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Mentalism is an intriguing art form that has captured audiences for centuries. It involves psychological techniques for reading minds, predicting the future, and performing seemingly impossible feats. Learning mentalism has numerous benefits, from enhancing influence and persuasion to improving observation skills. The article explores the steps to becoming a mentalist in the same vein as this master of mentalism (https://liorsuchard.com/mentalist/) and delves into aspects of the fascinating art. The Basics of Mentalism Mentalism is defined as the use of psychological techniques to create the illusion of extraordinary abilities, clairvoyance, and mind reading. Its roots trace back to ancient times when seers and mystics performed acts appearing to defy logic. There are different types of mentalism. Psychological mentalism focuses on using psychological principles to create illusions. Psychic mentalism involves creating illusions of supernatural abilities. Physical mentalism consists of manipulating objects or performing physical feats through psychological means. Developing Observational Skills Keen observation of behavior, body language, and verbal cues gathers information for performance. ‘Active listening’ is one technique for enhancing observation. It involves hearing what someone says and paying attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Another technique is ‘noticing the details.’ Consciously focusing on small details in the surroundings trains the brain to be more observant. Engaging in exercises that challenge perception enhances observation abilities. Play memory games in which you recall specific details about an object or person after a brief observation period. The exercises sharpen attention to detail and improve observation skills. Enhancing Memory and Recall Memory and recall are essential mental skills. Remembering information accurately and retrieving it when needed is crucial in creating the illusion of clairvoyance or mind reading. There are techniques to employ to improve memory and recall abilities. Creating associations is one tip for enhancing memory. Our brains are wired to remember information better when linking it to something meaningful or familiar. Associating new information with something known improves the ability to recall later. ‘Chunking’ is another technique. Try memorizing lists of numbers or items and recalling them later. Start with short lists and gradually increase the difficulty. The exercise strengthens memory muscles and enhances mental skills. The Art of Persuasion and Influence Persuasion and influence play significant roles in mentalism. A mentalist must be able to guide people’s actions and thoughts in a way that aligns with their performance. Mastering the art requires understanding human psychology and employing various techniques. ‘Social proof’ is one persuasion technique. It involves using testimonials or evidence from others to convince someone of an action or idea. People are more apt to be persuaded if they see others have endorsed or accepted it. ‘Reciprocity’ is another technique involving giving someone something before asking for something in return. Creating a sense of obligation increases the likelihood of complying with requests. You can use persuasion and influence techniques to improve personal relationships, convince others of an idea, or negotiate better deals. Understanding and practicing the principles leads to mastering persuasion and influence. Other Techniques Subtly influencing someone’s actions and thoughts creates the illusion of clairvoyance or control. Mastering the power of suggestion requires understanding how it works and practicing various techniques, including mind reading. ‘Cold reading’ involves making general observations or statements about someone that applies to a broad range of people. Using vague language and tendencies to find personal meaning in ambiguous statements creates the illusion of mind reading. ‘Hot reading’ involves gathering information before a performance and using the information during an act. The key to mind reading is creating an illusion of knowing more than you do. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

One more higher education institute has made changes following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in admissions. Duke University has officially stopped its Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship Program, according to the student publication The Chronicle. The merit scholarship since its inception in 1979 was created for Black undergraduates, some of whom needed to demonstrate the need for financial assistance. The scholarship covered 100% of the cost as well as room and board. “It is very much disheartening to hear that this program that opened the door for me to come to Duke is now being closed essentially, even though it will take on a new form,” said Mya Harris, a current junior at the university. The scholarship was named the way it was to honor Duke’s first Black student government president, Reginaldo “Reggie” Harris, whose life was cut short in his sophomore year due to an automobile accident in 1976. Although the original program will be no more, the Office of University Scholars and Fellows will partner with the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture to create the Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program, and this will be open to all undergraduate students. According to the outlet, the new scholarship installment will not have a competitive selection process. “The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program will honor Reggie Howard’s legacy by supporting Black academic excellence, intellectual community, and leadership on campus through an intentionally designed series of engagement opportunities,” wrote Candis Watts Smith, vice provost for undergraduate education, in an April 9 email to Reggie Scholars and alumni. The decision to rid of the scholarship was made “in light of changes to the legal landscape related to race-based considerations in high education.” Roughly 15 to 20 Black students were brought on as Reggie Scholars. And current Scholars are concerned about not being a part of Duke’s decision to terminate the program. “We were just kind of told what was happening as it was happening,” said sophomore Hanna Gedion. “We felt very powerless, to be honest with you.” But the move was anticipated following the Supreme Court affirmative action ruling that led to universities halting any initiatives in place that could assist students from underserved communities.

