moni” Galoia, fought in the tournament as well.

“Alofamonie ‘Moni’ Galoia, the Club’s Publicity Chair and student at Clark Atlanta University, also competed fiercely in the women’s division at the USIBA National Championship.”

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A post shared by Morehouse College (@morehouse1867)

Morehouse Boxing Club President and Founder, Jacobey Bell, shared that there were financial obstacles to participating, but the club benefited from the tournament being a local event.

“It’s hard for us to get funding, a lot of times. We got lucky this year with the tournament being in Macon.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 3, 2025

Savannah State University’s New President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, Gets The Ultimate Welcome From Students

Dr. Jermaine Whirl previously led Augusta Technical College, and held numerous administrative and faculty roles at other public institutions.

Savannah State University has welcomed its new president, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, to lead the HBCU.

On April 1, Dr. Whirl officially began his tenure at Georgia’s oldest public historically Black university. Prior to his appointment, Whirl served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC) since 2020. He will bring over two decades of experience as an administrative leader and faculty member at multiple public institutions.

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A post shared by Savannah State University (@savannahstate)

“I am looking forward to returning to the beautiful city of Savannah and helping to shape the next generation of leaders in our area and region,” Whirl said in a statement on the school’s website. “Working with our alumni and community partners, I think we can take an SSU education to the next level and provide more opportunities for the Tiger nation.”

His previous experience also extends to roles at South Carolina’s Greenville Technical College (GTC), Georgia’s Savannah Technical College (STC), Georgia Southern University (GSU), and East Georgia State University (EGSU).

His plans for SSU include making it a doctoral-degree-granting institution. Moreover, he aims to make SSU a “primary driver” of economic development and “increased social mobility” for the greater Savannah region.

His ambitions also range from making SSU the “anchor institution” of Savannah by fostering new partnerships across many sectors to achieving a placement in the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 25 HBCU list by 2035.

He reportedly reigns as the youngest president in HBCU history at 39 years old. The school community celebrated his new start with a serenade, made popular by The Jennifer Hudson Show, at a campus building.

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A post shared by Historically Black Since- HBCU (@historicallyblacksince)

Whirl replaces SSU’s interim president, President Cynthia Robinson Alexander, JD. Robinson Alexander expressed her well wishes to Whirl ahead of the leadership transition.

“As interim president for the last 21 months, I have had the opportunity to implement many changes that I think will lay a firm foundation for Dr. Whirl’s ambitious goals,” said Robinson Alexander. “Although I am sad to leave the SSU community, I am encouraged that I am leaving it in good hands.”

During his tenure at ATC, Whirl oversaw a 20.3% increase in headcount within three academic years starting in 2021. He additionally fostered education partnerships with neighboring universities, the city of Augusta, and Amazon.

His years-long achievement resulted in numerous awards, including the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. With a master’s degree in adult education and community leadership from Armstrong State University (now GSU) and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Valdosta State University, he brings abundant knowledge and expertise to launch a new era at SSU.

masks, new York, crime, Black-Jewish. coalition

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 3, 2025

New York Black-Jewish Coalition Calls For Anti-Masking Legislation With New Ad Campaign

A coalition of Black and Jewish advocacy groups is calling for legislation to increase penalties for crimes committed while wearing a mask.

UnMaskHateNY, a coalition of Black and Jewish advocacy groups, has launched an ad campaign advocating for New York State legislation that would impose additional penalties on crimes committed by masked offenders.

The ad campaign seeks to counter “misinformation” about the legislation, which some have mistaken for a “mask ban,” Times of Israel reports. The bill would not prohibit masks, but would increase penalties for crimes committed while wearing one.

“With all the confusion in the debate about regulating the conduct of people wearing masks, we thought it would be helpful to set the record straight,” the ad says. “People can wear masks to their heart’s content, but they can’t wear masks and engage in intimidating, harassing or threatening activity.”

Titled “Fine, Not Fine,” the 30-second ad features images distinguishing acceptable mask use — such as for sports, medical reasons, or religious purposes — from unacceptable use, like concealing one’s identity during violent protests or vandalism. The commercial will air this week on cable TV and digital platforms.

“The text only prohibits the wearing of a mask in situations in which they’re used to hide the identity of a person engaging in intimidating, threatening, or harassing activity. Nothing less, nothing more,” the ad says.

The campaign aligns with New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to pass the legislation as part of the state budget. The bill seeks to create the offense of “masked harassment,” increasing penalties for crimes committed while wearing a mask “with the primary purpose of menacing or threatening violence” or “causing a person or group to reasonably fear for their physical safety.”

