As the world warms, scientists say that abrupt shifts in weather patterns, like droughts followed by severe floods, are intensifying.
from Wired https://ift.tt/2tekrl5
via
Monday, December 30, 2019
Mayor Pete Buttigieg: Generational Wealth Has Been Stolen from Black America
Video footage of Democratic presidential candidate Mayor Pete Buttigieg saying Black Americans had its generational wealth stolen was shared today.
When asked his stance on reparations, Buttigieg not only voiced his support for HR 40, but also said the wealth disparity between Blacks and whites is a result of “systemic racism in this country.”
“Now I support HR 40 … but I don’t think we have to wait for that commission to do its work to do other things,” Buttigieg said. He added if generational wealth is “true for a dollar that’s been saved, that’s also true for a dollar that’s been stolen – and what has been stolen from Black Americans is generational opportunities to build up wealth.”
The video was captured and shared by a Twitter user identified as Jameion B. Fowler, who identifies as an outspoken member of the American Descendants of Slavery (#ADOS) movement.
“So we shouldn’t be surprised that when slavery ended… less than two lifetimes ago, that we continue to see the consequences of that, in addition to things that are not from some distant far off point past but happened within living memory,” Buttigieg continued.
In a second clip shared by Fowler, Buttigieg added making policy changes without addressing past injustices would not work.
“What we’ve learned is you can’t just get to 2019, replace a lot of these racist policies with neutral policies and say okay now everything is going to take care of itself. It doesn’t work that way, or if it does it’ll take hundreds of years, so we’ve got to act now to address this,” Buttigieg continued.
There were mixed reactions to Buttigieg’s response from other #ADOS members. While one of his colleagues applauded Fowler for asking the “right questions,” another seemed exasperated and said Buttigieg didn’t even really answer the question.
#ADOS #WallStreetPete #RefundPete pic.twitter.com/47do6z4OIE
— Jameion B. Fowler
(@jbf1982) December 12, 2019
This article was written by Isheka N. Harrison for Moguldom.com on December 12, 2019
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2Q8NBeh
via
Leaders react with support, expressions of love after John Lewis cancer announcement
The country on Sunday felt a collective weight after the announcement that civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis of Georgia was battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer — news that prompted political figures and celebrities to express their emotions on social media.
The outpouring of support came from a parade of people, from former President Barack Obama to celebrated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and echoed the feelings of the country about a man who has been called a national treasure.
READ MORE: Rep. John Lewis announces that he is battling stage four pancreatic cancer
Lewis, a longtime U.S. Congress member representing Atlanta and a longtime member of the Democratic Congressional leadership, is the last surviving organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. He was a disciple of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and one of the Freedom Riders, who bussed through the South to win voting rights for Black Americans.
If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 30, 2019
Dear Congressman.
You are loved.
You are respected.
You are magnificent.
Lifting you up in prayer, peace and the power of your ancestors this day.
May God continue to bless you in all the ways you’ve blessed us, sir.#GoodTrouble pic.twitter.com/vF0S9JN3pD— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 30, 2019
DuVernay directed the 2014 film Selma that depicted the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches led by Lewis, King, James Bevel and Hosea Williams. In her tweet, she posted photos of her, Lewis and others involved in the cast. In one photo, she and actor David Oyelowo are kissing Lewis on each side of his face as the congressman breaks up.
A host of others showed their support for the congressman on social media, pledging their prayers and support for him.
Tweeted former President Bill Clinton, “If there’s anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it’s you, John. Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family.”
READ MORE: Democrats are vying for the coveted support and endorsement of Rep. John Lewis
Stacey Abrams, former candidate for Georgia governor, tweeted, “Rep. John Lewis is America’s conscience and Georgia’s heart. We stand with him as he fights one more battle – to defeat pancreatic cancer. As he wages that war, he continues to do the people’s work, buoyed by the prayers and good will of millions. God bless you, my friend.”
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms held up Lewis as a “national treasure” in a statement released to Twitter, and hailed him for spending his “entire life on the front lines of the fight for equality.”
She tweeted, “As he now takes on his next fight, as a community of faith, we stand in agreement with him, believing that God is still on the throne, and that healing and restoration are on the horizon.”
Tweeted Bernice King, CEO of The King Center in Atlanta and daughter of the late Martin Luther King, “I am praying for him and encouraged by the knowledge that he is a legendary fighter. Fight on, sir.”
Lewis’ longtime colleague in the Democratic leadership in Congress – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California – tweeted out a photo of herself with the congressman at a former slave fort in Ghana, on a trip in which a delegation of lawmakers visited the nation.
