November 26, 2024
The fight lives on!
With 62 Black members in Congress and the highest number of Black federal lawmakers in history, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) plans to fight back against President-elect Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda, NBC News reports.
Instead of upholding policies for Black and marginalized people under a Harris-Walz administration, the CBC has pivoted to hold Trump and his GOP-led allies accountable for what’s to come. Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), says the group has no problem working with all legislative colleagues, but that doesn’t mean some won’t be called out on issues that are triggering. “We’ve always been the conscience of the Congress, and that’s no matter who’s in charge,” Meeks said.
“We always try to work with folks where we can. But we call them out also. And now we have more of these leaders to call truth to power, to make sure that the voices of the voiceless are heard.”
There will be 67 Black lawmakers serving in Congress. The five Black Republicans are not members of the CBC.
With a 53-year history, the group’s goal is clear for the 119th session of Congress — “loudly” challenge the Trump administration on policies affecting Black people with a specific hold on access to healthcare, prescription drug costs, the call to eliminate Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, education, and more. Such issues have come under scrutiny as Trump has nominated controversial cabinet picks, including wrestling executive Linda McMahon for secretary of education and Dr. Mehmet Oz to oversee Medicaid and Medicare.
Meeks has expressed concerns over the selections and says the pushback from the Caucus will not be silenced. “Instead of just having a quartet, now you’ve got a whole choir,” Meeks said. “And we will be loud, we will be clear, and we’re going to be constant and consistent because this administration is a danger.”
While the House and Senate will be under Republican control, the presence of Black Democratic lawmakers hasn’t gone unnoticed. Executive Director of the Rolling Sea Action Fund, Niccara Campbell Wallace, calls the group’s growth “noteworthy.” “Despite the Republicans having the House and the Senate next session, you feel good about what these historic number of Black Congress members can do in terms of helping influence what comes down the pipe,” she said.
In a statement, the CBC says their new members are ready to fight for American voters of all creeds and protect them from Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. “The CBC will hold the line to protect Americans from the danger of extremist Republicans and their hate-filled Project 2025 agenda,” the statement read, according to The Hill.
“In the streets, the courtroom, and in Congress, the CBC will build coalitions with Americans of goodwill to fight for a fair economy and defend freedom. House and Senate Republicans should be on alert. We will expose and define their dangerous, reckless agenda out the gate — Americans will have a clear-eyed-view of the stakes next November.”
The caucus’s leadership will see the return of its chair, Rep. Steven Horsford, who just won Democratic re-election in Nevada, and ranking committee members, including Virginia’s Rep. Bobby Scott on Education and the Workforce, Rep. David Scott of Georgia on Agriculture, Mississippi’s Rep. Bennie Thompson for Homeland Security, and Rep. Maxine Waters on Financial Services.
New faces will include historymakers Rep.-elect Janelle Bynum, the first Black woman to represent Oregon, and Sens.-elect Angela Alsobrooks (MD) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE).
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November 26, 2024
It's going to be nonstop vibes as Culture Beach Jam gathers artists, emerging talent and community members for a celebration of Africa.
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of Africa as Culture Management Group (CMG) hosts Culture Beach Jam 2024. The event will feature a lineup of musical icons and a special glimpse into the continent’s emerging talent.
On Dec. 28-29, attendees will convene in Accra, Ghana, for the two-day experience. According to a press release, musical icons like Omah Lay, King Promise, DJ Tunez, Kidi, Shallipopi, Joey B, Sabrina, Olive the Boy, and Ara the Jay will take the stage at this year’s Culture Beach Jam. As guests enjoy electrifying performances from their favorite artists, the AfroFuture’s Rising Star Challenge winner will join the vibes with a performance.
“Launching our new concert series is an incredible milestone, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life,” said AfroFuture CEO and Co-Founder Abdul Karim Abdullah. There’s truly no time like Detty December—it’s an electric season that unites people from all walks of life to celebrate our music, our art, and our shared heritage.”
