NJG | Vol. 124, No. 23 - June 6, 2024

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Vol. 124, No. 23 | $1.50

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NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE STATISTICS ELEVATED IN AN HISTORIC MLB MOVE

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

NEWSWIRE

NNPA

Major League Baseball

(MLB) has taken a historic step to rectify a longstanding oversight by officially incorporating Negro Leagues statistics into its historical record. Now, the achievements of approximately 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be recognized alongside those of MLB legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. For decades, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were celebrated as the greatest figures in baseball, with Ruth hailed as the best player and Cobb as the premier hitter. However, these narratives often excluded AfricanAmerican athletes whose contributions were underreported or dismissed. This exclusion persisted despite the talents that led to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 as the first Black player in the modern Major Leagues.

MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred announced this significant change three years ago, emphasizing the league’s commitment to correcting a historical wrong by elevating the Negro Leagues to “Major League” status.

John Thorn, an MLB historian, and the Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee have been responsible for the meticulous process of

Josh Gibson will now lead multiple batting categories ... surpassing those of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.

officially incorporating Negro Leagues stats into MLB records. The team has been reviewing thousands of box scores and other historical data to integrate the statistics of the seven Negro Leagues into MLB’s database.

Josh Gibson, a standout in the Negro Leagues, will now lead multiple batting categories. His career batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS surpass those of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. While some of Gibson’s

legendary feats, such as the nearly 800 home runs mentioned on his Hall of Fame plaque, will not be included, many of his official stats will now be recognized.

see Baseball, page 6A

“We Got This!”

COOPERSTOWN, NY

Negro Leaguer Sam Allen of Norfolk at recent Hall of Fame East-West Classic. see STORY INSIDE, page 2B

Biden-Harris Campaign Faces Urgent Challenge With Black Voters

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

NNPA NEWSWIRE

As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris ramp up their 2024 re-election campaign, concerns are mounting among prominent Black Democrats and operatives regarding the administration’s communication efforts with Black voters. Despite significant policy achievements, there’s a growing sentiment that the campaign hasn’t effectively conveyed these accomplishments to the Black community.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Roland Martin Unfiltered, two major Blackowned media entities, weren’t formally notified of the campaign’s recent Black

voter outreach kickoff. The oversight has intensified criticism that the Biden campaign fails to engage adequately with influential Black media.

Martin, a prominent Black-media mogul, expressed his frustration on his show, stating, “The Biden-Harris campaign must get Black people off the couch.” He emphasized that many Black-owned outlets, including his Black Star Network, could have helped boost the event, reflecting a broader disconnection issue.

The campaign has agreed to sponsor the NNPA’s upcoming national convention, and Biden and Harris have received formal invitations to address the Black community at the event through the NNPA. The NNPA is the trade association of the 197-yearold Black Press of America, which includes more than 250 Black-owned

news publications and media outlets employing dozens of Black journalists nationwide.

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, echoed these concerns, highlighting a “level of disconnection earlier on the message, on the messengers and on mobilization.” see Biden, page 7A

Black Dems Kick Off Black Voter Campaign In Hampton Roads. see page 7A

PROJECT 2025 ATTACKS BLACKS

By Julianne Malveaux News Analysis

(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

Julianne Malveaux

Project 2025 is a conservative manifesto if a Republican is elected President in 2024. Crafted by the Heritage Foundation, the 900-page book comprehensively addresses every agency that the President can influence, with suggestions for the agencies that should be eliminated or altered. It is an attack on our merit-based civil service system, suggesting that presidential appointees should replace long-term civil servants. AfricanAmericans should note that we are overrepresented in the federal workforce

While Project 2025 was put together by the Heritage Foundation, it reeks of the 45th President.

– 18.2 percent compared to 12.6 percent of the total population. Whites are also overrepresented, being 61 percent of the federal workforce, compared to 59 percent of the overall population. Hispanics (using the federal designation) are the most underrepresented of any population. Interestingly, if Project 2025 and Project 47

had their way, we would not even know these numbers. They’ve both proposed stopping counts by race, as they want our society to be “color blind.”

