May, 2021 - Greater Diversity News

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NAACP President Discusses Biden Administration Appointees and the Impact of COVID On Black Americans

NAACP President Discusses Biden Administration Appointees and the Impact of COVID On Black Americans

Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, the nation’s largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization, said the group has continued to seek to ensure that communities of color remain informed. The NAACP’s mission is that everyone receives

Pennsylvania Parole Board Denies Bill Cosby Release

Pennsylvania Parole Board Denies Bill Cosby Release

A Pennsylvania parole board on Thursday, May 27, has denied early release for Bill Cosby, citing the board’s desire for the comedian to participate in and complete unspecified institutional programs. The board also noted that it had received a negative

Actor Kinyumba Mutakabbir Releasing Documentary on Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

Actor Kinyumba Mutakabbir Releasing Documentary on Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

As an actor and an African American, Kinyumba Mutakabbir said it was his duty to create a film to extend the conversation of racial inequities and the injustice experienced in the Black community, particularly at the hands of law enforcement.

Labor Secretary Tells Black Press America Must Be Intentional About Employment Equity

Labor Secretary Tells Black Press America Must Be Intentional About Employment Equity

The U.S. Department of Labor continues to engage in deep conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the most recent jobs report shows a dismal 9.7 percent unemployment rate among African Americans. In a rare one-on-one interview with the National

Experts Say It’s Rare that a ‘Jury of your Peers’ Applies to African Americans

Experts Say It’s Rare that a ‘Jury of your Peers’ Applies to African Americans

If accused of a crime, American Justice supposedly guarantees the right to a trial in front of a “jury of your peers.” However noble the idea might be in theory, many legal experts acknowledge that, due to systemic racism, having a

‘Black Women Own the Conversation,’ Featuring Oprah Winfrey Premieres Tonight

‘Black Women Own the Conversation,’ Featuring Oprah Winfrey Premieres Tonight

A special two-hour episode of “Black Women OWN the Conversation” premieres TONIGHT at 9p ET/PT. The special program will follow “OWN and P&G Present: Widen the Screen – A Fuller View of Black Life.” The special episode features an audience

Why One Scholar Says White Supremacy and Racism Hasn’t Risen, But It’s Omnipresent

Why One Scholar Says White Supremacy and Racism Hasn’t Risen, But It’s Omnipresent

For Dr. Richard M. Cooper, White supremacy remains a constant in America. “It is omnipresent. White supremacy exists in the institutional structures and the social systems of the United States. It has since and even before the birth of the

‘The Other Black Girl’ Book Explores a Workplace War and Racism in Publishing

‘The Other Black Girl’ Book Explores a Workplace War and Racism in Publishing

Lindsay Sagnette, the vice president and editorial director at Atria Books, said she could not remember the last time she was so confident that a book was going to set the world on fire. That’s because it had been so

Education in the Segregated South: A Determined African American Culture

Education in the Segregated South: A Determined African American Culture

During segregation, Black schools in the South focused on building an environment of success for community children. Educator, activist and youth worker Derrick R. Brooms said those schools served multiple purposes – particularly during the Jim Crow era. “There are

The Arlington Museum Announces 30 Americans Exhibit

The Arlington Museum Announces 30 Americans Exhibit

Arlington, TX – The Arlington Museum of Art (www.arlingtonmuseum.org) is proud to announce its exhibition for the summer of 2021, 30 Americans. This will be the second exhibition that the AMA has received from the renowned Rubell Museum (the first

Count Basie Orchestra Director Talks Jazz and Welcomes Back Live Performances

Count Basie Orchestra Director Talks Jazz and Welcomes Back Live Performances

The legendary William James “Count” Basie enjoyed a keen eye for talent and greatness. Over the years, the New Jersey-born icon enlisted legends like Billie Holiday, Joe Jones, and Sweets Edison to perform in The Count Basie Orchestra. Formed in

Pitt County “SAY YES! COVID TEST” Pilot A Success – Greater Diversity News Special

Pitt County “SAY YES! COVID TEST” Pilot A Success – Greater Diversity News Special

A federal pilot program, “Say Yes to Covid Test”, funded by the National Institute for Health (NIH), selected two sites in the United States this past March to distribute free at-home COVID-19 test kits as part of a study to

With Help From Its Historic Black University, Elizabeth City Confronts the Tragedy It Tried to Prevent

With Help From Its Historic Black University, Elizabeth City Confronts the Tragedy It Tried to Prevent