CMG has arranged several community initiatives and programs to support emerging talent leading up to this year’s Culture Beach Jam concert series. CMG will kick things off with its one-week Continent Live Music Program from Dec. 15-21. Participants include emerging artists from the AfroFuture Rising Star Challenge and established creatives. The artists will work with musical professionals as they embark on a week of songwriting, collaborative projects, networking, press training, and more. A Music Day in partnership with the British Council will include masterclasses where participants will dive into contracting, management, finance, and a music showcase.
On Dec. 27, CMG, Black Health Connect, and Distant Relatives will set up in Zurak Park, Madina, to provide free screenings, mental health consultations, and other health services to the community at the Annual Community Health Fair starting at 10 AM. Free meals will be provided through AfroFuture Feed until the conclusion of the health fair at 2 PM. Beginning at 1 PM, attendees can head to the Bukom Boxing Arena for the BAL Celebrity Basketball Game, curated by AfroFuture. The event, organized by the Basketball Africa League and presented by Hennessy, will offer an afternoon dedicated to sports and entertainment as BAL players face off with artists and celebrities.
Following the Culture Beach Jam concert series, leaders across sectors will convene for The African Dream Focus Group in partnership with Gensler. The focus group will cover strategies and actionable solutions for achieving the “African Dream” with insights from students, industry professionals, government officials, and investors.
Visit the AfroFuture website to grab your tickets for Culture Beach Jam 2024, and don’t miss out on the ultimate celebration of Africa.
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November 26, 2024
The program will launch on Jan 1, 2025, with up to 100,000 borrowers eligible to enroll.
Connecticut is launching a new Student Loan Reimbursement Program to help alleviate some borrowers’ stress and payment woes.
While student loans nationwide remain in limbo, Connecticut lawmakers aim to relieve some of its nearly 500,000 residents with significant debt. The program will allocate $6 billion to help up to 100,000 borrowers in its first year of operation. The initiative will launch on Jan. 1, 2025, starting a five-year plan to reduce student loan debt in the state.
STUDENT LOAN REIMBURSEMENT: Connecticut will launch a five-year $6 billion program to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt. #news12ct #connecticut #StudentLoan #Reimbursement #StudentLoanDebthttps://t.co/0mNL9TDgKk
— News12CT (@News12CT) November 21, 2024
“We today, may not seem like a lot, but we’re putting Connecticut back on the right track and closing the cap on disparities,” said Rep. Corey Paris, Stamford’s 145th District representative, as reported by News12.
Eligibility is based on multiple criteria, including being a resident of the northern state for at least five years. Other requirements include graduating from a Connecticut state college or university, whether public or private. However, those who did not obtain their degrees from these institutions can also apply. This includes students who left in good standing and were granted a hardship waiver by the state’s Office of Higher Education.
According to Marca, these requirements could help eliminate around $147 million in debt, a number reportedly held by just a few thousand borrowers who attended these schools. Furthermore, students who received an occupational or professional license, including certifications, can also enroll.
The reimbursement program seeks to help Connecticut residents from lower-economic backgrounds. Single borrowers with an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less can participate. Despite this, married couples making up to $175,000 will remain eligible. All applicants must also have made payments toward their loans in 2024, with balances still remaining.
Lastly, the program wants to ensure enrolled borrowers have contributed to their communities. They require at least 50 hours of volunteer work at a Connecticut nonprofit organization. However, those who have served in municipal governments or the military during the past year can use this work as an alternative.
As a Trump presidency and less emphasis on student loan forgiveness draw near, states such as Connecticut are taking matters into their own hands to provide relief to their residents. Those who meet all the requirements can prepare for enrollment by creating an account on the CT SCHOLARS portal.
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November 26, 2024
Hochul found her repeal of the adultery law "somewhat ironic" given her own marital status.
New York has decriminalized infidelity in one’s marriage. The ruling makes cheating on your spouse no longer punishable by law.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Nov. 22 that officially repealed a 117-year-old law on adultery. Until this point, the “crime” was considered a class B misdemeanor, for which one could serve up to 90 days in jail.
Hochul deemed the law as “silly” and “outdated.” She called adultery a personal matter that should not be handled by the state.
“These matters should clearly be handled by these individuals and not our criminal justice system,” explained the governor, as reported by Gothamist. “Let’s take this silly, outdated statute off the books, once and for all.”