While Project 2025 was put together by the Heritage Foundation, it reeks of the 45th President. Many of his loyalists and former employees have contributed to the volume. see Project 2025, page 6A

IN MEMORIAM

NJG REMEMBERS ART JARRETT, SR. “Mr. Coca Cola”

HAMPTON ROADS

The area is mourning the passing of Arthur H. Jarrett, Sr., 84, who is remembered for the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.

He was affectionately well-known by many as “Mr. Coca-Cola” for his lengthy career with Coca Cola Enterprises where he notably built bridges and relationships between the corporate world and the Black community.

Jarrett took a position in 1969 with the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Winston Salem, N.C. as a manager in special markets, following his graduation from Winston Salem State College (now University). As a student he had worked at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco company during the day and attended college at night to eventually earn a Bachelors of Science degree.

In 1970, he joined the Miami Coca-Cola Bottling Company where he continued his work in the Black and Hispanic markets, now commonly called urban markets. In 1979, Jarrett joined the corporate office of CocaCola USA and relocated his family to Dallas, TX. In 1983, the family relocated to Hampton Roads, VA where he became the Special Markets Manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises. Jarrett spent most of his career working in urban markets and gaining accounts with many Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Art took his first position with Coca Cola in Winston Salem, N.C. in 1969 following his graduation from Winston Salem State College (now University).

within the SWAC, CIAA and MEAC Conferences. In 2002, Jarrett was inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame due to his exemplary work with HBCUs. He was affectionately referred to as “Mr. Coca-Cola.” He retired from Coca-Cola in 2002. Arthur Henry Jarrett, Sr. was born on Feb 28, 1940, to Bynum Jarrett and Judy Brooks Jarrett – the fourth of their seven children. see Jarrett, page 6A

Rep. Jackson Lee Discloses New Battle: Pancreatic Cancer

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

NNPA NEWSWIRE

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has fought tirelessly for groundbreaking legislation throughout her career. She authored the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, creating the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades, and fervently championed the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring its passage for the first time in almost ten years. Now, the stalwart Texas representative is facing the battle of her life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In a statement posted to X on Sunday, the 74-yearold congresswoman disclosed her diagnosis and treatment. “My doctors have confirmed pancreatic cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment,” Jackson Lee shared. “I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

Jackson Lee has represented Texas’ 18th District in the U.S. House of Representatives since

… I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”

1995. Now in her 15th term, she serves on the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, and is the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance. Her legislative achievements are extensive and impactful. Jackson Lee spearheaded the Sentencing Reform Act, and the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act. see Jackson Lee, page 6A

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Arthur H. Jarrett, Sr.

Photo: Courtesy

TRUMP ACCUSED OF WITNESS TAMPERING IN NEW INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent

NNPA NEWSWIRE

While Donald Trump awaits a July 11 sentencing in New York on his recent felony convictions, a new investigative report by ProPublica has unearthed potential instances of witness tampering by the twice-impeached and fourtimes criminally indicted former president.

An in-depth exposé by the award-winning news site noted that, despite being convicted on all 34 felony charges brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, the GOP’s presumptive presidential nominee, who promised to be a dictator “on day one,” could see his legal woes mount as ProPublica suggested that he was involved in a concerted effort to sway eyewitness testimony in the trial that ended last month with 34 unanimous

guilty verdicts.

The report said that nine witnesses embroiled in criminal cases against Trump had received “significant financial benefits,” including substantial pay raises, hefty severance packages, and prestigious positions within his campaign and media empire.

The perks, distributed at pivotal junctures during the case, has cast yet another shadow over the integrity of Trump and those who vouched for the MAGA leader.

Neither Trump’s campaign on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg returned messages left by the Black Press seeking comment.

However, ProPublica quoted legal experts who opined that such benefits could potentially constitute evidence of criminal behavior if the intent was to influence witnesses’ statements.

Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. Attorney, told ProPublica that there were “grave concerns” over the potential corrupting influence

According to ProPublica, several notable figures in Trump’s circle have seen significant financial benefits.

of such action. McQuade also cautioned that it could prove a difficult case to prosecute.

