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In most cases, city mayors affect the day-to-day lives of citizens even more than the President does. Things like housing, business grants, police practices and much more all cross a mayor’s desk before they go into effect. So, when a Black politician rises through the ranks and actively contributes to their community, it becomes even more crucial to ensure they remain in leadership positions. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five Black mayors running for re-election that could use your support. Randall Woodfin Mayor of Birmingham The current mayor of Birmingham, Alabama Randall Woodfin is seeking re-election next year. He is currently serving his second term as mayor, running on the slogan 'Putting People First,' and is now seeking a third term. Woodfin’s biggest political struggle right now is against the proposed State Bill-129. If passed, the motion would ban any school programs promoting diversity, along with any teachings that slavery and racism are tied to the founding of America. Andre Dickens Mayor of Atlanta Born and raised in Atlanta, Andre Dickens is a son of the city and a favorite among the people. After handily winning a runoff election in 2021, Dickens hopes to repeat his success by winning his upcoming reelection campaign in 2025. Dickens made large improvements to the living conditions of impoverished areas during his first term as mayor through affordable housing development, cutting crime and increasing the minimum wage. Chokwe Antar Lumumba Mayor of Jackson Being mayor of America’s Blackest city is no small task, but fortunately for Jackson, Mississippi, Chokwe Antar Lumumba has met every challenge that comes with his position. Son of notable Black nationalist and former mayor of Jackson Chokwe Lumumba, Chokwe Antar Lumumba rose to the office his father once held a few years after he died in 2013. His tenure as mayor has been characterized by ongoing conflicts with the Mississippi state government, which continually seeks to undermine and exert control over the proud Black city under its jurisdiction. Brandon Scott Mayor of Baltimore To say Brandon Scott had his work cut out for him as mayor of Baltimore would be putting it lightly. Scott inherited a city that had just gone through years of corruption, mismanagement and white flight. Yet, throughout his term as mayor, he’s taken several right steps towards healing his city. He’s recently made big moves to fix housing within Baltimore by pushing a $1 vacant home program similar to Detroit’s, and by securing the purchase of two hotel buildings to be converted into shelters for the homeless. Justin M. Bibb mayor of Cleveland At 36, Justin M. Bibb might be the youngest mayor on our list, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from his current term as mayor. The former Obama staffer handily won the 2021 mayoral election with more than 60% of the vote, making him the second youngest mayor in the city’s history. Since the beginning of his term, he’s focused on making Cleveland a safer place. As part of his RISE Initiative (Raising Investment in Safety for Everyone), Bibb has worked with local police unions to improve recruiting tactics, shift length and working conditions. He also was able to create the Neighborhood Safety Fund to supply grants to Cleveland-based non-profits that help reduce crime in the city.

One prominent Black attorney is opening his button up and showing his "S" on his chest. Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump will continue to represent a man who was shot several times by City of Miami Police officers back on March 7, according to CBS News. The entire video shows Donald Armstrong at the entrance of a home on Northwest 57th Street and 7th Court, holding a sharp object, police allege. Police were called to the home by Armstrong’s mother in what was reported to be a mental health crisis. Then, Armstrong is seen lifting his shirt when he is tased twice, and then several shots were fired by the police. Subsequently, Armstrong was charged with aggravated assault on the police. He was scheduled to be arraigned last Tuesday but did so on Thursday. Now, Crump represents Armstrong and his family. Crump said the video displays Armstrong having a screwdriver in his hands. Crump said police hit him twice with tasers and as he was falling to the ground he was shot. After hitting the ground, Crump said he was shot even more. "First of all, it goes without saying what happened on that video is unconscionable," Crump said. And the attorneys said what they saw was not a criminal, but a man who was victimized by the police. "They shoot and paralyze him, and now they are charging him with aggravated assault? Based on what you see on that video, I mean it's shocking. It's deplorable," said Crump. Crump went on to say that Armstrong didn’t deserve to be shot like a dog. And that they want the charges dropped. Armstrong was shot by the police six times following being shocked by a taser, and Crump said he is now experiencing paralysis. "Six bullets in his torso. Why is it when Black people are having a mental health crisis and all they need from law enforcement is a helping hand they get force, excessive force," said Crump. Right after the shooting, Miami Chief of Police Manuel Morales issued a statement: "This incident has been an event that impacted our entire community. Transparency and accountability to our community will always remain our goal. Communication is paramount to our communities, and we want to ensure all information we disseminate is accurate. The community needs to hear directly from me about the situation," he said.