The law specifically targeted those who “engage(d) in sexual intercourse with another person at a time when he has a living spouse, or the other person has a living spouse.” Therefore, even those who were unmarried yet had an intimate affair with someone who was could face consequences.
Hochul also found her repeal of the law “somewhat ironic,” given her own marital status. The elected official married her husband, Bill Hochul Jr., 40 years ago in 1984. Now, under her leadership, New York no longer reigns among the 16 states that still have laws against adultery.
Most of those states have marital infidelity listed as a misdemeanor, like New York. However, states such as Oklahoma, Michigan, and Wisconsin consider it a felony, with the latter having fines of as much as $10,000 with three and a half years of potential prison time.
Despite this, adultery laws are rarely enforced. In the Empire State specifically, the law was last used in 2014 against a married woman caught having sexual intercourse with a man in a public park. Authorities later dropped the adultery charge.
State lawmakers, such as Assemblymember Charles Lavine of Long Island, sponsored the bill that passed earlier this year. While deemed insignificant on the surface level, those sponsoring the bill called it a greater call to ensure reproductive rights. The issue was also a major focal point for the Presidential election.
“We are all in danger of losing our rights,” explained Lavine, as reported by Newsweek. “Those most likely to be prosecuted for this crime, not only in New York but throughout the United States and even worldwide, are women. I think it’s time for our state legislatures throughout the United States to stand up for human rights. And women’s rights are human rights.”
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November 26, 2024
William Martin, who is 6-foot-2 and weighs 360 pounds filed a lawsuit for having to sit at a small desk.
A New York City resident is suing a library in Manhattan after allegedly being forced to work at a desk that was too small for his frame. According to The New York Post, William Martin, who is 6-foot-2 and weighs 360 pounds, filed a lawsuit against the New York Public Library after stating that he was “traumatized” by sitting at a desk that was too small.
The paperwork was filed in a Brooklyn Federal courthouse. He is asking for $4.6 million and accusing his superiors of discrimination and harassment.
Martin started working at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on Fifth Avenue in October 2021, where he was assigned to the first-floor service desk. He was hired to work as a library information assistant and complained about the size of his desk.
“All I sought was just a service desk with the appropriate accommodation given my physical attributes,” he stated in the lawsuit.
His union helped get him assigned to different service desks within the midtown library, but nearly two years later, he was placed back at the cramped first-floor desk after a new assistant director was hired in June 2023. After complaining and involving an attorney, things worsened for Martin. He alleges that the assistant director “dramatically increased” how often Martin was assigned to the small desk, which, he said, was “detrimental to his health and safety,” according to the court document. He felt that it was the director’s “way to bully William and intimidate him, showing him ‘who is the boss.’”
A few months later, Martin was suspended after being “falsely accused” of sleeping on the job. With this action, he requested a transfer and medical leave for anxiety and depression. He said his “mental health has been damaged to such extent that . . . he would tremble just at the thought of going back to work.”
Martin is asking the judge to force the library to grant him a leave and compensation for what he went through.
In a written statement, the New York Public Library said that his lawsuit is “without merit.”
“We take employee accommodations and concerns with utmost seriousness and are dedicated to treating our staff across the Library with fairness and respect.”
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November 26, 2024
Job well done, Mr. Williams!
The first Black man to hold the title of federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, announced he will step down in December 2024, NBC News reports.
The popular U.S. attorney was the face behind convictions in headlining cases, including Democratic New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and troubled cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried. He is also overseeing the prosecutions of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. As the first Black man to hold the prestigious post, Williams was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021 as a veteran of the office. President-elect Donald Trump, who is facing his own legal troubles in the Big Apple, has already announced his intention to replace Williams.
In a statement, Williams says serving has been “an honor to serve the American people” and called the decision to resign “bittersweet.” “It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job, leading an institution I love that is filled with the finest public servants in the world,” he said, pushing for Dec. 13 as his step-down date.
“It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level — upholding and exceeding its already high standard of excellence, integrity, and independence.”