While ProPublica said it did not find direct evidence linking Trump to the pay increases, the site said it’s well-known that he closely monitors his operations and prides himself on being frugal.

One former aide likened working for the Trump Organization to “a small family business” where every employee “in some sense reports to Mr. Trump.”

Journalists on the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism team reported that several notable figures in Trump’s circle have seen significant financial benefits.

For instance, Trump campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn’s pay more than doubled, and Susie

Wiles, head of Trump’s campaign, saw payments to her firm spike while her daughter was also hired by the campaign. Trump aide Margo Martin received a roughly 20 percent raise, and Dan Scavino was appointed to the board of Trump Media. Trump attorneys Jennifer Little and Evan Corcoran saw dramatic increases in payments to their law firms, while Allen Weisselberg, a Trump Organization executive, received a lucrative severance package.

According to ProPublica, witness tampering and efforts to influence testimonies have been recurring themes in Trump-related investigations and criminal cases. In past instances, Trump’s former campaign manager and adviser were convicted on federal witness tampering charges, with the latter advising a witness to lie to investigators. Trump later pardoned both individuals. Additionally, during the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot, a former White House staffer testified about receiving a call suggesting she stay loyal to Trump in her testimony. A former Trump employee, who was a key witness in the classified documents investigation, recounted being offered various benefits, including golf tournament tickets and a raise, upon quitting his job. This witness, Brian Butler, declined the offers, but noted the timing of these benefits raised suspicions about their intent.

EIGHT BLACK MEN SUING AMERICAN AIRLINES AFTER THROWN OFF FLIGHT

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

Although records show African-Americans spent more than $9 billion on cosmetics (including cologne, deodorant and perfumes in 2023), eight Black men on American Airlines fl ight 832 recently fi led a lawsuit, after they were thrown off of a January 2024 fl ight for “having body odor.”

According to news reports, the men – who were not traveling nor sitting together nor knew each other beforehand – were told to leave the fl ight one by one. Only afterwards did each learn of the other seven accused men. An American Airlines representative told the eight accused Black men that a complaint about body odor had prompted their removal, according to the recent lawsuit that is substantiated by cell phone footage. None of the plaintiffs were told that they personally had body odor, “and in fact none of the plaintiffs had offensive body odor,” it said.

At least one American Airlines representative agreed with the plaintiffs when they suggested that they had been singled out because they were Black, the suit alleges.

“So this is discrimination,” one of the men thrown off of the fl ight said.

“I agree, I agree,” said a woman wearing a badge who appears to be an

airline employee, in a cell phone video.

According to recent news reports, the plaintiffs are Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal – and fi ve other Black male passengers, who were ejected from American Flight 832 from Phoenix to

June 2, 1951 Edition of the Guide

Human Torch. Slugged Norfolk Pastor Found On Fire In Street

By Thomas L. Dabney

NORFOLK

Investigating officers were puzzled Sunday over the motive which led two white men to attack and set fire to Rev. J.H. Mann, 38, late Saturday night after throwing gasoline on him in the 700 Block of Roswell Avenue. No clues as to the identity of the men has been found.

According to the preliminary report by Sgt. Jones and Detective Benton, two white men in an automobile stopped Mann, Pastor of the Union Congregational Christian Church at the corner of Princess Anne Road and Landing Street, and forced him at gunpoint to get into their car. They told him they wanted him to help them do a job. They drove out to Roswell Avenue and forced him into an alley with their guns. The minister heard an explosion and a fire started and the two men tried to push him into it.

Lying on his back at the Norfolk Community Hospital where he was carried at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Mann gave a similar account of what happened. He groaned, “I never expected this to happen to me.”

The hospital report described the patient as suffering from first and third degree burns to the face, hands, arms head, chest and knee. Hospital attendants reported he was in “fair” condition.”

Between sips of water which the nurse gave in a spoon to cool his parched throat, Mann revealed the experience he went through. Rising off his pillow, Mann told of being struck on the head. He was unable to give any reason for the attack.

