Monday, March 30
Republican Budget Would Shred Safety Net
The Republican House budget will shred the social safety net designed to protect the most vulnerable citizens, severely cutting programs ranging from student loans to food stamps, according to a nonpartisan think thank.
Vivica A Fox joins cast of ‘Independence Day 2’
Vivica A. Fox is returning to the big screen in a big way.
Chamber announces panelists for “State of Black New Jersey”
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) has announced the panelists for the 2015 State of Black New Jersey Conference, to be held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on April 16th at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, NJ. The Keynote Speaker will be A. Bruce Crawley, APR, Founder of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia, and President and Principal Owner of Millennium 3 Management, Inc., (M3M).
One Man’s Journey of Career Re-Engineering
I was actually “forced” to retire in December of 2011 at age 62 after 40 professional career years. I was offered a retirement package deal that was in no way a “golden parachute”. However, I struggled with this pre-mature retirement decision for a few months, and in November, just before the deadline to accept it or reject it; I decided to go for it. After all, it was a long, hard 40 years and I believe I was really fearfully close to “burn-out”.
Senators back measure to decriminalize marijuana
Earlier this month three key senators—including Democrat Cory Booker--introduced legislation that would eliminate federal restrictions on the use of medical marijuana in states like New Jersey where the use of weed—for medical use--is already legal.
Drexel student’s app helps others obtain scholarship money
Christopher Gray wants to help college students pay for their education.
Apple to Donate Nearly $50 Million to HBCUs to Spur STEM
Some of the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) will soon benefit from a multi-year, multi-million-dollar effort to increase the pipeline of women, minorities, and veterans in the technology industry.
Sunday, March 29
U.S. Criminal Justice System Needs Urgent Reform
I know from firsthand experience that the “criminal justice system” today in the United States is in serious and urgent need of reform, repair and restructuring. Millions of families have been devastated by the “overcriminalization” of people in America. Black American families in particular have suffered and continue to suffer disproportionately as a result of an unjust system of justice.
I Had a Heart Attack
Nothing was more startling than when a cardiologist looked me directly in the eyes and said matter-of-factly: “It looks like you had a heart attack.” I was dumbfounded. When? Where? How much damage was done? Why didn’t I know it?
Inequity in Education Funding Shortchanges America’s Future
That all citizens will be given an equal start through a sound education is one of the most basic, promised rights of our democracy.
Monday, March 23
Free book giveaways to benefit local needy children
The second annual First Book Initiative has officially opened at Burlington County College (BCC) to begin distributing 40,000 free, high-quality books to community organizations in Burlington and Mercer counties that serve children in need.
Mo’ne Davis gets Disney Movie
Thirteen-year-old Mo’ne Davis made history in August 2014 as the first female to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series.
Allen Iverson wants to work in Sixers front office
Sixers’ legend Allen Iverson has said he would be interested in working in some capacity within the team's front office.
Where Diet and Nutrition Intersect
I get lots of questions about what, when, and how much food to eat in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Exhibit examines history of local African American Muslims
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey will present Mosque No. 10, an exhibit that examines the history of Islam and the Muslims of the African American community in Atlantic City.
Newark City Mayor Ras Baraka Promises ‘New Era’
Newark mayor Ras Baraka delivered his first State of the City address last Tuesday at City Hall and vowed for a new era for one of the most dangerous and embattled city's in New Jersey.
Increased Black Home Ownership Would Slice Wealth Gap
Researchers studying the effects of public policy on the racial wealth gap estimated that the median wealth of Black households would rise 451 percent if Blacks owned homes at the same rates as Whites.
Obama: It's Time to Confirm Loretta Lynch
In his weekly address Saturday, President Barack Obama called on Republicans in Congress to stop playing politics with law enforcement and national security and confirm Loretta Lynch as Attorney General of the United States.
#BlackGirlsMatter Right Here in America
Every morning, when I fix my teenage daughter breakfast and drop her off to school, she reminds me that #BlackGirlsMatter.