The office, once held by disgraced former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, plays a critical role in some of the country’s most sensitive and high-profile criminal cases, including cases of public corruption, securities fraud, and terrorism. In early 2024, Williams oversaw a case involving an Iranian man charged in an assassination plot against Trump.
The indicted businessman has nominated the former head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Jay Clayton, to take over once inaugurated, calling him “a highly respected business leader, counsel, and public servant” who is “going to be a strong Fighter for the Truth as we Make America Great Again.”
During Williams’ tenure in office, he did more than fight against the rich and famous. He also fought for the people of the state and various agencies. According to USA Today, Williams prosecuted a daycare owner accused of operating a fentanyl operation that resulted in the death of a one-year-old child and three others being hospitalized.
As crime escalated inside NYC’s infamous Rikers Island prison, he created the Civil Rights Unit in SDNY’s criminal division with a focus on enforcing civil rights. A receiver was set to be appointed to address the violence and dysfunction inside prison walls.
Following Williams’ departure, his deputy, Edward Y. Kim, will sit as acting U.S. attorney.
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November 26, 2024
'I wanted to make a seasoning that people could use generously and feel good about, without guilt.'
E-40’s son, Emari Stevens, is carrying on the rapper’s legacy in the culinary space with a new line of health-conscious food seasonings.
Finesse is crafted to deliver bold flavor while catering to various dietary needs. Vegan, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, keto-friendly, low-sodium, non-GMO, and sugar-free, Finesse was created in response to the high rates of hypertension affecting the Black community. The line offers a healthy way to season your favorite meals, providing a flavorful alternative without the excess sodium that can compromise health.
“The inspiration came from my love of cooking and my desire to create a seasoning that would truly reflect my skill in the kitchen — thus, Finesse was born,” Stevens told The Source.
“In my community, many people are affected by high blood pressure, which can be a silent killer. Often, people don’t experience symptoms until a serious event, like a heart attack, happens. I wanted to make a seasoning that people could use generously and feel good about, without guilt.”
Stevens continued. “A lot of the major brands out there have high sodium content, so I wanted Finesse to stand out as a low-sodium option, encouraging people to season freely while still looking out for their health.”
With the launch of Finesse, the certified “Iron Skillet Master” is adding to his dad’s culinary empire, which includes a Goon With The Spoon food product line of sausages, burritos, ice cream, and a best-selling cookbook.
The seasonings come in two flavors: All-Purpose and Garlic.
“I wanted to enter the market with two essential seasonings that would be true powerhouses in any kitchen,” Stevens said.
“The ‘All-Purpose’ seasoning is incredibly versatile—it works with everything from chicken and beef to seafood, vegetables, stews, soups, pasta, and more,” Stevens said. “I’m especially proud of this blend because it complements nearly any dish. The ‘Garlic Blend’ brings its own distinct flavor profile, with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, spices, and sea salt. It’s ideal for pastas, mashed potatoes, and grilled chicken. One trick I’ve discovered is using a layer of ‘Garlic Blend’ alongside ‘All-Purpose’ on chicken or salmon. The combination of flavors is truly something special.”
Finesse spices retail for $8 a bottle and are available on tryfinesse.com.
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November 26, 2024
Winfrey and King popped out in puffer coats and matching bags from the Black-owned fashion brand.
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are showing off their friendship and style with the help of Black-owned fashion line Telfar.
The dynamic duo looked fabulous in bubble coats from the brand’s signature shopping bags to complete the look. The purse also snagged a spot in Oprah’s Favorite Things, making the media mogul’s debut in the latest winter collection well-earned. Winfrey and King showed off their matching sets in a post to Instagram.
“We like @telfarglobal—a Queens-born designer whose handbag is also on #OprahsFavoriteThings—and this hip and oversized unisex quilted nylon puffer with a hood will keep your body warm through the cold days,” captioned the Oprah Daily post.
While Winfrey displayed a beige coat and bag ensemble, King showed off a bright yellow nylon puffer option. The puffers feature Telfar’s expansion beyond the signature shopping bags, offering outerwear and other apparel.
The coats specifically adorned by Winfrey and King will cost shoppers $525 and come in nine different colorways. However, those opting for a smaller, cheaper option can purchase the puff hoodie for $400. The accompanying shopping bags retail for $260.