Eternity bands feature a full circle of diamonds or gemstones and are often worn to symbolize everlasting love, often to commemorate a landmark anniversary or other special occasion. While the circle usually contains sentimental meaning, it is also a fantastic addition to any jewelry collection and complements a wide range of outfits and other items. Here is how to combine eternity bands with other types of jewelry in an attractive way. The Timeless Elegance of Eternity Bands Eternity bands are characterized by an unbroken string of stones and give an elegant and sophisticated appearance on their own. However, they can instantly add extra elegance when mixed with other jewelry. Whether it's a diamond-covered band or a ring with colorful gemstones, layer them or maybe with other jewelry pieces to add an extra touch of sparkle to your attire. Pairing with Engagement and Wedding Rings The eternity band can comfortably sit flush against your engagement or wedding rings without overshadowing them. Keep the eternity band in the same metal as your existing rings for an aesthetically balanced look. However, if you wish to have a cohesive yet adventurous look, try mixing metals. Stacking for Impact Stacking is a trend that isn't going away anytime soon. Choose multiple eternity bands with various colored gemstones or diamonds, as well as distinct widths, metal finishes, and even band styles, to personalize stacks unique to you. Dimensions also play a significant role — vary the widths to keep all the bands from looking overwhelming. Coordination with Watches and Bracelets Your eternity bands can become an elegant bridge between your watch and bracelet stack. Next to your watch, place a sleek diamond wedding ring to add some luxurious style. You may also layer it with dainty bracelets for a textured appearance. This styling technique ties together all your accessories and lends a unifying shimmer to your wrist. Enhancing Necklaces and Earrings Eternity bands are restricted to the finger. However, they may complement necklaces and earrings by echoing their hues and designs. For instance, wearing a yellow gold eternity band and a yellow gold pendant necklace creates a colorful harmony. Likewise, your eternity bands bring out the shimmer of diamond stud earrings and offer a cohesive appearance to your entire ensemble. Tips for Mixing and Matching Balance: The overall balance of your jewelry is essential. After all, too much sparkle will dim your eternity band's understated sophistication. Color Coordination: If you get several eternity bands and other jewelry, make sure the gemstone colors match closely to create an indistinguishable design. Consider Proportions: The size and width of your eternity band should be appropriate for your hands and fingers. Eternity bands are not just an embodiment of eternal love — they are a stylistically versatile element of any jewelry collection. With the right approach and a bit of experimenting, you can create fresh, original combinations that showcase your individuality and inspire your style. The final piece of advice is that when you mix jewelry, remember to be yourself and combine fashion and elegance. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

For the adventurous traveler looking for a balance between function and easy style, the Weekender bag designed by Reco Winn provides the perfect solution. Crafted with weekend getaways in mind, this bag will upgrade your traveling adventure without dropping you out of fashion and keeping your look modern! Luxury in Every Stitch Reco Winn, the brand synonymous with quality artistry, uses only top-notch materials in its Weekender handbag. The quality and strength of the bag most probably result from its premium leather build, a material that is actually coveted due to its ability to age beautifully while incorporating an aura of refinement. You will be pleased with a luxurious, soft-to-touch fabric, which easily adapts to your body and makes you feel like a million bucks. Designed for Practicality While The Weekender handbag isn't just about looks, it's in the smallest details that make it about functionality. Its spacious interior provides enough space not only for the essentials but also for the weekend distractions. Just envision putting a spare change of clothes and a pack of toiletries, and probably add your top favorites inside that bag, and you will find it a perfect size. There are multiple internal compartments that offer organization for your smaller items. This makes sure that your belongings are neatly tucked away and easily accessible during your travel. You can even add multiple items such as your makeup, card holder, smartphone, wallet, and more without worrying about them or carrying a separate bag for these items. Effortless Versatility One thing that makes Weekender