(The original story was in

JFK in New York City on January 5, 2024, “without any valid reason, based solely on their race,” according to the complaint. In one video, a man comments, “This is crazy. Y’all just took like eight Black people off the plane.”

This recent incident

comes on the heels of a 2017 travel advisory warning issued against American Airlines by the NAACP. The NAACP warning cited four disturbing passenger removals of Black passengers. While the 2017 NAACP warning was lifted nine months

later after the airline made progress in addressing the organization’s concerns, this recent incident suggests a troubling racialpro fi ling pattern. The recent incident brings a trademark Eleanor Roosevelt quote sharply into focus: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” The lawsuit does not cite specifi c damage amounts but the lawsuit says American Airlines representatives told the men a complaint about body odor had prompted their removal.

From The Guide’s Archives

Archives taken from the pages of the (New) Journal and Guide

The mystery surrounding the origins of the gasoline fire which caused the death of Rev. J.H. Mann was still unsolved, police said Tuesday afternoon. Mann died of his burns at Norfolk Community Hospital at 1:50 p.m.. The funeral will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the Congregational Christian Church

One question is whether a white man, beaten on Clay Street, joined another and took revenge out on Mann.

The most startling development in the case is the mysterious disappearance of a star witness to the burning of the minister, identified as Robert Simpson. He reportedly helped put out the fire but has not been seen or heard from since.

A report was circulated that the attackers told Mann they wanted him to help run Negroes out of Brambleton Mann had a Degree from Christian College, Franklinton, N.C. and graduated from Norfolk Division of VSC. He had been pastor of Union Congregational Christias Church for 17 years and resided at 946 Princess Anne Road.

(Editor’s Note: This crime has not been solved.)

June 4, 1966

Edition of the Guide

Weaver Warns of More Trouble In Slum Areas

By Thomas L. Dabney

PORTSMOUTH

Dr. Robert C. Weaver, Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD), warned in an address here Saturday of more trouble ahead in our cities “unless nonwhites enter freely and fully into the mainstream of urban life.”

He told the 350 people gathered at the dedication of the Chestnut Street YMCA, that until minorities enter into the mainstream “our cities will remain troubled, regardless of what else we may do to improve them.”

Dr. Weaver, the first member of his race to become a Cabinet member, did not mention Los Angeles

and other places where riots and tensions have marred conditions.

He said, “The problems of the American cities are the lack of expanding opportunities for the disadvantaged,” and he added with emphasis, “the symbol of our past failures and the challenges of our future actions are symbolized by the status of the Negro American.”

Woman Fights Conviction In Abortion Case

HAMPTON

Mrs. Theresa Tann, 37, of Norfolk who was convicted of performing an abortion and sentenced to four years in the penitentiary on Friday, is free on a $5,000 bond until June 28 under a stay of execution of the sentence granted by Judge Edgar A. Massenburg of Laws and Chancery Court.

Tann is a resident of Norfolk and lives in the 6300 block of Avon in the Greenhill Farm section. Tann’s counsel asked for the stay after the court denied four motions for a new trial on the grounds that the guilty verdict by a jury was contrary to laws and evidence. Her defense said the court was in error in denying an early motion to strike the prosecution’s evidence, as the court was in error for not ordering a new trial when the prosecutor asked Tann whether she could perform an abortion, Tann’s rights were prejudiced by suppression of evidence by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and she is receiving medical care.

During the trial, Tann insisted she had not performed an abortion on a young Hampton woman October 29 as alleged. Three witnesses told the court that Tann was in Norfolk at the time of the incident and never in Hampton until she was arrested December 16.

June 5, 1985

Edition of the Guide

HAMPTON

For the 71st year, Hampton University will host the annual Ministers’ Conference.

This is the only meeting of its kind in the nation where more than 3,000 attendees from

Housewife Stops Music For $10,000 In Prizes JUNE 2, 1951 EDITION OF

fortunate housewife was enjoying a Sunday afternoon chatting in the living room of her home at 2523 West Avenue in Lindenwood, with her mother and a friend, when the opportunity came via telephone to name the mystery melody, as a contestant on Bert Parks’ “Stop the Music” radio program. The name of the mystery tune that brought the good fortune is “Isaac Murphy.” She did not decide immediately what she will do with all the prizes.

