You have Joy Reid on there, who’s having a race rant against white Christians. What is wrong with them being Christians, and they happen to be white?” Jones said. “Matter of fact, her hair is whiter than those Christians.”
On Twitter, he doubled down on his mockery and even added some threats to Reid’s job security. “In Joy Reid’s bleaching quest to be accepted by White liberals, she will be fired by those same White liberals at @msnbc or her over-the-top racist rants against and about White people,” he wrote.
“You don’t know? You better ask @TiffanyDCross and @rolandsmartin.”
BREAKING PREDICTION: In Joy Reid’s bleaching quest to be accepted by White liberals, she will be fired by those same White liberals at @msnbc for her over the top racist rants against and about White people. You don’t know? You better ask @TiffanyDCross and @rolandsmartin.… pic.twitter.com/xYtiAuN2z7
Jones, who once represented the Democratic party, even went after fellow anchor Rachel Maddow, saying she is “always bashing white men, but she wants to look like a man.”
The MAGA-driven news network has been openly critical of MSNBC’s caucus coverage, particularly of Trump’s speech. With the network opting not to air his speech, some outlets questioned its reporting integrity, according to Advocate.
Meanwhile, Reid is continuing her reign as an anchor who continues to call out conservative viewpoints. On Jan. 19, she went toe to toe with Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice on the issue of which books should or shouldn’t be available in public schools. Justice has been vocal about protecting “parental rights” regardless of whether they’re “liberal, African American or LGBTQ,” claiming all parents have the same rights.
“No one is banning books,” Justice replied. “Write the book, print the book, publish the book, put the book in the public library, sell the book, right? We’re talking about a public school library.”
Shortly afterward, Reid pulled out receipts listing numerous books on the banned list, including The Diary of Anne Frank, Gender Queer: A Memoir, and Martin LutherKing and the March on Washington.
The recent two-year survey of the site uncovered 58 probable graves and 63 possible graves, and the search isn’t over yet. Lt. Laura Anderson says a team will be canvassing the grounds with radars and cadaver dogs to secure any evidence of additional graves. “That’s essentially so we can make sure that we’re not forgetting anybody,” Anderson said. Additional research and surveys will continue through 2025.
The area in question is located in a “clear zone” that is required to remain free of vertical structures to ensure aircraft safety.
It has been more than three years since MacDill officials revealed the possibility of an African American cemetery, and base officials said they wanted to work with the community on the best way to honor those who were buried there. “We know obviously there was wrong done in the past, but we’re working together with our community members,” said Anderson. “We want to make what was wrong right.”
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Lisa Campbell, the granddaughter of Patrick and Reatha Williams, said that one of her family members — a stillborn baby born in 1930 — was buried on those grounds, according to Tampa Bay Times. Campbell said that everyone, regardless of their background, should be able to visit buried loved ones at any time: “Everyone in any culture expects that you would be able to come see your loved ones in a cemetery.”
“In this case, that didn’t happen and hasn’t happened since 1938, 1939, when the base began to be built.”
Yvette Lewis, president of the NAACP Hillsborough County branch, commends the base’s efforts thus far but feels more work should be done.
“No one is saying the current administration or the current people living had a hand in it, but they do have a hand in correcting the wrong,” Lewis said.
“They do have a hand in having the conversation and talking about it and telling the story and making sure the story is told correctly and properly. They do have a hand in memorializing it.”
Black Men Smile Apparel To Launch In Target And Spark Black Joy
Launched on January 21, the "Black Men Smile" collection is now a focal point of Target's Black History Month offerings until the second week of March 2024.
Launched on January 21, the “Black Men Smile” collection is now a focal point of Target’s Black History Month offerings, available in 1900 stores across America until the second week of March 2024, according to The Atlanta Voice.
The collection features nine new pieces, including the “Black Joy Is Revolutionary” hoodie, children’s apparel, and the brand’s inaugural accessory item, a “Black Men Smile” logo bucket hat. The launch event at the Target location at Atlantic Station brought together the creator, Carlton Mackey, along with friends and family to witness the full collection in stores for the first time.
The outlet reports, the “Black Men Smile” initiative originated in 2014 after the death of Mike Brown, evolving from a project called “50 Shades of Black” that explored the intersections of sexuality and skin tone within the Black community. Recognizing the need for positive representations of Black identity, Mackey, inspired by tragic incidents like Trayvon Martin’s death, embarked on a mission to combat negative stereotypes.
The brand gained momentum through the #BlackMenSmile campaign on social media, inviting individuals to share positive images using the hashtag. The movement, with over 115,000 images and nearly 100,000 Instagram followers, evolved into a nationally recognized clothing brand and community conduit, focusing on mental health, positive Black masculinity, and self-love.