so special is that it is able to adapt to any situation. It has handles and can literally fit the suitcase, thus providing a perfect solution for all those times you need to pass through the terminals and strut down streets. Attachment straps for long routes are also provided in some cases so that they may be placed on the shoulders of the person traveling, making the travel more comfortable and hassle-free. Apart from that, the diversity of this type of bag is another reason why it is popular among travelers. It is either a carry-on bag or a hands-off stow for your luggage. A Timeless Aesthetic Reco Winn humbly notes that one of its most important values is the "creation of timeless classics," and the Weekender handbags perfectly reflect this. The clean lines and uncluttered design make the bag timeless, which means that the person will be able to carry it for many years. Traditional colors such as black and brown are available and preferred because these can blend with your travel outfits, look stylish, and never get out of fashion. This underlining modern simplicity makes the Weekender a treasure for any wardrobe. It can easily blend in with casual clothes to get ready for your daily use and completely transform your look for the weekends when you want to dress to impress. Beyond the Weekend The weekender is designed to meet two key criteria - firstly, it is a perfect weekend set, and secondly, it goes above and beyond that purpose by functioning routinely. The bag capacity and good design make it the ideal choice for school trips, business meetings, or even as a carry-on case for longer journeys. Versatility is one of the biggest advantages you can get from using it for all kinds of purposes, and you will fall in love with it, so it becomes a piece you take anywhere you go. Investing in Quality The weekender is not something you simply define as a fashion accessory; instead, it is an investment that will benefit you for an extended perio. While the price range can't be made out without going to the website of the brand, the utilization of high-quality materials and concentration on quality construction means that the bag is made to last. It actually means a lot of years of fashionable travel buddies, which, therefore, are very worth the cost. The Final Escape Reco Winn’s Weekender is not only a handbag but it is rather a passageway to stylish journeys and getaways. Armed with functionalities and timeless design which is evident, the bag can provide you with comfort and confidence whenever you would like to discover the world. Thus, pack your essentials, and travel with your Weekender to your next destination.

After the unfortunate collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, civil rights groups are considering changing its name. According to NBC News, civil rights groups voted unanimously last Wednesday to petition the Maryland state government to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge because Key, who is the author of The Star-Spangled Banner, was a slave owner. The bridge was destroyed by a cargo ship last month. The Caucus of African American Leaders, which includes members of the NAACP and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, among others, is trying to get Wes Moore, a Democrat, as well as the General Assembly, to change the bridge’s name, especially since Key was a controversial and many times contradictory figure in the anti-slavery movement. The groups suggested that the bridge be renamed after Rep. Parren J. Mitchell, who was the first Black Marylander to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970. “He spent a life, his entire life, creating a bridge between the African American community and literally the larger society,” Carl O. Snowden, the convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, said. Mitchell died in 2007. On the Eastern end of Baltimore, the bridge collapsed back on March 26 following a cargo containment ship crashing into it. In talks about plans to rebuild the bridge are federal and state leaders. Officials had over 11 million plans to rebuild the bridge, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. Additionally, the caucus recommends the Sen. Frederick Makus Memorial Bridge be renamed after Gloria Richardson, who was the first woman in the US to lead a grassroots civil rights organization outside of the Deep South. Also, the caucus is urging the governor as well as the state government to create a memorial for the six Latino workers who were killed when the bridge collapsed. Back in 1987, Governor Harty R Hughes, a Democrat, was opposed to naming the bridge after Malkus, who was known for being resistant to desegregation efforts. Unfortunately, his dissent was overruled by the Legislature. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was developed in 1977 and it overlooks the Patapsco River, which is the same river where Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner following witnessing the British being defeated at the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