Nobody thought it would be Elizabeth City, this river city of 18,000 just north of the Albemarle Sound. The racial dynamics have long been tricky in the mostly Black city, the seat of government for mostly white Pasquotank County. But

578,555 People Have Died From COVID-19 in the Us, or Maybe It’s 912,345 – Here’s Why It’s Hard to Count

578,555 People Have Died From COVID-19 in the Us, or Maybe It’s 912,345 – Here’s Why It’s Hard to Count

When the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington released its estimate that COVID-19 had killed 912,345 people in the U.S. by May 6, 2021, many were shocked. That’s 60% higher than the 578,555 coronavirus-related deaths

Six Eyewitnesses Misidentified a Murderer – Here’s What Went Wrong In the Lineup

Six Eyewitnesses Misidentified a Murderer – Here’s What Went Wrong In the Lineup

On the strength of six eyewitnesses’ lineup identifications, Lydell Grant was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 for the murder of a young Texas man, Aaron Scheerhoorn, who was stabbed to death outside a Houston nightclub in 2010. All

COVID-19 and Racism: The Interconnected Pandemics that have Left Black Families the Hardest Hit

COVID-19 and Racism: The Interconnected Pandemics that have Left Black Families the Hardest Hit

First national report explores how Black families are experiencing COVID-19, while battling the legacy of structural racism and discrimination (CHAPEL HILL, NC) May 24, 2021 – As the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s death approaches, researchers at the University

The Racial Hunger Gap in American Cities and What to Do About It – Podcast

The Racial Hunger Gap in American Cities and What to Do About It – Podcast

In this week’s episode of The Conversation Weekly, we look at some of the reasons behind racial disparities in U.S. food insecurity and hear from experts with their suggested solutions. And the discovery of the bones of a small child,

Why do I need anything other than Google to answer a question?

Why do I need anything other than Google to answer a question?

Why do I need a scholar to answer a question if there is Google? – Harrison F., age 13, Brookline, Massachusetts Imagine you’re researching something. Whether you’re a fourth grader who needs to find out how volcanoes erupt or you’re

Supermoon! Red Blood Lunar Eclipse! It’s All Happening at Once, but What Does That Mean?

Supermoon! Red Blood Lunar Eclipse! It’s All Happening at Once, but What Does That Mean?

The first lunar eclipse of 2021 is going to happen during the early hours of May 26. But this is going to be an especially super lunar event, as it will be a supermoon, a lunar eclipse and a red

Looking Through the Eyes of Faith to Become a Justice Warrior in the New Black Student Movement

Looking Through the Eyes of Faith to Become a Justice Warrior in the New Black Student Movement

Ty Hamer-Yelverton, Fayetteville State University (FSU) Justice Warrior in the New Black Student Movement (NBSM) (A GDN Exclusive Series, Part 1) Ty Hamer-Yelverton’s grandmother and grandfather met at FSU in 1949-1950. His grandmother graduated from FSU when she was around

Prom Send-Offs Celebrate Black Girls and Their Communities

Prom Send-Offs Celebrate Black Girls and Their Communities

Danielle Nolen sat in her living room, looking glamorous in a baby blue robe and trying to preserve her new regal hairstyle as her family decorated the backyard in black and gold in anticipation of her grand appearance. Her grandmother

‘The Underground Railroad’ Attempts to Upend Viewers’ Notions of What It Meant To Be Enslaved

‘The Underground Railroad’ Attempts to Upend Viewers’ Notions of What It Meant To Be Enslaved

Speaking on NPR’s Fresh Air, Barry Jenkins, the director of “The Underground Railroad,” noted that “before making this show … I would have said I’m the descendant of enslaved Africans.” “I think now that answer has evolved,” he continued. “I

IN MEMORIAM: Comic Legend Paul Mooney Dies at 79

IN MEMORIAM: Comic Legend Paul Mooney Dies at 79

Paul Mooney, the comedian who wrote episodes of “Sanford and Son,” “Good Times,” and “The Richard Pryor Show,” has died at the age of 79. His publicist, Cassandra Williams, confirmed Mooney’s death and said he died at home in Oakland,

Systemic Cheating Threatens Quality of U.S. Education

Systemic Cheating Threatens Quality of U.S. Education

Education is the bedrock of a successful society. With quality education comes more opportunities to grow, increased equality and stronger communities. But right now, the quality of a U.S. education is under siege. As a former college president and educator,

Treasury and IRS Announce Families of 88% of Children in the U.S. to Automatically Receive Monthly Payment

Treasury and IRS Announce Families of 88% of Children in the U.S. to Automatically Receive Monthly Payment

First Payments to Be Made on July 15 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced today that the first monthly payment of the expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American

For All the People, By All the People – Whose America is this?