The journey took a significant leap forward when a senior buyer from Target, impressed by the brand’s mission, decided to include “Black Men Smile” in the 2024 Black History Month collection. On launch day, Mackey and his supporters witnessed the culmination of their efforts with the collection prominently displayed in Target stores.
Jeremiah Griffin, a mentee and collaborator of Mackey, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s humbling and wildly inspiring to see how far we’ve come.” The collection’s availability at Target is seen as a significant step, with Dionte Boyd expressing appreciation for the platform it provides for Black-owned brands.
“Anything that is majorly distributed for people of color is dope because they don’t get a chance to experience the benefits of everyone else that’s not of color,” Boyd commented.
As the “Black Men Smile” collection takes center stage in Target stores nationwide, its presence is not only a celebration of Black History Month but a testament to the power of positive representation and community-driven initiatives.
Tristan Thompson Suspended For 25 Games For Violation Of Anti-Drug Program
The Canadian player allegedly tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.
Cleveland Cavaliers player Tristan Thompson has been suspended by the NBA for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program’s policy.
A statement released by the league announced that “Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been suspended without pay for twenty-five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.”
BREAKING: Tristan Thompson suspended for 25 games for violating the low-sperm count program, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/BUTpiYmjMp
Thompson’s suspension starts with the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Cavs also released a slightly more personal comment.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers fully support the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program, and we are disappointed in the recent news surrounding Tristan Thompson. His time away from game action will have an impact on our team. We stand behind Tristan and offer our support throughout this suspension period.”
ESPN reported that the drugs Thompson allegedly tested positive for, ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, are often used by bodybuilders and weightlifters to build muscle.
Thompson will be eligible to return to his team on March 16, when the Cavaliers play the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, during his suspension, he will be allowed to practice and travel with the Cavaliers but he must leave the arena two hours before the start of any games.
The Canadian player had only recently returned to the team that drafted him in the 2011 NBA Draft with the fourth overall pick. He was a member of the 2016 team that came back from being down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors when they won their only NBA championship to date. Thompson has since played with the Boston Celtics, the Sacramento Kings, the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before the suspension, he was averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 12 minutes.
The Cavaliers are currently on an eight-game winning streak.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Faces Calls To Resign Over Hospital Stay
Austin has been working from home, and in his full capacity as Defense Secretary.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is out of the hospital and into the frying pan as The Hill reports that he has been called on to testify by Republican House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers regarding “decisions made to withhold information from the President, Congress, and the American people.”
Rogers, who launched an investigation into why Austin did not inform anyone of his hospitalization, said that the head of the Pentagon told him that he would receive answers. However, according to a letter Rogers sent to Austin, he has been disappointed by what he perceives as a lack of transparency. “When you and I last spoke, you promised full transparency,” Rogers wrote. “While you did respond to some of my questions I had for you, a concerning number of questions were not addressed.”
Austin, Austin’s Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen, and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks all responded to questions Rogers fielded for them in letters they were sent on Jan. 9. Austin said in his response that there were not any risks posed to the country during his hospitalization at Walter Reed. Austin also wrote, “Either I, or the Deputy Secretary of Defense, have always been fully prepared to support the President as Commander-in-Chief throughout the duration of my care at Walter Reed.”
Austin also reiterated his public comments on the matter, saying in the letter, “As I have stated previously, I take full responsibility for my personal decisions related to the disclosure of my cancer diagnosis. Health matters, particularly potentially serious illnesses such as cancer, are deeply personal, but I recognize that the office I hold requires a greater level of transparency.”
On Jan. 1, following severe pain, Austin was transported to the hospital via ambulance from his home in Virginia. The White House did not receive notification of the hospitalization until Jan. 4, and legislators were not informed of it until a day later. On Jan. 9, Austin said that his condition was the result of a surgery performed to treat his prostate cancer, which had been discovered during a screening in early December. The White House was also not informed of this development until the morning of Jan. 9.
“Unfortunately, this leads me to believe that information is being withheld from Congress,” Rogers told The Hill. “Congress must understand what happened and who made decisions to prevent the disclosure of the whereabouts of a cabinet secretary.”
Conversely, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the Pentagon had received the request from Rogers but did not have additional information to provide. Ryder noted that the DOD had given Rogers’ committee “three letters in a good-faith effort to respond to the Committee as expeditiously as possible, recognizing that there is an internal 30-day review underway, and the DOD Inspector General is conducting his own review.” Ryder also stated, “As always, we will respond to congressional requests as appropriate, to include requests for the Secretary to testify.”
Republicans on Rogers’ panel have indicated that they wanted time with the Defense Secretary. Roger Wicker, a ranking committee member, and Democratic Panel Chair Jack Reed demanded that Austin provide information on the event. Additionally, several GOP legislators, as well as one Democrat, have already called for Austin to step down. However, President Joe Biden has no plans to ask Austin to step down, nor does Austin have any plans to resign. Austin has been working from home in his full capacity as Defense Secretary, but there is no current timetable for him to return to the Pentagon building.