Perched amidst Australia's awe-inspiring vistas, Sol Hotel has an image of a place with altruism, luxury, and groundbreaking hospitality. This distinctive oasis offers more than a sumptuous escape; it weaves together the joys of leisure, the warmth of romance, and the gratification of contributing to a noble cause, crafting an unparalleled summer adventure. The Pulse of Generosity: Sol Hotel's Emblematic Summer Marathon Come summer, the resort becomes the epicenter of the "Heartstride Marathon," a festive and philanthropic running event that attracts participants from all corners of the earth. This isn't merely a race; it's a heartfelt pledge to philanthropy, with every step forward fueling a larger mission to support the local community thanks to Sol Hotel and generous donations. The marathon rewards its participants with a weekend of romantic indulgence, perfectly merging the spirit of giving with moments of intimate celebration. Partners find a deeper connection in their shared achievements, knowing that their participation fosters significant positive change. An Abode of Elegance and Exploration The resort itself is a masterpiece of design, marrying opulence with ecological sensitivity. Its structure and operations are thoughtfully planned to minimize environmental impact, from renewable energy sources to sustainable practices. Guests are treated to tranquil views and luxurious comforts, enveloped in an atmosphere of serene beauty. The VR gaming room in Sol stands out as a modern marvel, offering an immersive online casino experience. Guests are transported into vibrant, digital worlds where the excitement of gambling comes alive without leaving the hotel's grounds. This innovative virtual reality setup provides a vast array of online wagering options, from thrilling card games to engaging slot machines, all within an arm's reach. Gastronomic Journeys: A Symphony of Flavors Its culinary offerings are a sensory voyage, with dining options that traverse the globe's flavors. Every meal is a testament to the freshness and quality of local produce, much of it harvested from the hotel's verdant gardens. The various dining settings in Sol Hotel, ranging from laid-back to intimate, are complemented by stunning vistas, making each meal a memorable part of the relaxing experience. Serenity and Wellness: A Journey Inward The resort’s spa and wellness center is a haven of tranquillity, designed for those in pursuit of relaxation and rejuvenation. It offers a holistic wellness journey, blending traditional healing techniques with contemporary wellness practices. Guests can indulge in tailored treatments, from invigorating massages to revitalizing skincare, all aimed at nurturing the body and spirit. The Call of Adventure: Immersive Outdoor Activities For the adventurers at heart, Sol Hotel serves as the perfect base for exploring the great outdoors. Whether it's embarking on a scenic hike, diving into the azure waters, or any other exhilarating outdoor pursuit, the hotel ensures a personalized and unforgettable experience with its dedicated adventure service. A Legacy of Love and Giving The resort represents a novel approach to travel, where every visit is imbued with meaning, excitement, and heartfelt contributions to the community. The "Heartstride Marathon" epitomizes this philosophy, uniting people in a celebration of affection, endurance, and philanthropy. It's a powerful affirmation of the hotel's dedication to creating moments that not only delight but also make a lasting difference in the world. At Sol Hotel, every journey is a step toward a brighter future, offering a sanctuary for those who seek to blend adventure, love, and altruism into their voyages.