(Editor’s Note: $10,000 in 1951 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $120,595.38 today)

20 religious denominations representing 30 states, meet to discuss pertinent issues facing Black congregations today.

The conference is held June 3-7 at various locations on campus. The highlight of the event will be the 6th annual Charles H. Flax Memorial Concert on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hampton Coliseum. The concert will be presented by an 800-voiced choir directed by Roland Carter of Hampton University, and Dr. Wendell Whalum, of Howard University.

(Editor’s Note: This year the 110th Conference will be held June 2-6 2024)

Black Lawyers Condemn Action In Philadelphia

The National Conference of Black Lawyers (NCBL), an activist organization of attorneys, judges, law students and legal workers,

lashed out today at the city of Philadelphia in the wake of the assault on “Move.” The (Black) anarchist group fought the city’s attempt to evict them from their homes in West Philadelphia involving scores of police offices and resulted in 11 deaths and loss of 67 homes and the dispossession of over 250 people.

NCBL’s National Director Dr. Gerald Horne questioned sharply the use of explosives dropped from a helicopter in a crowded urban area. He noted that the city could have chosen to wait out “Move” and wondered why this was not done, particularly in light of the tactics used recently against the racist fascists, “Covenant Sword and Arms of the Lord” leaders who were apprehended without bloodshed at their compounded on the Arkansas-Missouri border.

Carrie Flanagan-Lee, pictured with her two sons, Sterling, left and Don, right, was interviewed by the GUIDE shortly after “Stopping the Music” to a tune of $10,000.

PROFESSOR

EMERITUS OF SOCIOLOGY

VIRGINIA TECH

OUR INSTITUTIONS ARE FAILING US

By Wornie Reed, Ph.D.

The verdict in Trump’s “hush money’ election fraud case is guilty on all 34 counts, causing many people to jump for joy and proclaim that the justice system worked. A part of the justice system worked and could be celebrated. However, other parts of the justice system are not working very well.

It so happens that other parts of the justice system provide some of the reasons that Donald Trump is still around and threatening our very system of government.

Let’s look at the U. S. Supreme Court; for this discussion, I will skip over the outrageous ethical issues with some of the Supreme Court Justices. At a minimum, a wellfunctioning Court would have two of these justices recuse themselves from participating in cases that involve Donald Trump. Justice Alito supported the January 6th insurrection with his public display of insurrectionist symbols. And Justice Thomas’s wife participated actively in the efforts to block the count of votes for the 2020 presidential election. Note also that in 2022, Thomas was the only dissent in a Court ruling rejecting Trump’s bid to block the release of White House records to Congress.

But Alito and Thomas are not recusing themselves. The Republicans like it that way as these Justices support their political positions, and Chief Justice Roberts has refused to meet with Congressional Democrats. The Supreme Court remains the only Court with no code of ethics.

Let us address some of the issues produced by the majority of the Court. The Court’s actions have a decided partisan political bent. The Court is treating Trump’s claim of immunity

The Court’s actions have a decided partisan political bent.

as a serious issue. Despite efforts on the part of Department of Justice lawyers, they are taking the long way around, holding up the judicial processes such that two federal trials against Trump will probably not be held before the elections in November.

The Court signaled its intent to overturn parts of the 14th Amendment to keep states from barring Trump from running for office in their state when provisions were added to the constitution long ago specifically to prevent officials who have participated in an insurrection from holding office.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states that “Congress (or anyone else) shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

This is meant to protect all religions from statesponsored ideologies. However, the current Court is giving our law a conservative Christian direction.

Five of the six conservative Justices on the Court are conservative Christians, and some of their decisions undermine the freedom of religion by dictating that the government’s policy, say on abortion, should be the same as some Christian conservatives, ignoring the positions of millions of other Americans who have different religions and beliefs.