Allred is one of three lawmakers who voted on Jan. 17 to condemn Biden’s response to the southern border. The vote, introduced by Rep. Nathaniel Moran, “denounces the Biden administration’s open-borders policies” and “condemns the national security and public safety crisis.” All Republicans voted for the resolution, creating another opportunity for members who promote the migrant crisis during the 2024 election year.
The former NFL linebacker launched his 2024 senatorial campaign via Twitter, reminding voters of the horrific Jan. 6 attacks where his opponent Ted Cruz called them “peaceful protesters.” Siding with the same colleagues he once criticized has opened the door for criticism from his blue aisle colleagues. Allred’s Democratic opponent, state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, called Allred out in a statement saying he “sided with GOP extremists.” “The Democratic nominee that goes up against Ted Cruz should fight tooth and nail against Trump’s dangerous so-called policies,” Gutierrez said.
“If our nominee agrees with Trump and Ted Cruz’s idea of border security, then we’re in a hell of a lot of trouble.”
“We’re seeing record numbers of migrants showing up at the border right now,” Watkins said, according to Texas Standard. “And so Allred, I think, and some other Democrats are seeing that you know, pretending that this isn’t an issue at all, trying to look the other way, might not be the best political strategy in 2024.”
The freshman congressman’s vote was different from his sentiments in October 2023. After the Biden Administration decided to expand on the new U.S.-Mexico border wall construction, Allred praised the decision, calling it necessary. “This is a necessary step to help Texas’ overwhelmed border communities deal with this current surge of migrants,” Allred said in a statement.
The move raised eyebrows for GOP lawmakers, including Ted Cruz. A spokesperson for the outspoken senator called it a “cowardly flip-flopping strategy” since Allred “consistently voted with his party for reckless border policies that benefit the undocumented while weakening our country and its borders.”
Ron DeSantis Endorses Trump After Dropping Out Of Race
Once considered a serious political contender for Trump, DeSantis saw his fortunes decline steadily upon announcing his candidacy.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally ended his sad excuse for a campaign and immediately followed Tim Scott in endorsing Donald Trump as the Republican Party’s nominee. As The Associated Press reports, DeSantis’ move leaves Nikki Haley as the only remaining obstacle to Trump — and DeSantis is no fan of Haley, as he made clear while endorsing the ex-president.
“It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance,” DeSantis said. “I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and I will honor that pledge. He has my endorsement because we can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents.”
Once considered a serious political contender to Trump, DeSantis saw his fortunes steadily decline upon announcing his candidacy. But while his campaign faltered, his ideas, such as pushing back on race and gender issues being taught in schools, are being carried forth by the Republican Party at large. Following DeSantis’ disappointing performance in the Iowa caucus, those close to his campaign said that private discussions were held about how to leave the race with the governor’s pride intact after his bitter and public rivalry with Trump over the past year.
DeSantis alluded to his disagreements with Trump, saying, “While I’ve had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear.”
He has wasted no time in closing ranks around Trump, and the mood from Republican strategists, like Trump’s senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, is that Haley has no chance at the nomination if she loses in the New Hampshire primary. In a memo, they envisioned Haley’s road map going forward.
“Now that we are a mere 48 hours from the primary, the tone has shifted mightily. We see it, you see it, but make no mistake, if Nikki Haley loses in New Hampshire — there are only two options,” the pair wrote. “Option A: Nikki Haley drops out, unites behind President Trump, and commits to defeating Joe Biden. Option B: Nikki Haley prepares to be absolutely DEMOLISHED and EMBARRASSED in her home state of South Carolina.”
New Study Shows The U.S. Black Population Growth In 20 Years
Looks like the takeover!
A new study shows that the Black population is growing, and fast.
According to The Philadelphia Tribune, researchers from the Pew Research Center found the Black population in the United States has grown by 11 million people in the last two decades. That’s a 32% increase, bringing the number to 47.9 million from a little over 36 million between 2000 and 2022.
There are a few factors that contributed to the increase in numbers — things like the birth rate amongst Black women, interracial marriages, and mixed-race people identifying as Black. The rise of immigration from African and Caribbean countries on Census forms also adds to the number. Black Americans born overseas have doubled since 2000, growing from 2.4 million to 5.1 million, marking only 11% of the nation’s population.
With those numbers, some would think the Black population is the fastest growing, but that’s not true.
“The African American population is not the fastest growing, but they are growing at least as fast as the rest of the nation,” Mark Lopez, director of Race and Ethnicity Work at the Pew Center, said. “The nation’s Asian population, for example, has grown more quickly.”
According to Lopez, all demographics have increased – given the number of people identifying as two or more races.
Census results show “more people saying they are both Black and Hispanic.”