One middle school is doing all it can to uplift Black students, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) is all for that. Kamlager lauded John Muir Middle School’s efforts Monday when she observed its Black Student Achievement Plan. She highlighted the need to expand such programs despite state and federal budget challenges looming. According to the Daily News, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s plan is one of the nation’s largest educational programs that is aimed at “closing the racial academic achievement gap and promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of Black students.” “I believe that the work that is happening here should be the norm and not the exception,” said Kamlager-Dove. “How do we continue to partner and build bridges and create a networking infrastructure so that L.A. Unified does not have to do all of this work alone? That is why we are here today.” Other important folks have highlighted the need to expand this program. Dr. Robert Whitman, the educational transformation officer at the Los Angeles Unified School District, delivered a presentation on the Black Student Achievement Plan at John Muir Middle School on April 8. For the Los Angeles Unified School District, just 19% of black students met the state’s learning standards in mathematics, compared to 55% of white students, according to the latest standardized test results as of October of 2023. For English learning standards, just 30% of Black students met the mark compared to 65% of white students. “Their capacity and ability is equal; the results currently aren’t,” said LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. “I’ve never met broken kids. I’ve seen systems that are broken and often break their dreams and their aspirations for their possibilities.” In response to community pressure after George Floyd’s death and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Board of Education finally approved the BSAP in February 2021. The program was funded in part by cutting the school police budget. The school district currently receives $120 million in annual funding to provide tutoring, counseling and college prep programs for Black students. Sadly, efforts to replicate similar plans and increase funding in school districts around the nation are facing strong pushback in Washington D.C. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

Hip-hop heavyweights will be joining a female icon on tour. With Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott announcing her first-ever North American tour labeled Out of This World, heavyweights such as Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Missy’s co-creator, Timbaland will join her on the road, according to Black Enterprise. “This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.’ Being the FIRST female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and now going out on my FIRST headline tour,” Elliott posted. “Fans have been asking me to tour forever, but I wanted to wait until I felt the time was right because I knew if I was ever going to do it, I had to do it big, and I had to do it with family! So get ready to be taken OUT OF THIS WORLD with me, Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this experience with the fans!.” Tickets went go on sale for Verizon customers on April 9, while for all others started on April 12 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at Missy-Elliott.com. The Verizon Presale for customers for the tour can be purchased on Verizon Up until April 11 at 10 p.m. local time. For more information, folks can go to Verizon Up. Producing it will be Live Nation and Missy’s manager and CEO of Monami Entertainment, Mona Scott-Young. The tour will be a 24-city run in Canada starting on July 4 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The artists will also make stops in major cities in the U.S. before stopping the tour on Aug. 22 in Rosemont, Illinois at Allstate Arena. Scott-Young raved about the tour and the artists. “Missy has always been an iconic groundbreaker and continuously pushes herself to be bolder and go where she has never been before – and surprisingly, one of those places is headlining her tour! For decades, fans and peers worldwide have clamored for Missy to tour, and they’re finally going to get what they’ve been asking for as she teams up with Ciara, Busta, and longtime partner-in-rhyme Timbaland to deliver a start-to-finish, nonstop, high-octane, OUT OF THIS WORLD concert experience. This will be one for the books, so trust me, you don’t want to miss it!.”