Rutgers-Camden junior gains business insight from Toy Fair
Hundreds of thousands of brand new toys — from action figures and model trains to puzzles, online games, and robot dinosaurs — transformed the Javits Center in New York City into the world’s largest toy box during this year’s annual Toy Fair.
Monday, March 16
Chip Kelly shakes up Eagles roster
The NFL free-agency jamboree officially began March 10, and already Chip Kelly has made one thing clear: There was something about his Eagles last season that he just did not like.
Judge puts Revel Casino sale on hold
A federal bankruptcy judge, last week delayed the sale of Atlantic City's former Revel Casino Hotel for at least several weeks in order to obtain higher bids for the shuttered gambling and entertainment empire.
Sunday, March 15
Jay Z acquires tech company for $56 million
Jay Z makes another powerful move in the music industry.
How Michael Jordan makes $100 million a year
Michael Jordan topped Forbes magazine’s 2015 list of highest-paid retired athletes.
Maya Angelou postage stamp unveiled
The U.S. Postal Service has honored the late prolific African American author, poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou with a postage stamp.
CDC: Toddler food often has too much salt, sugar
Many packaged meals and snacks for toddlers contain worrisome amounts of salt and sugar, potentially creating an early taste for foods that may contribute to obesity and other health risks, according to a new government study.
Ferguson increased revenue by targeting blacks
The Justice Department’s recent investigation of the Ferguson, Mo. Police Department not only revealed widespread racism in its operation, but described how poor Blacks were targeted to boost the sagging revenues of small municipalities.
Blacks now finishing high school at record levels
After 30 years of little to no progress, Black youth are completing high school at the highest rates in history.
Cuba Gooding Sr. continues to enjoy a thriving entertainment career
Mention the song “Everybody Plays the Fool,” and an older generation of music lovers will immediately recall that The Main Ingredient, featuring lead singer Cuba Gooding, before he added the “senior” tag to his name, recorded the once-popular tune.
Public invited to first annual NJ Makers Day
The Bridgeton Free Public Library will be the hub site for Cumberland County in the first ever New Jersey Makers Day on March 21, 2015.
Wednesday, March 11
Chris Brown is headed to family court
Singer is father of a 9-month-old girl
Chris Brown is headed back to court.
Monday, March 9
Yes, Black America Fears the Police. Here’s Why.
Shots were fired in Long Island, but there was no rush to call 911.
Last July 4, my family and I went to Long Island to celebrate the holiday with a friend and her family. After eating some barbecue, a group of us decided to take a walk along the ocean. The mood on the beach that day was festive. Music from a nearby party pulsed through the haze of sizzling meat. Lovers strolled hand in hand. Giggling children chased each other along the boardwalk.
Blacks Still Underrepresented at all Levels of Politics
Although Blacks have made tremendous improvement in holding elected office since passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, they remain underrepresented at the federal, state and local levels, according to a recent report released by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Black Girls Carry Extra Burdens to Stay in School
Whitney Richards Callathes – a young person navigating the difficulties she confronts as a woman of color and an undocumented immigrant completing her education – has an added responsibility.
Anytime Smoothies- A Food Prescription for All Day Long
Whether you vowed to lose the weight – for the very last time, get your dream job, or harder yet, rear perfect, angelic geniuses – this year you’ll need energy to achieve all of your heart’s desires (and promises) and I’ve got a deliciously, smooth remedy to help.
NABJ Mourns Loss of Diversity Champion Dori J. Maynard
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns the loss of Dori J. Maynard, President, The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.
Lillie Wilson-Wells, former president of Black women’s group, dies
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern New Jersey Chapter, President Emeritus
Lillie Wilson-Wells, of Deptford, New Jersey passed away on Feb 23 surrounded by her family. Wilson-Wells was 66 years old.
Mother Moved in but Won’t Move Out
Ask Alma
I love my mother and I want the best for her, but I feel guilty that I want her to leave.
