high school students, associate, bachelor's degrees, degree

by Stacy Jackson

January 18, 2024

High School Students From Gary, Indiana, Set To Achieve Bachelor’s Degrees This Spring

Abram Lewis and Khaya Njumbe, students at Geo Academy’s 21st Century Charter School, will receive their bachelor's degrees this spring.

Abram Lewis and Khaya Njumbe, both high school students from Gary, Indiana, are poised to achieve a significant milestone this spring: earning their bachelor’s degrees.

The two Geo Academy’s 21st Century Charter School students, ages 15 and 17, exceeded their required secondary academic coursework to achieve such a high level of success. Lewis and Njumbe shared their journey and thoughts about entering college life as high schoolers with WISH.

The head start in college the teens received was “surreal,” Lewis said. “Around campus, a lot of people were shocked when they saw me, especially when I was much younger,” Njumbe told the outlet, adding that fellow students often thought he was the “professor’s son or something of that sort.” Little did the collegegoers know that he was their peer.

The young scholar’s mother was not surprised with the success and high honor because of the opportunities available in America, she said.

Lewis noted that juggling the course load had been rigorous for them both. However, while dedicating time to attend and study for high school and college courses, the teens balance their academic careers with their lives outside school. Njumbe plays basketball and is involved in gymnastics. “It’s all down to time management I guess,” he said.

Between them, the two students have four associate’s degrees and received high honors from a coalition of Black leaders in Indianapolis. Lewis followed in the footsteps of his sister, who also received her associate’s degree in high school.

Both teens have their eyes on medical school. Njumbe told the outlet that his next step is to enroll in a Master of Public Health program; he eventually wants to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Bronx Food Pantry, Food Pantry, Albanian American Open Hand Association, AAOHA

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Bronx Food Pantry Struggles To Meet Surging Demand Amid Food Shortage

In the heart of Pelham Parkway, the Albanian American Open Hand Association, a Bronx food pantry, is grappling with an unprecedented challenge as its shelves have remained bare for the past two weeks.

The New York Post reports in the heart of Pelham Parkway, the Albanian American Open Hand Association (AAOHA), a Bronx food pantry, is grappling with an unprecedented challenge as its shelves have remained bare for the past two weeks, exacerbating food insecurity for New Yorkers at the outset of the New Year. Before the pandemic, AAOHA provided sustenance for approximately 800 individuals weekly, which has since doubled to 1,600, according to the outlet. However, for the first time in a decade, the pantry finds itself compelled to turn people away, leaving a stark reminder of the heightened food crisis in the region.

Bronx residents have been lining up outside AAOHA on Thursdays and Fridays, days earmarked for food distribution, hoping to secure a vital lifeline. Food pantry President Alexander Nilaj, residing two blocks from the pantry, shared the disheartening reality of having to turn away patrons who persistently wait from dawn until dusk, yearning for a “miracle” in the form of a delayed food shipment. Nilaj describes the situation as “very heartbreaking” and emphasizes its firm message to those in line: “Don’t wait; we have no food today.”

In response to the dire circumstances, New York Congressman Ritchie Torres has offered support by wiring $5,000 to AAOHA. This contribution is expected to provide enough food for over 1,200 people during the upcoming Thursday and Friday distributions. Torres acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “Upon finding out that a Bronx food pantry no longer had food for the first time in a decade, I contributed, via my campaign, $5,000 to the food pantry’s sponsor.”

However, the future remains uncertain for AAOHA. Nilaj, expressing gratitude for the immediate assistance, notes that they have always managed to have some food before, but he wonders about sustaining their operations beyond the immediate influx of support. As a privately owned business, AAOHA receives no state or city funding and relies heavily on donations, local business support, and the dedication of 30 volunteers assisting Nilaj in food distribution.

The food pantry, known for serving families, single mothers, and vulnerable populations across the five boroughs, faces an overwhelming demand exacerbated by job losses and increasing living costs. Nilaj, an Albanian immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for 18 years, has seen the shelves dwindling since Christmas, forcing him to turn away hundreds in need. He is now appealing for donations and seeking assistance from state and city governments to ensure AAOHA can continue its mission of providing sustenance to hungry New Yorkers.