Black people have been fighting for equal opportunity for years. It seems that still exists today in healthcare. According to NBC News, a biased test kept thousands of Black people from getting kidney transplants. And supposedly it’s changing. But it didn’t happen until Jazmin Evans had been waiting for a kidney transplant for years. It was revealed that she would have been put on the transplant list in 2015 instead of 2019, and unfortunately, a racially biased organ test was to blame. This news was part of an “unprecedented move to mitigate the racial inequity.” Today, she is among more than 14,000 Black kidney transplant candidates so far given credit for lost waiting time, which will move them up the priority list for their transplant. “I remember just reading that letter over and over again,” said Evans, 29, of Philadelphia, who shared the notice in a TikTok video to educate other patients. “How could this happen?” The issue is a widely used test that “overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were,” which is because of an automated formula that calculated results for Black and non-Black patients differently. This “race-based equation could only delay diagnosis of organ failure and evaluation for a transplant, exacerbating other disparities that already make Black patients more at risk of needing a new kidney but less likely to get one.” Additionally, the National Kidney Foundation and American Society of Nephrology prodded laboratories to switch to race-free equations in calculating kidney functions a few years ago. Then, the U.S. organ transplant network ordered hospitals to use just race-neutral test results in adding new patients to waiting list for kidneys. “The immediate question came up: What about the people on the list right now? You can’t just leave them behind,” said Dr. Martha Pavlakis of Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and former chair of the network’s kidney committee. Pavlakis said what happened next was an attempt at restorative justice. “The transplant network gave hospitals a year to uncover which Black kidney candidates could have qualified for a new kidney sooner  if not for the race-based test, and adjust their waiting time to make up for it.” And because of this, every newly listed Black patient will see if they should have been referred a lot sooner. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

J. Cole apologized. After weeks of high tension and a couple of low-level diss verses between him and Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole stood on stage at his music festival and apologized for (checks notes) saying mean things during a rap beef. If you told the average Cole fan that he’d publicly apologize for coming at Kendrick they’d probably cuss you out. But now that Cole has come out waving the white flag, they're directing that same anger at him. Cole’s decision to take back his words will surely haunt him for the rest of his career as an artist and will definitely go down as one of the strangest moves made in Hip-Hop history. But despite all the hate and controversy surrounding his decision, the question still remains, was it the right thing to do? I’m Glad Y’all Set It Off From the very first time J. Cole ever picked up a mic, he has always been an aggressive, combative and competitive rapper. For years, Cole has leaned into the idea that he’s part of a dying breed of real rappers. You can hear all throughout his music how he believes that he’s a true student of Hip-Hop while most other artists are posers looking to get rich off the culture. He boldly predicted the gruesome end of the Soundcloud era of rap while at the same time proclaiming his style of music would last forever. Even in his latest project Might Delete Later, Cole outright says he’s the best in the world and literally claims that any rapper he’d face off against would be easily taken care of. And then Kendrick Lamar called him out. For those who missed it, Kendrick Lamar lit the rap world on fire a few weeks ago with his venom-filled verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s song Like That. After more than a decade of sneak disses and unspoken resentment, the Compton rapper threw several shots at Drake and J. Cole, two of the only artists in the world who can truly be called his equals. Together, they’re known as "The Big Three" of current-day rap. In his verse, Lamar outright rejected the idea that the other two were on his level and basically invited them to diss him back if they were brave enough. A Shook One This should’ve been right up J. Cole’s alley. In fact, most people predicted that he would respond before Drake. This was the time for Cole to step up to the plate and prove that he was the S-tier rapper that we all believed he was. Then something strange happened. He responded, but not with the same fire that fans had long known him for. There were a few soft shots at Kendrick about his discography and his infamous absences but the version of J. Cole that would destroy any rapper was nowhere to be found. Fans were confused about what was going on. Theories even arose that this was part of Cole’s master strategy and that a harder diss track was soon on the way. Of course, Cole didn’t leave his supporters speculating for long. Only two days after his response was released, he apologized, gave Kendrick his flowers and promised to remove the track from streaming. He told attendees at his Dreamville Festival that he had lost sleep over his response, and that the things he said about Kendrick weren’t even true. With thousands of