If you think these are exaggerations of the Supreme Court’s activities, please note that the U.S. Supreme Court installed the Republican President after the 2000 election by first stopping the Florida Court’s order to recount ballots and then later ruling

that George W. Bush was the winner because there was not enough time left to finish the recount. Remember, if they had not stopped the counting, there would have been enough time to finish the count.

The Department of Justice has been problematic. It is ridiculous for Trump and the Republicans to keep proclaiming that the Biden administration is weaponizing the Department of Justice against Republicans when that is precisely what Trump did when he was President. Further, he repeatedly complained that the Attorney General should be his personal attorney and perform duties like the mob lawyer Roy Cohn.

Interestingly, that is the function that his second Attorney General, William Barr, performed. A report from two independent, nonpartisan groups focused on ethics in government harshly criticized the politicization of the Department of Justice under Barr. These agencies argued that Barr used the DOJ to further Trump’s personal and political objectives and recommended that Barr be impeached.

Among the many wellknown actions by Attorney General Barr was the misrepresentation of the Mueller Report in 2018, his “contemptuous disregard for legitimate congressional oversight and his support, both tacit and explicit, for actions that undermine the separation of powers.”

Our current options are limited. We are at a point where we must use our problematic electoral system to elect people accountable to democracy, or we will slide – with eyes wide open – into totalitarianism.

Nature Is For ALL of Us; Overcoming Barriers To Enjoying The Outdoors

By Ben Jealous

(TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

When Rodney Smith’s uncle invited him to go to Sedona for a hike, Rodney, who is Black, said to himself, “Hiking? That sounds like something white people do.” Rodney went on the hike. And it changed his life.

“I loved everything about it. I loved the scenery. I loved being outdoors. I had that wonderment of a kid ... I said, ‘this is my new thing,’ and I got out and started hiking on my own.”

This was following Rodney’s release from prison in October 2021, after serving 9 years on a 12-year sentence. Rodney says, “I was forced to reconsider everything about my life, about my thinking, about the man I was and the man I wanted to become. I realized that a lot of what I had been doing was because it was expected, and it was what everyone else was doing. I hadn’t really figured out who I was and when I got out, I told myself I was going to start trying new things.” He did start trying new things. In addition to taking up hiking, he started eating a plantbased diet – partially inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and

CARRTOON By Walt Carr

It Brings No Joy

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

I think about all the misery Donald Trump has brought to our nation – especially to women, people of color, and those of us who take pride in being Progressives who’ve been fighting for better lives for our people as he made life worse. Yet, I feel sorry for those who enabled him– some of whom I thought were better people.

I know that 34 guilty counts for anything in court sounds like a lot – especially when someone has run smoothly, without penalty, for all he has deliberately done to hurt others, including his own family.

Mary Trump, his niece, has stood up and tried to warn us who Donald Trump really is. People who were well thought of at one time, such as Atty. Alan Dershowitz, who earlier called it one of the weakest cases he’d ever seen.

Alvin Bragg, Jr., Manhattan District Attorney, was taunted and threatened with a baseball bat by Trump when Bragg decided to try the case against him. Several lawyers, including people who should have been encouraging D.A. Bragg, were complaining about how weak the case was.

Well, D.A. Bragg persisted, and left many of the critics in shock when the

Jury announced 34 counts as GUILTY!

New York v. Donald Trump is the first time any of us could ever believe Trump would have to pay for his sins. Even if the case is unfairly overturned someday, at least for a brief time, he had to know what it is like to mistreat so many people. So many had believed he would never suffer for a day for his lying, cheating, falsely accusing others when he was the guilty one, disobeying the law because he thought he was immune to punishment of any kind.

Writing about Trump’s behavior brings no joy because I know what offensive lessons he taught to young people, to racists who cheered him on knowing what he so often did would hurt someone, to political leaders who urged him to do what they knew was wrong, who couldn’t do the job they were elected to do because

Writing about Trump’s behavior brings no joy because I know what offensive lessons he taught to young people.

they were afraid to differ. Every time I saw Senator Tim Scott and Representative Byron Donalds cheer Trump on in all of his wrong-doing, I cringed because I knew no real Black man would be so supportive of the misery Trump continuously caused to others.