As Nilaj focuses on securing enough food for the upcoming distribution, he remains hopeful that the community will rally together to support the pantry and prevent any New Yorker from being turned away in their time of need.

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Beware Of Tax Season Scams: Tips To Spot Fake IRS Letters

As tax season kicks off on Jan. 29, scammers are already ramping up their efforts to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

With tax season kicking off on Jan. 29, scammers are already ramping up their efforts to deceive unsuspecting individuals, according to WHEC. Here is the essential information on how to spot fake IRS letters and protect yourself from falling victim to tax-related scams.

One common tactic scammers employ is issuing fake IRS letters that create a sense of urgency, insisting on immediate action to avoid dire consequences. It’s crucial to know that legitimate IRS communications about owed taxes involve a series of notices and provide multiple payment options, according to WHEC. And the IRS never calls people or sends email.

Be vigilant about potential scams by recognizing the red flags that signal a fake IRS letter. Firstly, if the letter demands immediate payment, it’s likely a scam, as authentic IRS notices provide options without pressuring for instant payment.

Watch out for requests for payment through unconventional means like gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, as legitimate IRS communications adhere to more standard methods.

Another warning sign is the absence or incorrect display of the IRS logo. Authentic IRS letters always feature the logo in the left corner. Additionally, make sure the letter includes a truncated version of your social security number in the right-hand corner, as scam letters sometimes lack that detail.

Lastly, be wary of poor grammar or unusual sentence structure, as both are indicative of fraudulent schemes. Stay informed and protect yourself from potential scams during tax season.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 18, 2024

Emmys Hosted By Anthony Anderson Receives Record-Low Ratings With 4.3 Million Viewers

Anthony Anderson’s hosting duties at the 2024 Emmy Awards didn’t help the ceremony reel in viewers.

The 75th annual Emmy Awards received a record-low in viewership, raking in 4.3 million viewers and a 0.85 rating among Adults 18-49, Variety reported. While it was Fox network’s most-watched Monday unscripted telecast in over eight-and-a-half years, it still hit an all-new low for the award show, according to Nielsen.

Typically aired during the fall season, last year’s actors and writers strike delayed the Emmy Awards until January, causing it to run against two NFL playoff games. With Super Bowl LVIII inching closer, many viewers are locked into the NFL playoff games until two final teams make it to the championship game.

Anderson opened the show by paying homage to classic sitcoms and singing the theme songs from shows like Good Times and The Facts of Life.

The show aired on Monday, January 15, and made history as the most diverse Emmy Awards from the TV Academy, with a number of people of color taking home awards including Quinta Brunson, Niecy Nash, Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, and Ayo Edibiri.

Anderson brought his mom, Doris Bowman, along for some light humor as she served as timekeeper for winners with lengthy acceptance speeches. However, some viewers weren’t in support of Bowman cutting off winners like Jennifer Coolidge

“Okay Anthony Anderson’s mom actually interrupting speeches by greats like Jennifer Coolidge is not it for me. Funny as a bit, but should have stopped there,” one Twitter user wrote.

Okay Anthony Anderson’s mom actually interrupting speeches by greats like Jennifer Coolidge is not it for me. Funny as a bit, but should have stopped there. #Emmys2024 #Emmys pic.twitter.com/wrA1Oon5zy
— Jess (@dazzle715) January 16, 2024

“Anthony anderson’s mom has got to go,” added someone else.

Anthony anderson’s mom has got to go #Emmys pic.twitter.com/pb3er7gmEI
— ★ sagittarius★ (@nikola_minik) January 16, 2024

This year’s Emmys saw a 25% drop in viewership compared to the 2022 show hosted by SNL star Kenan Thompson.