eyes watching, he admitted that he felt pressure to respond from both his fanbase and people close to him. But his heart wasn’t in it. So, before the beef had a chance to grow any further, he waved the white flag. Disappointing some of his supporters, and infuriating others. To be clear, J. Cole’s true crime isn’t choosing spiritual well-being over competition, it’s the fact that he wasn’t the Hip-Hop savior that he claimed to be. Battling and disses have been a part of the rap culture from the beginning. But since the advent of social media and the rapid commercialization of the genre, rap beef has slowly devolved into nothing more than two entertainers yelling at each other through posts and livestreams. Any true MC who loves the genre and the culture around it would respond to Kendrick’s verse with some heat of their own and prove to both their challenger and the world that they reign supreme. It wouldn’t have even been Cole’s first rap beef. In the past, he’s gone toe-to-toe with smaller artists like Noname and Lil Pump to prove his lyrical and moral superiority over them. But when it was time to test his pen against someone of his stature, he was shook. I Choose Me. I’m Sorry. So where does that leave Cole? Some say he should lose his reputation as one of the greats of our time. Others say that he’s being mature and realizing that beef and dissing are beneath an artist of his stature. It’s difficult to say for sure, but no matter where you stand in this debate, no one can argue that J. Cole isn’t being true to himself at this moment. Another huge part of J. Cole’s reputation as one of the last real Hip-Hop artists is his honesty. Even before the modern era of the genre, rappers have put on personas to help sell records and promote shows. Some of the most hardcore gangsta’ rappers were actually theater kids playing a role, but not Cole. He’s always been transparent about who he is and what his life is like. When he’s not boasting about his skill and accomplishments, he’ll also talk about riding around on his bike, spending too much time on Twitter and raising his son. Cole doesn’t share everything with the world, but everything he does share is authentic. Fans thought that his willingness to take on any challengers was real too, and maybe he believed that he had that vitriol inside himself as well. But when his opponent turned out to be someone he actually loved and respected, he just couldn’t go through with it. His apology was a betrayal to Hip-Hop and the fans he loved. But in many ways, that response track was a betrayal to himself. For perhaps the first time in his career, J. Cole was publicly forced to choose between upholding a rap persona and living his truth. And though he caved in for a few days, he ultimately decided that no one would force him to act out of character. Not even his own fans. Call it cowardice. Call it maturity. Hell, you can even call it stupidity. But at the end of the day, you can’t call him fake. Photo Credit: Twitter - @JColeVillle

Many people believe that they have to wait for their kids to grow up before they can experience luxury travel. However, this isn’t the case. To make sure that you’re still able to indulge and fully relax when you’re away, even with kids in tow, this guide will give you some top tips. Look for the Right Resorts The most popular tourist destinations are filled to bursting with an array of high-quality resorts to pick from. This means that you’ll often be able to find one that suits your and your family’s needs. For instance, many resorts, while offering their guests elegant rooms with modern amenities, also run kids’ clubs and have family-friendly pools that can keep your kids entertained and that they can spend time in. This will also allow you to have some time to yourself to unwind and refresh. Some resorts even have on-site childcare that you can use when you want a date night with your partner or simply some child-free time to pursue your own interests. By finding the right resort, you’ll be ensuring that every member of your family is safe and happy. Hire a Yacht Charter When you’re enjoying luxury travel as a family, you should also consider hiring a yacht. A yacht charter can be exciting for kids and adults alike. It can allow you to see your destination from the open sea and even travel to more than one place without the hassle of public transport or another flight. Your kids will be safe to roam freely on the yacht while you sunbathe and enjoy the weather, and it’s likely that they’ll love spotting wildlife and the different islands that you pass. This means that you should consider booking a Croatia yacht charter, among yacht charters in many other countries, that can add adventure to your trip. Eat at the Best Restaurants Rather than filling your children up with fast food and ensuring that they’re not hyper and on a sugar rush the entire time that you’re away, there’s no reason that you can’t take your kids to nice restaurants. This is especially the case if they know good restaurant etiquette. Otherwise, you might choose to sit outside with them, or go on a quick walk with them if they begin to get fidgety. You should look for restaurants that have children’s menus with familiar food on, and you should also see if the restaurant offers any activities to keep your children occupied while they wait, such as coloring sheets. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a luxury vacation while your kids are small without having to find them childcare for the week and leaving them behind. This is especially the case if your kids are older and well-behaved. By going on a luxury vacation with your kids, you’ll be making sure that they’re not missing out while allowing yourself to come back from your trip feeling completely refreshed. Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