.@RepJohnLewis, we are all praying for you following this diagnosis. John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts & prayers as you face this fight. We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well. pic.twitter.com/j7YMUGLPC2
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 29, 2019
READ MORE: Alabama’s ‘Bloody Sunday’ racial violence of 1965 remembered
In announcing the news via a statement on Sunday, Lewis said, “I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.”
The congressman said he will return to Washington in the coming days and continue to work while undergoing treatment.
The post Leaders react with support, expressions of love after John Lewis cancer announcement appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/37jM3UG
via
Featured video: 50 years of Interphase EDGE
Fifty years ago, in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a new legacy was born at MIT: Project Interphase, a summer session for incoming first-year MIT students that aims to ease the transition to MIT and build community among new students.
This fall, alumni, current students, faculty, staff, administrators, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program, today known as Interphase EDGE (Empowering Discovery, Gateway to Excellence).
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the MIT Office of Minority Education, which coordinates the program, welcomed back Shirley Ann Jackson ’68, PhD ’73, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and one of the leaders behind the original idea for the program; as well as several members of the Project Interphase inaugural cohort, including Sylvester “Jim” Gates ’73, PhD ’77, a professor of physics at Brown University.
A new video celebrates the history of Interphase EDGE, which now extends beyond an initial summer session into students’ first two academic years. “I recall that experience being really instrumental in helping me to feel a part of the MIT community,” says Eboney Hearn ’01, who is now the executive director of MIT’s Office of Engineering Outreach Programs.
Adds Gates: “It was the singular, most important academic experience I ever had in my life.”
Submitted by: Office of Minority Education | Video by: MIT Video Productions | 3 min, 48 sec
from MIT News https://ift.tt/2QzJ7wf
via
Black and Jewish leaders unite in NYC after wave of anti-Semitic attacks
After a violent few days in New York City and one far-out suburban community in which Jewish people were targeted, Black and Jewish leaders planned to come together Monday morning in Harlem to denounce the attacks.
The coalition planned to speak out at the National Action Network House of Justice, headquarters for the National Action Network civil rights organization headed by Rev. Al Sharpton.
READ MORE: Jersey City attack being investigated as domestic terrorism
Along with Sharpton, other leaders slated to speak are: Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, Hazel Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference, and Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
The greater New York area was reeling after five people were stabbed at a Hannukkah celebration at a private residence in Monsey, N.Y., over the weekend, and several more attacks took place in the five boroughs throughout the month of December. The violence comes on the heels of a fatal attack at a Kosher supermarket in New York City that left six people dead.
The escalating violence prompted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday to declare that the NYPD is addressing concerns over mounting anti-Semitism, but also to say that coalitions would be crucial in attacking what he called a crisis.
READ MORE: 6 killed in New Jersey gunbattle, including police officer
“It’s going to take the strong police presence; it’s going to take prosecutions for hate crimes; but it’s also going to take a new effort to educate young people, to get out into the communities, bringing together multi-ethnic coalitions,” the mayor said. “Because the way to solve this is with actually encouraging a unity and encouraging a real presence out in the streets of people who want to work together to stop this trend.”
Part of the concern over the attacks is that the suspects in the Jersey City and Monsey cases are Black, and relations between the Black and Jewish communities in New York City have been strained at times.
Monday’s press conference was slated to start at 11 a.m. ET.
The post Black and Jewish leaders unite in NYC after wave of anti-Semitic attacks appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2F7KGMU
via
How to Set and Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals
It’s almost the beginning of a new decade and you’re ready to finally accomplish your financial goals. You’ve written the vision and made it plain. You’ve created a beautiful vision board so you can manifest your dreams. You’ve listened to a couple of financial podcasts and read a couple of articles on saving and managing your money. You’re all set, right? Wrong!
You’ve created a set of new financial goals, yet your money beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and habits are all the same. You know what they say, you can’t expect different results doing the same thing.
Don’t set yourself up to financially fail.
This year, set financial goals that are important to you; where you build a better relationship with your money. To let past money mistakes go. To use the results of others as inspiration not as what you should be doing. Just because she paid off $353,745 in debt in two years doesn’t mean that it will work for your income or lifestyle.
So just for a moment, ignore all of the advice you’ve heard, clear your mind of what you think you should achieve this year, and let go of your old goals you’ve been copying from year to year.
Envision what you want your lifestyle to look like in the next two to three years. Dream and stretch your faith.
That vision is what your goals should be financially supporting.
Takisha Artis
Use these three tips to help create new financial goals for the “New Year, New Me” vibe you have going on.
- Identify what you financially value. Think back to that vision, what were the valuable things that would bring you happiness and wealth? Maybe it’s creating a freedom fund, or paying down debt.