Jam Master Jay, trial, murder, 2, defendants, guilty, murder, Jordan, Washington

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Set To Commence, Alleged Culprits Face Justice After 2 Decades

The untimely death of Hip Hop icon Jam Master Jay more than two decades ago left a void in the music industry, but now, justice seems within reach as the alleged perpetrators are set to face trial.

The untimely death of hip-hop icon Jam Master Jay more than two decades ago left a void in the music industry, but now, justice seems within reach as the alleged perpetrators are set to face trial. According to TMZ, the murder trial for the Run-DMC DJ and record producer is scheduled to begin on January 29. Jury selection, involving over 500 candidates, commenced last week and is expected to be finalized by January 22.

In 2020, Karl Jordan Jr. (39) and Ronald Washington (59) were indicted for the New York City shooting that claimed the life of the 37-year-old legend inside a Queens recording studio. The upcoming trial will focus on their defense and last year, Jay Bryant (49) became the third person charged in the case, with his trial likely taking place in 2025.

Due to the time gap between the indictments, the proceedings may feature a dual jury, an unusual move as federal prosecutors seek to streamline the case against all three defendants. Court documents reveal a motion submitted by the government advocating for a two-jury trial.

Bryant’s lawyer, César de Castro, asserted that his client will plead not guilty, stating, “Securing an indictment in a secret grand jury, applying an extremely low burden of proof, is one thing. Proving it at trial is another matter.” Jordan and Washington have also pleaded not guilty, though a judge dismissed a motion to drop their charges last year.

The allegations against the trio involve allegedly entering Jam Master Jay’s studio, fleeing after the fatal shooting, with Jordan firing two shots at close range, including the one that took the victim’s life. Prosecutors allege that Bryant was seen entering the building before the shooting, leaving behind an article of clothing at the crime scene containing his DNA.

According to ABC7, investigations revealed that the motive behind the slaying was a drug deal gone wrong. “The defendants allegedly carried out the cold-blooded murder of Jason Mizell, a brazen act that has finally caught up with them thanks to the dedicated detectives, agents, and prosecutors who never gave up on this case,” stated Acting United States Attorney DuCharme. “The charges announced today begin to provide a measure of justice to the family and friends of the victim and make clear that the rule of law will be upheld, whether that takes days, months or decades.”

As the trial approaches, then hip-hop community awaits the resolution of this longstanding case, hoping that justice will be served for the tragic loss of Jam Master Jay.

racist, protestor, GOP, Wesley Hunt, Texas

by Sharelle Burt

January 18, 2024

Passionate Protestor Labels Trump As ‘Racist’ During GOP Lawmaker’s Pro-Trump Speech

This is going to be an interesting political season!

Things got heated for Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) while he was campaigning for former President Trump during the Iowa Caucus on Jan. 15.

Hunt was interrupted by a heckler who interrupted his speech, calling him “racist” on MLK Day, but it didn’t seem to bother him too much. “Tonight, at the Timberline Caucus, as I spoke on behalf of President Trump, an enraged man attempted to stop my speech,” Hunt tweeted. “He shouted Trump was ‘racist.’ You know, the same tired trope we’ve heard over and over again.

Tonight, at the Timberline Caucus, as I spoke on behalf of President Trump an enraged man attempted to stop my speech.

He shouted Trump was “racist.” You know, the same tired trope we’ve heard over and over again.

But on this day, of all days, Martin Luther King Day, the… pic.twitter.com/TrFnc7vZar
— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) January 16, 2024

Seemingly upset about Hunt’s remarks of “being Black my whole life,” the protestor called him out, stating his confusion on how “a Black man can stand here and talk about the man not being racist.” “Trump is racist,” he shouted before being escorted out by supporters. The heckler, who appeared to be Black himself, claimed Hunt was “degrading himself” and turning his back on his people by supporting the four-time indicted businessman.

Following a round of applause from the audience after he was removed, the West Point graduate highlighted representing a district in Houston, which is predominantly Black, and then moved forward with quoting Dr. King. “I come from a district in Houston, Texas, that’s a majority white district, and I won by 30 points,” Hunt said. “Because on days like this, I realize I am literally being judged not by the color of my skin but on the content of my character.”