However, when it comes to certain cities in the states, some are losing their Black population. The city of St. Louis, MO, is seeing a vast majority of its Black residents leaving. Saint Louis University professor and demographer Ness Sándoval found that St. Louis is seeing lots of single people and childless couples moving in and Black families moving out. “They’re moving out to St. Charles, to some extent. St. Louis County,” Sándoval said.
“It’s when the families start leaving the region. Then, you have to start to realize you cannot be a major metropolitan region and say that you’re going to grow if you have a declining Black population.”
More data from the study found that Black people are generally younger than most. Close to 30% of the Black population in its entirety is under age 20, with 12% being 65 and older.
Compared to white and non-Hispanic Americans, under half of the Black U.S. population was younger than 30 in 2022, with the median age for Blacks sitting at 32. The median age for white Americans is between 43 and 44, and U.S.-born Latinos are 20 years old.
Using an AI version of the president’s voice, the call is requesting that voters save their vote until the November general election. While many calls have been tracked using the anti-robocall application Nomorobo, it is still unclear who is behind this one.
“Republicans have been trying to push nonpartisan and Democratic voters to participate in their primary. What a bunch of malarkey,” the altered Biden voice says in the AI version. “We know the value of voting Democratic when our votes count. It’s important that you save your vote for the November election. We’ll need your help in electing Democrats up and down the ticket. Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again.”
Dirty tricks. Robocalls using an AI generated Biden voice are going out in New Hampshire urging Democrats not to vote in tomorrow’s primary. (Video: NBC News) pic.twitter.com/HGjnsq4BP7
Data from Nomorobo CEO Aaron Foss shows almost 80% held New Hampshire as a target, with 12% in the Boston area. The number of calls ranged between 5,000 and 25,000. Biden’s team released a statement saying it has already taken action to stop the spread of the false information. “This matter has already been referred to the New Hampshire Attorney General, and the campaign is actively discussing additional actions to take immediately,” Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden’s campaign manager, said.
“Spreading disinformation to suppress voting and deliberately undermine free and fair elections will not stand, and fighting back against any attempt to undermine our democracy will continue to be a top priority for this campaign.”
The effort may have been a waste of time, since Biden isn’t even on the ballot for the primary on Jan. 23. His campaign and the Democratic National Committee have decided the primary process will begin in South Carolina in 2024, according to NPR, so New Hampshire results will not count toward the nomination. Democratic voters will be able to write in Biden’s name, however.
Some Democratic supporters, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), believe this incentive will help Biden. “I think he is gonna win, and I think that’s gonna give him a boost of momentum,” Khanna said.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Launches HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge To Raise $1.4M
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has initiated its second annual HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, designed to generate funds for HBCUs.
According to a press release, on Jan. 15, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, recognized as the leading Black-owned spirits brand globally, initiated its second annual HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, a nationwide campaign to generate funds for historically Black colleges and universities. The company has set a goal of raising $1.4 million by Juneteenth.
Federal officials revealed last year that 16 states had been underfunding their HBCUs by nearly $13 billion over the past three decades, according to analysis by the U.S. Department of Education. Tennessee, Uncle Nearest’s home state, emerged as the biggest culprit in underfunding its school’s land grants.
Through the HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge, Uncle Nearest seeks to raise financial support and put a spotlight the pivotal role played by HBCUs, which constitute less than 3% of colleges, in dismantling barriers to degree completion and postgraduate success.
HBCU graduates contribute significantly, making up 50% of Black doctors and Black attorneys, 40% of Black engineers and Black members of Congress, and 80% of Black judges.
Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, expressed the brand’s commitment to education, stating, “Before we sold our first bottle of Uncle Nearest, we were already funding the college education of Nearest Green’s descendants.” Weaver emphasized the joy derived from supporting students’ lives through education, and wants to continue this tradition annually and with increasing contributions.
Participation in the Uncle Nearest HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge is open to the public until June 19, 2024, with several avenues for engagement. Individuals can contribute by ordering an Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned at partnered bars and restaurants, which brings a $1 donation for every cocktail ordered.
Purchasing any bottle of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey from participating online and brick-and-mortar retail stores will also result in a $1 donation per bottle. For those interested in contributing more substantially, purchasing an Old Fashioned Bundle through ReserveBar is available, with a generous $2 donation for each bundle purchased. Moreover, participants can actively participate by submitting a photo of a homemade Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned to www.oldfashionedcocktail.com, where a $1 donation will be made for each entry.
Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of master distiller Nearest Green and a four-time Master Blender of the Year, acknowledged the significance of the challenge, stating, “Uncle Nearest gives a lot, with ‘pulling as we climb’ being part of our DNA right from the start.” Butler expressed gratitude to the brand’s extensive network of partners and participants who are making an extraordinary impact through their collective effort.