- Do you believe you can actually accomplish it? Revisit the vision. It’s perfectly fine to have a vision that you may need to exercise faith in. But you don’t want the vision to be so big that fear, doubt, and scarcity overrule and talk you out of believing you can achieve and deserve it. You’ll end up self-sabotaging the very thing you want the most because of your lack of belief.
- Create a list of tools and tasks to help you stay focused on achieving your vision: setting up an automatic transfer to your freedom fund, pulling your credit report, creating a debt snowball plan and not using your credit cards, using software to help you budget and track your finances.
That vision won’t manifest on its own; you’ll need money to create, maintain, and sustain it. Don’t give up, show yourself grace and forgiveness, making the vision better.
Your present circumstances don’t dictate the level of your future wealth. When it comes to your goals, remember one key financial question: Is this contributing to my vision or distracting me from it?
Takisha Artis, a Financial Life Coach & CPA, with over 20 years in the financial industry. Her mission is to help entrepreneurs transform their limiting beliefs about wealth so they can increase their net worth. She’s building a community of women who are confident in their relationship with money.
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2F4JR7l
via
Civil Rights Legend Rep. John Lewis To Undergo Treatment for Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer
Civil rights legend and Congressman John Lewis of Georgia announced Sunday he will receive treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer. According to the release on his website, Lewis’ doctors reconfirmed the diagnosis following a routine medical visit and a series of tests.
“I have been in some kind of fight — for freedom, equality, basic human rights — for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now,” Lewis said in a statement. “While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance.”
The 79-year-old legislator who has served in the House for 17 terms stated that “he will continue his work in Congress” as he returns to Washington in the coming days to begin his treatment plan, which is expected to last several weeks. “So I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross,” he further stated. “To my constituents: being your representative in Congress is the honor of a lifetime…I may miss a few votes during this period but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon.”
After the announcement, Lewis gained an outpouring of support. Former President Obama, who presented the man called the “Conscience of the US Congress” with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, tweeted: “If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.”
Former President Clinton shared similar sentiments, tweeting: “If there’s anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it’s you, John. Hilary and I love you with millions of other Americans.”
Lewis, who received the Earl G. Graves, Sr, Vanguard Award at the inaugural BLACK ENTERPRISE Black Men Xcel Summit in 2017, often says he’s looking for “good trouble.” At such, he remains one of the fiercest lions in the fight for justice and equality, rallying congressional colleagues to vote to impeach President Trump earlier this month, gain unequivocal support on the restoration of key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and participate in a sit-in against gun violence.
His lifelong activism was inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the slain civil rights leader’s example of nonviolent activism. At the age of 23, the Troy, Alabama native and son of sharecroppers served as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an organization that engaged students to participate in sit-ins and freedom rides during the Civil Rights Movement. He was also the youngest architect and keynote speaker of the historic 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his powerful, nation-changing I Have A Dream speech. A year later, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, putting an end to legal segregation of public institutions and accommodations. He was also among those who led more than 600 peaceful, orderly demonstrators across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 in a protest for voting rights in one of the bastions of Jim Crow. He was wounded in a brutal attack by Alabama state troopers that became known as “Bloody Sunday.” The efforts of King, Lewis and other civil rights leaders and marchers proved critical in passage of VRA, which ensured protection of the franchise for all Americans.
Lewis is still focus on bolstering VRA, which was weakened in the Supreme Court decision on Shelby County V. Holder. When the House recently passed the Voting Rights Advancement Act, Lewis underscored the significance of preserving “the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in Democratic society.”
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/35av5GX
via
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Rep. John Lewis announces that he is battling stage four pancreatic cancer
Representative John Lewis (D-GA), a civil rights pioneer, has announced that he is battling stage four pancreatic cancer.
His announcement read in part, “I have been in some kind of fight – for freedom, equality, basic human rights – for nearly my entire life. I have never faced a fight quite like the one I have now.
“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis, doctors have told me that recent medical advances have made this type of cancer treatable in many cases, that treatment options are no longer as debilitating as they once were, and that I have a fighting chance.
While Lewis appears optimistic the prognosis for stage four pancreatic cancer is grim with a roughly one-year survival rate after diagnosis according to John Hopkins School of Medicine.
READ MORE: Stay Woke: Here’s why Byron Allen’s Supreme Court case matters
Despite his diagnosis, Lewis vows to continue to work for the causes he has championed his entire career. “…I have decided to do what I know to do and do what I have always done: I am going to fight it and keep fighting for the Beloved Community. We still have many bridges to cross.”