On Twitter, Hunt alluded to hearing the same rhetoric before referring to it as “the same tired trope we’ve heard over and over again,” but in the spirit of Dr. King, he wanted the audience to not judge – just like Donald Trump. “But on this day, of all days, Martin Luther King Day, the people of Iowa, just like President Trump, judge me not by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character,” he said, according to Daily Wire. “The anti-Trump movement is in full-blown meltdown.”

Florida, Dollar General Store, Florida Dollar General Store, jacksonville

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 18, 2024

Florida Dollar General Store Where White Racist Killed 3 Black People Reopens

The store placed a memorial to honor the victims that were killed on Aug. 27, 2023, AJ Laguerre Jr., 19, Angela Carr, 52, and Jerrald Gallion, 29.

Three Black people were killed last summer at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, by a white gunman who targeted Black people shopping there on Aug. 27, 2023. The store has just reopened, to mixed reactions from the mostly Black community, according to News 4 Jax.

The Dollar General reopened its doors on Jan. 12, after being shuttered since the tragedy that took place last August.

The memory of the crime is still fresh in the minds of people in the neighborhood. According to reports, the shooter, Ryan Palmeter, who committed suicide after the killings, initially went to Edward Waters University, an HBCU in the area, before being confronted by campus officer Lt. Antonio Bailey, who prevented Palmeter from committing his crime at the university.

Palmeter then headed over to Dollar General, which was within walking distance of the school, armed with a Glock and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, and committed the carnage before killing himself.

Dollar General said the company took time to listen to its employees and people in the community before making the move to open again.

“It was important to take the necessary time to listen to and evaluate feedback from employees and the community, which informed not only the store’s upgrades but also our efforts to reopen the store in a respectful and thoughtful manner,” said Julie Martin, division vice president at Dollar General. “We continue to provide support, counseling and outreach where needed in Jacksonville and are pleased to once again serve our Kings Road neighbors.”

With the reopening, the store created a memorial to honor the victims slain by Palmeter: AJ Laguerre Jr., 19; Angela Carr, 52; and Jerrald Gallion, 29. Dollar General stated that it has no plans to remove the memorial.

Attorneys for the victims are against the reopening, saying it disrespects the three victims who died on Aug. 27, 2023.

“It minimizes the value of their lives,” said Adam Finkel, a lawyer with The Haggard Law Firm. “This is about money, what they’re doing. They’re trying to market again to say, ‘Come back into our stores and buy our items. So we can make up for the profit loss from having closed the store,’ having closed the store because the walls were covered in blood.”

Whether residents are against the store reopening or welcome its return, Finkel believes Dollar General should provide security guards and ensure that customers feel safe going to the store.

Fab Five, basketball, University of Michigan, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Ray Jackson, Juwan Howard

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 18, 2024

University Of Michigan’s ‘Fab Five’ Reunite At Crisler Center

University of Michigan's 'Fab Five' Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson reunited at a recent a Michigan game

The University of Michigan’s Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, were so good that in the 1991–92 season they became the first all-freshman team to start in the NCAA title game. The five players, affectionately called the “Fab Five,” reunited in Michigan for the first time since they played together at the school.

According to CBS Sports, the five former teammates gathered at the recent University of Michigan basketball game to support Wolverines head coach Howard and their alma mater on Monday, Jan. 15, against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Crisler Center.

Ray Jackson was the only player who did not make it to the NBA, while Rose, Webber, and Howard had substantial careers in the league, and King, who did play for two NBA teams, had a long career in the now-defunct CBA (Continental Basketball Association).

“It’s really cool to be here, but it’s better to be here as a family,” Webber said. “If it took 100 years, I’d sincerely wait that long to be here. So it feels great.”

ESPN reported that after the five players made it to the Final Four two straight years, 1992 and 1993, years later, the NCAA revoked their banners after it was alleged that Webber accepted money from a booster. The players, specifically, Webber and Rose, ended up feuding over the years, which put this reunion in doubt in the eyes of people close to the players.