Joe Biden is doing all he can to help himself in this year’s Presidential election and those who borrowed money for college. President Biden announced Monday that his highly anticipated Plan B for student loan debt cancellation nearly a year following the U.S. Supreme Court denied his original program will move along. Biden’s announcement relayed that it would provide “significant relief” for Black and Latino borrowers, according to The Grio. “We know there are big racial disparities in the student loan program, and students of color are more likely to borrow larger amounts and are more likely to struggle to repay [their loans],” James Kvaal, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, said to TheGrio. Additionally, he said, the program would have a “positive impact on the racial wealth gap." “Most Black borrowers owe more 10 years out of school than they originally borrowed because of interest outstripping payments,” Kvaal explained. “We need to bring relief to everyone who’s struggling with their student loans.” What exactly is Biden’s Plan B? Well, the announcement includes five methods to "fix" the federal student loan program, which include providing debt cancellation “for borrowers who owe more today than they did when they entered repayment, who have owed for 20 years or more and who are experiencing financial hardship.” According to the Biden-Harris administration, the plan is designed to “provide meaningful relief to Black borrowers who rely more heavily on student debt than white families and who take longer to pay off loans.” Along with the federal government’s existing programs that have already canceled $140 billion in student loan debt for four million borrowers, the administration anticipates that north of 30 million Americans will benefit from some form of relief. Those who owe more than their original balance when they began repayment due to interest will be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness, and Kvaal said that is about 25 million borrowers. This will be especially meaningful for Black borrowers who more than likely will owe an increased balance, according to the Brookings Institution. For the debt relief program for borrowers who have hardships, Kvaal stated the administration would consider health care costs or other “unusual family expenses.” “We have a number of programs to cut payments or offer loan forgiveness for people who are struggling to afford their loans for any number of reasons,” he said. “But there are still a lot of people who slip in between these programs and are struggling on their loans. The hardship is intended to give us the flexibility to help additional people who really need it.” Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com

The nation’s largest African American organization is still reinventing itself. 100 Black Men of America, Inc., announced a few days ago the launch of its “Real Men Vote” campaign as well as the 13-city tour. The tour started in Cleveland, Ohio on April 1 at Premier Barbershop. According to a press release, the main purpose is to deliver critical voter education and engagement ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Milton H. Jones, expounded on this movement. “We are an organization with more than 4,000 members, all of whom are registered to vote in the upcoming national and local elections,” Jones said. “Further, all of these men are committed to helping men and women in their communities register to vote, learn about the election issues and see the importance of casting their ballots at every opportunity to vote.” But it’s not just about the Presidential election, though that is imperative. There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives, as well as over 30 Senate seats up for this year’s election. Just ahead of one of the most consequential election seasons, the Real Men Vote” campaign “is dedicated to combating an onslaught of misinformation and voting dissuasion campaigns. The goal of the tour is to equip Black men across the country with accurate information about issues and policies at the federal, state, and local levels.” Chair of the Public Policy Committecommittee of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., Dr. Wes Bellamy, said the Black man’s vote is crucial. “Black men and their potential to shape future elections have increasingly gained national attention,” Bellamy said. “However, with that attention has come an influx of misinformation tactics directly targeting them. The “Real Men Vote” campaign was created to provide Black men with the information and tools they need to make informed civic decisions that allow them to leverage their voting power to better our communities and protect our vision for the future.” The multi-city tour will feature town halls hosted and curated by 100 Black Men, Inc. chapters in each respective city to speak on- the importance of voting and how voting builds power. The town halls will be jointly hosted by the Coalition of 100 Black Women and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. The “Real Men Vote” tour will be hosted in the following cities: Mobile, AL Charlotte, NC Cleveland, OH Philadelphia, PA * Pittsburgh, PA Macon, GA Las Vegas, NV * Atlanta, GA * Detroit, MI Milwaukee, WI South Florida * Jacksonville, Florida * Baton Rouge, LA *