Booker calls for insurance investigation for Sandy victims
New Jersey Sens., Cory Booker and Robert Menendez recently announced plans to call for hearings and a formal investigation into how the National Flood Insurance Program has been negligent, lethargic and perhaps, complicit in how it has processed and paid thousands of insurance claims to victims of Super storm Sandy—many of which were homeowners across the Garden State.
UN Honors People of African Descent
It is important for all people of African descent throughout the world to be ever conscious and aware of how our quality of life is improving.
As Loan Debts Rise, Foreclosures Dip
A new economic analysis by the New York Federal Reserve Bank found fewer foreclosures, bankruptcies and credit card delinquencies. However the rates of delinquent auto and student loans are worse than before.
Monday, March 2
My Brother's Keeper: A Year Later
On the first anniversary of the My Brother's Keeper initiative, President Barack Obama recently met with mentees in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.
Plans for 2 Separate Selma Marches Cancelled as Groups Unify
A very public conflict between the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Inc., the local group that has been commemorating the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March for more than four decades, and the largely White-run The Faith & Politics Institute, a Washington-based group that had organized competing marches in Selma and Montgomery on the weekend commemorating the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” has been resolved with both groups agreeing to participate in a single march in Selma, a coalition of organizations has announced.
Don’t Forget Malcolm X in 50th Anniversary Celebrations
The 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma to Montgomery March, and the passage of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Dr. Martin Luther King’s role in these events is correctly capturing the imagination of Black America.
Sunday, March 1
Notable African American New Jerseyans honored at gala
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) recognized the outstanding accomplishments of several Garden State residents last week at an elegant and posh black tie affair at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick.
‘Empire’ star Jussie Smollett signs record deal
The juggernaut that is “Empire” keeps getting stronger.
Blacks Underrepresented in STEM Classes
Many young African Americans will be shut out of the high paying jobs of the future, if they don’t earn a degree in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new report.
Congestive Heart Failure Striking African Americans at a Younger Age
Congestive heart failure remains one of the most taxing, but preventable, heart conditions in the U.S. and is increasingly linked to heart disease caused by poor diet.
Kenya Still Being Kenya
Reel-ality TV Talk
The Housewives did not disappoint; it’s all about facing your issues head on. Can we talk my friends?
Twin Evils: Terrorism and Racism
There are two related violent phenomena in that are now getting renewed public attention and research around the world, as well as considerable debate and denial. The twin evils are terrorism and racism.
The Perils of a Poisonous Politics
By doubling down on his vile slur on President Obama’s love for his country, ex-New York City Mayor Rudi Giuliani created the media frenzy that he craved. He also set up an easy test of decency for Republican presidential contenders: Who has the sense to disavow Giuliani’s poison? Jeb Bush, Rand Paul and Marco Rubio passed the admittedly low bar; Governors Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal failed ignominiously: Governor Rick Perry pretzeled his way through it.
The Importance of Good Interpersonal Relationship Skills
So much of what we do in life whether at work or in other social settings involves interacting with other people, and for these interactions to be positive or meaningful, we need good communications skills and effective people or interpersonal relationship skills.
March BUZZ
Can Kevin Hart be stopped? The diminutive comedian, who is box office platinum, will make history when he brings his “What Now Tour” to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Why Are Women on TV So Awfully Portrayed?
With few exceptions it appears that most of the images of women on TV today are awful.
U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman making history in New Jersey
U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner on January 6th, 2015.
Local Women Spring Into Action This Month To Think Pink!
Peer-based support group offers hope for women battling anxiety, stress and depression or caring for a loved one who is
Must-Have Foods and Moves for a Better Sex Life
Valentine’s Day has passed but if you want to keep the romantic fires burning, don’t fret.
Black Women Trailblazers from New Jersey
Women’s History Month is an opportune time to recognize African American women from New Jersey who have made history.
“Forging Ahead”
Black History month, has once again, come and gone. The shortest month in the year, is now a part of our recent history. However, what knowledge did you retain, and how will it be applied, as you forge ahead into a new year?