After the game, Howard spoke about the five of them appearing together at the place where they made history together.

“Family always support family,” Howard said. “You see what the real ones are. The real ones come out when things are a little bit rough. The real ones don’t run away. And the real Michigan fans that support this team right here, you’re looking at them.”

Howard coached the Wolverines to a 73-65 win.

Janet Jackson, right wing, Kamala Harris, race, Black, white

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 18, 2024

Janet Jackson To Debut 2024 ‘Together Again’ Summer Tour

Janet Jackson is set to return to her "Together Again" tour for 35 more shows in summer 2024.

Janet Jackson is headed back to cities nationwide for the second rendition of her “Together Again” tour. This new set of dates includes 35 shows and will begin in Summer 2024.

Jackson announced the news on Jan 16. to her over 7.5 million followers on Instagram. In the video post depicting some elements of 2023’s string of shows, she also revealed that Nelly will be joining her as a special guest performer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Janet Jackson (@janetjackson)

“Hey u guys! By popular demand, we’re bringing the Together Again Tour back to North America this summer with special guest Nelly,” shared the mother to 7-year-old son, Eissa. “It’ll be so much fun! Tickets go on sale Friday 1/19. We can’t wait to see you.”

The tour will begin on Jun 4 at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, with Jackson making stops across each coast to ending its run at Phoenix’s Footprint Center on July 30. Cities in the tour will include Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans, in addition to many more. Jackson is expanding and returning to popular spots across the United States, whose arenas and amphitheaters she graced during her sold-out 2023 tour, which featured Ludacris as a special guest.

However, Jackson has yet to announce whether or not round two will feature new songs, teasing fans with the news of unreleased music in the works during her 2023 stint. Despite this, Jackson is keeping busy by still continuing shows for “Together Again,” Not only is she traveling to Hawaii for three nights in March, but embarking to Japan with TLC joining her for another three-show stint.

With an entire sequel to her successful world tour, it is clear that Jackson is still in a new era of her singing career. Tickets to the acclaimed tour are available for pre-sale purchase on Jan. 17, with a general sale starting Jan. 19.

The Color Purple, Warner Bros.,Critics Choice, pizza, bag,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 18, 2024

The Color Purple Cast Shocked After Being Served ‘Pizza In A Bag’ At Critics Choice Awards

Oprah Daily shows 'The Color Purple' cast's reactions to being served pizza slices in a bag while attending the Critics Choice Awards.

The Color Purple cast was shocked and appalled by what was served to attendees at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. The A-list squad, including Taraji P. Henson and Oprah Winfrey, were fed slices of pizzas in bags while at the ceremony.

The other actresses caught on camera by Oprah Daily were Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino, with each reacting to the unexpected meals brought out. Upon seeing the bagged pizza, Fantasia looked directly at the camera to ask, “Where are the lamb chops?”

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A post shared by Oprah Daily (@oprahdaily)

While Henson and Brooks still opted for a slice, Oprah declined based on not wanting to smudge her lipstick.

“I’m not messing up my lips,” she told the camera and her tablemates.

Alongside the pizza, boxed mini charcuterie plates were also served to the less-than-impressed group.

Other attendees also noted the unusual food offerings at the high-profile event, with Best Actor winner Paul Giamatti including “pizza in a bag” in his acceptance speech.

“Everybody get their pizza in a bag, by the way? I think that’d be a good endorsement. Paul Giamatti for pizza in a bag,” the actor said.

While Giamatti took home one of the top prizes for the evening, The Color Purple was left out of the winner’s circle. The musical was nominated for Best Picture, Best Acting Ensemble, and Best Costume Design. Brooks received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her portrayal of Sofia.

Even though the acclaimed film was not granted the highest honors at the awards ceremony, the cast still made the night one to remember with jokes surrounding its refreshments. As the movie and its actors have been nominated for other awards including the Screen Actors Guild, future ceremonies they attend will hopefully come with better food choices.