Lewis (D-Ga) who has served as a congressman since 1987 has created a legacy of fighting for civil rights. Beginning with his days as a member of the Big Six Lewis’ entire career has revolved around fighting for the freedom of Black Americans with an emphasis on voter’s rights. An American Icon he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.
“To my constituents: being your representative in Congress is the honor of a lifetime. I will return to Washington in coming days to continue our work and begin my treatment plan, which will occur over the next several weeks. I may miss a few votes during this period, but with God’s grace I will be back on the front lines soon. Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey.”
We absolutely will sir. We absolutely will.
The post Rep. John Lewis announces that he is battling stage four pancreatic cancer appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/39oofAV
via
Detroit Lions player Marvin Jones suffers unimaginable loss during holiday season
Marvin Jones, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, is mourning the death of his six-month-old son, Marlo. Jones announced the solemn news on Instagram on Saturday night following his son’s death.
“Yesterday the Lord called home a piece of my family’s heart, Marlo,” Jones said in the touching post. “It is hard to believe that our little angel, our fighter from day one, our son ‘Marlito’ has unfortunately passed away and is no longer here with us. Marlo, the joy that you brought to us every day, with that smile, and that energy were like heaven on earth. You will always be in our hearts. We will always remember you.”
READ MORE: Judge makes ruling on charges against NFL player accused of domestic violence
In addition to mourning the loss of what his son brought to their family’s lives, Jones also expressed the sadness of losing what could have been.
“We did not get the chance to hear your first words (It would’ve been in Spanish too),” he continued.
“We didn’t get to see you run with your brothers and sister, you ran with them with your eyes every day. We know that everything that we do from here on out will be with you. Every step we take, you will be with us. Whenever we have a bad day, We will think of your smile. We miss you already buddy and will forever love you. Rest peacefully our sweet baby boy. You have gained your wings.”
According to CNN, prior to Marlo’s passing, Jones, his wife Jasmyn and children, which include three sons and a daughter, shared a heartfelt Christmas video also featuring Marlo where they wished fans a “Merry Christmas.” Jones was also known to post several pictures of Marlo and his other children on his Instagram page as well.
READ MORE: Jim Caldwell hire is a big move for Detroit Lions franchise
The Detroit Lions released a statement regarding Jones’ family tragedy.
“The Detroit Lions fully support Marvin and Jazmyn during this extremely difficult time. Marvin and Jazmyn embody the true meaning of family, and the example they set has made them an inspiration to so many in our community. We thank everyone for the outpouring of support,” the team wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.
According to PEOPLE, Jones has been on injured reserve since earlier this month, but the Green Bay Packers, who are scheduled to play the Lions on Sunday, also released a statement via Twitter in support of Jones and his family:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Jones family & the Lions organization during this difficult time.”
The post Detroit Lions player Marvin Jones suffers unimaginable loss during holiday season appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2ZyntNj
via
Racist radio host Don Imus dies in infamy
Infamous radio host Don Imus has died at the age of 79. Imus’ death comes over 10 years after he was fired from CBS for his racist comments on the air.
According to the Huffington Post, the disgraced radio host had been hospitalized at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in College Station, Texas since Christmas Eve until his death on Friday. A cause of death has not been released.
READ MORE: Oprah Winfrey joins fight to save Rodney Reed’s life
Imus’ show Imus in the Morning debuted on New York radio in 1976 and in the wake of his death, many have praised the controversial host; according to The Hollywood Reporter, Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough thanked Imus saying “Morning Joe obviously owes its format to Don Imus. No one else could have gotten away with that much talk on cable news. Thanks for everything, Don.”
For others, it is hard to forget Imus’ racist remarks in 2007. It was that year that the host called members of the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos.” Imus’ comments caused a firestorm of protests and many sponsors began to pull out of the program. According to CBS, MSNBC, who also broadcast the show, decided to drop Imus.
Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were vocal about Imus’ removal, even meeting with CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves.
“He says he wants to be forgiven,” Sharpton said at the time. “I hope he continues in that process. But we cannot afford a precedent established that the airways can commercialize and mainstream sexism and racism.”
READ MORE: Trina Braxton was positively glowing as she tied the knot with Von Scales
Imus was ultimately let go from CBS Radio.
“There has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society,” Moonves said in announcing the decision.
According to Today, the 2007 controversy was not the first time Imus made racist comments on his show. He has called Bill Rhoden, who is Black and a former sports columnist for The New York Times, a “quota hire,” he also characterized the late Gwen Ifill of PBS’ Washington Week, as a “cleaning lady.”
Imus’ comments did not stop at Black people, he has also been known to make disparaging remarks against Arabs and Jews.
The post Racist radio host Don Imus dies in infamy appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2Qu5nIb
via
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)