For All the People, By All the People – Whose America is this?

Our nation was founded on a profound principle — a government that is chosen by the people. Granted, this extraordinary experiment as it was called in the early years of our constitution, was not conceived perfectly and has always required

HBCU Community Development Action Coalition Awarded $5.6 Million from the Wells Fargo Foundation to Address Racial Wealth Disparities

HBCU Community Development Action Coalition Awarded $5.6 Million from the Wells Fargo Foundation to Address Racial Wealth Disparities

Our Money Matters: Financial wellness program kicks off on seven HBCU campuses to advance financial health of Black college students Miami — The Historically Black Colleges & Universities Community Development Action Coalition (HBCU CDAC) is proud to announce the launch of

Author Releases Book to Help Black Men Become Better Leaders, Creators… and Men

Author Releases Book to Help Black Men Become Better Leaders, Creators… and Men

D. Forte, a local author from Birmingham, Alabama, is proud to share his second-ever self-improvement book entitled The Black Man’s Guide to Self-Improvement and Community Revitalization Post Pandemic that is now available on Amazon. Influenced by the events of this

Black-Owned Nonprofit Launches Monthly Grant Program for Children in Underserved Communities

Black-Owned Nonprofit Launches Monthly Grant Program for Children in Underserved Communities

Los Angeles, CA — Megan Faux, The Teaching Goddess, Founder and Executive Director of The 25 Dream Campaign, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation has launched a new initiative – monthly grants for kids. It’s called The 25 Dreams Source of Light

This 88-Year Old Tutor Has Been Teaching Math For More Than 70 Years

This 88-Year Old Tutor Has Been Teaching Math For More Than 70 Years

Delores Spencer, who has been a math teacher in Hampton, Virginia for more than 70 years, continues to tutor students around the world for free through Facebook Live at the age of 88! During the pandemic, students transitioned to learning

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Chauvin, Other Officers in George Floyd Death

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Chauvin, Other Officers in George Floyd Death

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and members of his team who won a $27 million civil judgment in favor of George Floyd’s family and whose relentless work in the case helped lead to a rare conviction of a police

NNPA EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Val Demings Will Run for Senate in Florida, Seat Currently Held by Republican Senator Marco Rubio

NNPA EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Val Demings Will Run for Senate in Florida, Seat Currently Held by Republican Senator Marco Rubio

Congresswoman Val Demings (D-FL) will run for the U.S. Senate seat out of Florida currently held by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, an advisor to the campaign has confirmed exclusively to the Black Press. Stories had floated in mainstream media outlets

Environmental Racism is Real, Destructive and Deadly

Environmental Racism is Real, Destructive and Deadly

For many, Earth Day stands as a reminder of everyone’s role as stewards of the planet. It’s a time to reflect and to plan ahead for a cleaner and healthier environment. Still, for many others, it’s also a stark reminder

America’s Newest Voters Look Back at the 2020 Election – and Forward to Politics in 2021

America’s Newest Voters Look Back at the 2020 Election – and Forward to Politics in 2021

(republished from Jan. 6, 2021) As Americans end one year and begin another, one of the most controversial topics of conversation will be the presidential election. We experienced the election season from a unique perspective. We each taught college

Black Civil War Regiment Honored in Detroit

Black Civil War Regiment Honored in Detroit

Officials in Detroit have unveiled the 102nd United States Colored Troop Memorial Highway, honoring the heroic African American Infantry Regiment formed during the Civil War in 1863. The dedication of a portion of I-375 took place at the same spot

America’s Policing and Political Practices Inextricably Linked to KKK and White Supremacy

America’s Policing and Political Practices Inextricably Linked to KKK and White Supremacy

Dr. Richard M. Cooper, the co-coordinator of African American Studies and faculty in the Social Work department at Widener University, said there is a hidden assumption in the statement, ‘comprehensive thoughts on the most recent rise of White supremacy.” The

NAACP Launches ‘COVID. KNOW MORE,’ Empowering Black Americans With Resources and Updates on COVID-19

NAACP Launches ‘COVID. KNOW MORE,’ Empowering Black Americans With Resources and Updates on COVID-19

BALTIMORE — With the country showing increasing signs of reopening each day, the tendency exists among some to forget the most devastating impacts of COVID-19. In many of our most vulnerable communities, the battle against the disease continues to rage