However, the puff collection also extends to sweatpants and headbands to go even further with the look and echo the famous duo’s fashion choices. Telfar, founded by Telfar Clemens, continues to reach wider audiences through its expansion, including its first flagship store.
The 10,000-square-foot location, based in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, brought hundreds of Telfar fanatics to its grand opening on Nov. 23. There, the brand unveiled its secret new bag while buyers viewed its entire inventory of purses and other clothing items. Fans from everyday fashionistas to public figures like Winfrey and King have now bought into the craze.
As the Black-owned brand takes off, Telfar is paving the way for diverse designers to take over the fashion industry.
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November 26, 2024
Drake is not taking the L.
The Drake/Kendrick Lamar beef is off the streets and in the courtroom.
Billboard reports Drake has filed paperwork against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, claiming the two companies conspired to artificially inflate Lamar’s massively popular song, “Not Like Us.” The lawsuit was filed on Nov. 25 in a Manhattan courtroom. Drake filed it under his company, Frozen Moments LLC, and accused UMG of launching an illegal “scheme” that used several factors, including bots, payola, and other methods to make Lamar’s song successful.
“UMG did not rely on chance or even ordinary business practices,” the paperwork stated. “It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.”
Attorneys for Drake claim UMG’s actions in this matter, which the company denies, violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
UMG distributes both Drake and Lamar. Drake was initially signed to Young Money, which was distributed by the music conglomerate, and he now records directly under Republic Records. Meanwhile, Lamar was signed to TDE, distributed by Interscope, and is now signed under the label through his own imprint, pgLang.
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” the company said in a statement. “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
Spotify did not release a statement but was accused of helping in the “scheme.”
Drake’s attorneys claim UMG charged Spotify reduced licensing rates so iy could recommend “Not Like Us” when users searched for “unrelated songs and artists.” They also say that UMG paid influencers to champion the song over Drake’s diss records in the battle between the superstars. Attorneys also say that armies of bots were put in place to fraudulently spike the numbers.
November 26, 2024
Don't leave us yet, VP Harris.....
After a devastating Election Day loss, Vice President Kamala Harris has told advisers that she is staying in the political world with a potential run for California governor or another run for the Oval Office.
Harris has been laying low as she prepares to end her vice presidential tenure but has secretly talked with top allies about running for president again in 2028 or governor of the Golden State in 2026. “I am staying in the fight,” she told advisers.
Considering what’s next for her and discussing it with family members is a priority during the holiday season. Her next decision comes after a groundbreaking campaign as the second Black woman to run for president after President Joe Biden suspended his re-election campaign, heightening the Democratic platform. Harris’s energy is crucial to keeping the power on the blue side of the aisle alive. “There will be a desire to hear her voice, and there won’t be a vacuum for long,” a person close to Harris said.
“The natural thing to do would be to set up some type of entity that would allow her to travel and give speeches and preserve her political relationships.”
Harris’s other priority is to decide where she and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff will establish a home base. Their home in Los Angeles is an option, but there are concerns about her safety, as her Secret Service protection expires six months after leaving the White House. It will be the first time in 20 years that the former senator and prosecutor will be out of the public eye — meaning she will be back at her office while maintaining her digital popularity.
Several Democratic strategists and allies support whatever Harris decides, whether taking a break from the political world or going another route. Pollster Paul Maslin feels that there aren’t many people who have experienced what Harris has done in the last four months, expressing that she should take the time to “figure it out.” “There is no one — no one — who actually can relate to what she’s been through these last four months. No one,” Maslin said.
“And I wouldn’t begrudge her at all to take some time and figure this out.”
Former Harris aide Brian Brokaw thinks that the sudden desire to run for state office isn’t coming from her but from those around her. “Could she run for governor? Yes. Do I think she wants to run for governor? Probably not,” he said, according to Axios.
“Could she win? Definitely. Would she like the job? I don’t know. Could she run for president again? Yes.”
In the meantime, some of the last tasks Harris will have before leaving Washington, D.C., are certifying the presidential election results and attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
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