Farm-to-table restaurants are gaining more popularity lately, considering that people are trying to eat more healthier foods. This article explains this type of restaurant, its peculiarities, and its benefits for visitors. What Is A Farm-To-Table Restaurant? A farm to table restaurant serves fresh food straight from farms. For example, Henry's Restaurant near the Hudson River Valley gets products from local farms to prepare fresh and delicious meals. This business structure is beneficial for the restaurant, local farms, and, most importantly, for the customers (but more on that further in the article). Moreover, it means that the businesses and farms skip the middleman part and reduce expenses, which also reduces the prices of food. Unlike chain restaurants, which often get heavily processed food from suppliers, farm-to-table spots prioritize freshness and local support. Heavily processed food used by many chain restaurants is not as natural or healthy, and it fails to support local farmers. Peculiarities Of Farm-To-Table Restaurants Restaurants that source ingredients directly from local farms face unique challenges, but owners view them as opportunities to excel. Their menus often change according to local growing seasons, rather than on a quarterly basis. The availability of ingredients can vary depending on the current season due to their focus on local produce. Owners put in extra effort to make sure they follow farming and food safety rules. They build relationships with local suppliers and may even prepare ingredients in-house. Despite the challenges, they believe in the benefits of offering fresh food sourced directly from local farms to customers. Top Benefits For Visitors It's clear that farm-to-table restaurants provide healthier meals to visitors due to fresh food that has no hormones or other harmful substances. Let's break down all the advantages for clients: freshness and high quality; natural ingredients; better nutritional value; sustainability; understanding where the food came from. As you see, visitors may also be proud of visiting such restaurants because they support local farmers who often struggle when competing with huge corporations and food chains. Additionally, visitors can feel better about choosing a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution. Now, let's see the details. Freshness And High Quality Have you ever noticed that some food tastes a bit strange as if it has been frozen or packaged? Chain restaurants often mask these flavors with extra seasoning. However, at farm-to-table restaurants, freshness is unmistakable. Most produce in the U.S. travels around 1500 miles before reaching your plate. It's often processed to withstand this journey. Local food travels shorter distances, keeping taste, look, and nutrients intact without harmful changes. At farm-to-table restaurants, flavors stand out without being hidden by additives. Artificial flavors won't satisfy your palate, especially after experiencing the freshness at a farm-to-table restaurant. Natural Ingredients The media often warns about the risks of processed and chemically treated food to consumers. Choosing a reliable place to eat is often challenging with concerns about food safety and quality due to processed and chemically treated products. However, farm-to-table restaurants offer a solution to the concerns of sourcing and quality in food. You can trust that your meal's ingredients are locally sourced and produced with care for the environment at farm-to-table restaurants. They openly showcase the suppliers they work with and are happy to answer your questions about their sources. Better Nutritional Value Local foods that are not shipped, stored, or aged, so they retain more nutrients. Local produce can ripen fully, offering superior nutrition compared to shipped one that is harvested prematurely. The food stays fresh and preserves its nutritional value because of that. Eating locally sourced ingredients from farm-to-table restaurants ensures a healthier dining experience by allowing the food to reach its peak ripeness. Therefore, customers can enjoy meals that not only have a superior taste but also enhance their overall well-being. Sustainability Farm-to-table restaurants promote sustainability and social responsibility by sourcing food locally. Sourcing food locally helps reduce environmental impact by cutting down on the energy, water, and resources required for transportation and storage. Supporting farm-to-table restaurants also benefits the local economy by creating jobs and income for farmers and businesses. Customers contribute to preserving the region's natural and cultural heritage by making conscious food choices and supporting local sourcing. Understanding Where The Food Came From Many of us have seen videos and images of large warehouses and slaughterhouses, where chickens are crammed in tiny boxes or food is processed in giant vats. These situations can be concerning, especially when you think about buying packaged food or dining out at restaurants that belong to big chains. Farm-to-table restaurants provide the benefit of being open about where the food comes from and how it's made. You can trust knowing where your food comes from, how it is produced, and how it gets to your plate. In many cases, local farms are much more sustainable and against animal cruelty, which can be an additional benefit for visitors.

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