The New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union called the legislation a “mask ban” and warned that it could “open the floodgates to disproportionate enforcement.” If passed, the masked harassment law would operate similarly to hate crime legislation, which enhances penalties for offenses motivated by discrimination.

Wearing a mask without engaging in criminal activity would not be impacted. New York had anti-masking laws for over a century until they were repealed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 3, 2025

Cory Booker Made History With A 25-Hour Speech But His Background In Politics And Public Advocacy Is 26 Years Long

Booker began his political career at 29 years of age.

Written By Candace McDuffie

April 1, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) made history by having the longest Senate speech in history by holding the upper chamber’s floor for over 25 hours. This was no April Fool’s Day prank. As he poignantly criticized President Donald Trump’s second White House term and the Republican Party’s tentative spending cuts, Booker beat out segregationist and former South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond’s record when he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in an effort to block the Civil Rights Act back in 1957.

“These are not normal times in our nation,” he said as he began his speech Monday night. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them.”

Booker’s marathon speech was highlighted by the fact that he didn’t drink water or eat food throughout its entirety. The 55-year-old politician credited his athletic past as a former high school football player as the reason for his resilience. He also stated that prayer and faith played a role in pulling off his viral stunt.

“I just really lean on faith that we can get through this and I’m just so grateful for my colleagues who really covered me in prayer,” Booker told reporters according to The Hill. Besides galvanizing the left with a fervent anti-Trump speech, his career has been an impressive one steeped in authenticity, resolve, and advocacy for people.

Booker’s Modest Beginnings

Booker was born in Washington, D.C. before moving to northern New Jersey when he was a young boy. He has regularly spoken about the racism he experienced, growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood. His parents, Cary Alfred and Carolyn Rose Booker, were not just civil rights activists — they were also two of the first Black executives at IBM. He attended Stanford University and received a bachelor’s degree in political science as well as a master’s degree in sociology.

When Booker wasn’t playing varsity football, he also was in charge of a student-run crisis hotline. He went on to attend Yale Law School and operated free legal clinics for low-income residents in Connecticut. He was involved in the National Black Law Students Association and the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Booker obtained his juris doctor in 1997.

A Bright Political Future

Booker began his political career at 29 years of age. He returned to New Jersey after finishing his education and took an interest in local politics. In 1998, he defeated four-term Newark City Council incumbent George Branch. To draw attention to the city’s drug and crime problems, Booker went on a 10-day hunger strike and resided in a tent close to drug-dealing areas.

He later ran for the mayoral seat against Sharpe James, who questioned Booker’s Blackness during his campaign. Booker lost the election and finished his council term in 2002. However, he devoted his time to starting nonprofit organizations that equipped Newark residents with community resources and services. The Democrat would run again for mayor in 2006 — and win.

Powerful Two-Term Mayoral Tenure

When Booker became Newark mayor, he was the third consecutive Black person to govern the city since 1970. The politician zeroed in on city reform, which included an overhaul of the police department and Newark’s structural financial deficit. Booker patrolled city streets to bring down crime, shovelled out driveways for elderly residents and worked tirelessly on gun control measures.

In 2012, he saved a woman from a house fire and wound up suffering second-degree burns on his hands as well as smoke inhalation. Not only did the Toronto Sun dub Booker “super-mayor,” but he appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, received a $100 million donation from Mark Zuckerberg for the city’s education fund and gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention.

When a special election was held to fill Frank Lautenberg’s Senate seat after his death, Booker easily won the race.

New Jersey’s First Black Senator

When Booker was sworn into the Senate in 2013, he became the first Black person elected since former President Barack Obama in 2004. He also became New Jersey’s first Black senator. One year later, he was re-elected for a full six-year term. During this stint, he was a vocal proponent of same-sex marriage, an increase in the federal minimum wage, and higher taxes for the wealthy.

Booker also co-sponsored legislation that worked to reform the criminal justice system, and the bill was ultimately signed into law in 2018. He also introduced a bill to study the impact of slavery on generations of Black people and possible reparations for descendants of slaves.

Booker’s Ambitious 2020 Presidential Bid

On Feb. 1, 2019, the first day of Black History Month, Booker made an email announcement to his supporters that he was running for president in 2020.

“The history of our nation is defined by collective action; by interwoven destinies of slaves and abolitionists; of those born here and those who chose America as home; of those who took up arms to defend our country, and those who lined arms to challenge and change it,” he explained in a video.

Even though he was a notable public figure, Booker could not garner the momentum he needed as the campaign season advanced. Instead, polls displayed promise for his Democratic competitors including former President Joe Biden. Booker later failed to qualify for the sixth Democratic debate. In 2020, he revealed that he was suspending his presidential campaign.