Philadelphia Small Business Owners Are Making a Way Through the Pandemic

Philadelphia Small Business Owners Are Making a Way Through the Pandemic

Music professor Randy Gibson has helped generations of students find and polish their talent at his Gibson School of Music & Arts in Philadelphia, including singer Jazmine Sullivan and The Roots’ keyboardist Kamal Gray. This past year hasn’t been easy, but

Federal Hate Crimes Lodged Against Three in Ahmaud Arbery Murder

Federal Hate Crimes Lodged Against Three in Ahmaud Arbery Murder

As Ahmaud Arbery jogged on a public street in the Satilla Shores neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia, Travis and Gregory McMichael armed themselves with firearms. The men got into a truck and chased the young African American man through the neighborhood

COVID 19: My Personal Battle from a Positive to a Negative Result

COVID 19: My Personal Battle from a Positive to a Negative Result

Jeffrey L. Boney Shares His Story about Surviving the Coronavirus and Dealing with the Emotional and Mental Anguish of the Journey to Overcome the Virus “Jeffrey, unfortunately, your test came back positive for the Coronavirus.” Hearing those words from the

The Racist Past of the Filibuster and Why it Should End Now

The Racist Past of the Filibuster and Why it Should End Now

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and a voting and ethics bill passed the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, but neither stands a chance in the evenly divided Senate. President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan faced fierce

Former Morgan State Standout has his NFL Dreams Renewed

Former Morgan State Standout has his NFL Dreams Renewed

When the NFL canceled a national combine in 2020 for athletes from historically black colleges and universities, former Morgan State standout linebacker Rico Kennedy figured he’d never get another shot. One year later, with the NFL Draft taking place, Eastbay

Earth Wind & Fire Lead Singer Stepping up To Help Foster Youth

Philip Bailey, the lead singer of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and founder of the Music Is Unity Foundation, is kicking off National Foster Care Month with a campaign to raise $500,000 for foster youth. The #FosterChallenge encourages everyone

ConocoPhillips Heads Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry

ConocoPhillips Heads Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Oil and Gas Industry

With projections that half of its workforce will consist of minorities by 2040, the oil and gas industry has continued to recruit individuals of color, women, veterans, and groups that have been mainly underrepresented. At ConocoPhillips, Shawn Green and Maalika

Family of Black Doctors has Social Media Buzzing – Each Attended the West Virginia School of Medicine.

Family of Black Doctors has Social Media Buzzing – Each Attended the West Virginia School of Medicine.

Dr. Herbert Oye is a Board Certified Endovascular and Vascular Surgeon, specializing in invasive and non-invasive treatment of vascular diseases. Dr. Oye received his medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, according to his official biography.

Black, Latino and Female Officers Use Less Force than Whites

Black, Latino and Female Officers Use Less Force than Whites

African American police officers made more than 15 fewer stops, about two fewer arrests on average than their White counterparts, ScienceNews.org found in a new study. The study revealed that throughout 100 shifts, African American officers used force 0.1 fewer times.

Black Man Forced into Slave Labor Wins $550K Judgement

Black Man Forced into Slave Labor Wins $550K Judgement

In a story that proved as appalling as many of the racially motivated attacks on African Americans and one that was relatively obscure, a South Carolina court sentenced Bobby Paul Edwards to a decade behind bars for the enslavement

NBA Creates Annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award to Honor Player Activism

NBA Creates Annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award to Honor Player Activism

New Award Named After Six-Time NBA Champion and Civil Rights Activist Award Winner to Choose Organization to Receive $100,000 Contribution; Selected Beneficiaries of The Other Four Finalists to Receive $25,000 Each NEW YORK – The NBA today announced the creation of the Kareem

Domestic Violence Isn’t About Just Physical Violence – and State Laws Are Beginning To Recognize That

Domestic Violence Isn’t About Just Physical Violence – and State Laws Are Beginning To Recognize That

Three or more U.S. women are murdered every day by their current or former intimate partner. That may in part be due to a failure of state laws to capture the full range of behavior that constitutes domestic abuse. The

I Spent a Year and a Half at a ‘No-Excuses’ Charter School – This Is What I Saw

I Spent a Year and a Half at a ‘No-Excuses’ Charter School – This Is What I Saw

Charter schools are 30 years old as of 2021, and the contentious debate about their merits and place in American society continues. To better understand what happens at charter schools – and as a sociologist who focuses on education –