Trump now holds the distinction of being the FIRST U.S. PRESIDENT CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL CHARGES! Still elected officials in the Republican Party immediately began lining up in defense of Trump, and began calling for the Supreme Court to overturn the conviction! This came after Trump lashed out at the judge, who by the way, gave him the longest rope to hang himself while in court! Once convicted, it didn’t take him long to lash out at the Prosecutors and the Jury that convicted him. see Joy, page 5A

America’s Literacy Crisis

Abednego from the Bible, who “looked healthier and better nourished” after 10 days of eating only vegetables than any of the young men who ate from the king’s table. On his ninth day of eating vegan, Rodney was on line at a store describing to someone how he felt “brighter and more energized” from his diet.

A woman overheard and invited him to a community garden in South Phoenix, where Rodney is from.

Again, Rodney thought to himself, “this couldn’t be for me.” He says, “gardening seemed like something for Martha Stewart ... a suburban soccer mom activity.”

But when he arrived at the garden, he was immediately overwhelmed by the beauty and the connection he felt.

When Rodney received his prison sentence, he did not cry. When he was inside

For all the barriers Black people face, social stigmas and stereotypes shouldn’t keep us from the benefits of nature and being outdoors.

and his father and both his grandmothers passed away, he did not cry. When he opened himself up to the connection with nature he felt in the garden, run by Phoenix’s Tiger Mountain Foundation, he finally cried.

“I’ve heard, ‘if you’re not crying, you’re not healing’ … I found a lot of healing in the garden. That feeling of connection made me say, ‘oh my gosh, I feel like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.’”

Now Rodney does community outreach for the Tiger Mountain Foundation, which works to empower communities through shared-use community gardens and other cultivated “spaces of opportunity.” And he volunteers with his church’s Adventurers Club, part of the church’s youth ministry.

see Outdoors, page 5A

By David W. Marshall (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

The 2024 graduation season is upon us, and it represents a proud milestone in the lives of teenagers. Each year, middle school students graduate and then transition into high school. The same is true of many high school students who graduate and then move on to college.

The graduation ceremony is when family and friends come together to celebrate students’ academic achievements. However, the reality behind a student receiving a high school diploma can sometimes be misleading and disappointing.

Generally, it implies that a student who completes the required 12 years of education is now equipped with the basic skills to make them employable within the workforce, adequately prepared for higher education, or ready to enter military service should they choose. We can’t automatically assume this is the case for every student; an individual can receive their diploma and still not possess the fundamental reading and reading comprehension skills.

After the excitement of the graduation ceremonies, we have to get back to the reality of what we are facing rather than remain in denial or apathetic. Statistics show that the literacy rate is dropping among students of all ages. One former teacher

and vice principal went as far as to say the nation is facing a “literacy crisis.” The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit organization, claimed that the decline occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even before the pandemic, nearly two-thirds of U.S. students were unable to read at grade level. “Scores had been getting worse for several years,” they said.

“The pandemic made a bad situation worse.”

College professors are also concerned that their students are behind on reading skills, admitting it’s not just little kids struggling.

tests are a financial boon for testing corporations but useless for teachers and students.

Everyone, including baby boomers, should be concerned about the lack of future talent being produced by our public school system.

Logistical and analytic thinking come from reading. Reading helps children understand abstract concepts. It helps young people understand the idea of cause and effect, which leads to better decisionmaking skills. Without a strong academic foundation, young people face an uncertain future. If the Army knows that the lack of qualified soldiers will come with deep consequences, the same is true for the lack of qualified doctors, lawyers, engineers, and business leaders. When students are passed from one grade to the next while still underperforming at their grade level, when and how do they ever catch up?

Military brass are concerned that the declining number of well-qualified soldiers compromises U.S. national security. It’s no coincidence that the Army has seen a significant shortfall in recruiting in recent years. According to a publication of the Association of the United States Army, only 23% of young Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 are qualified to serve in the Army without a waiver. This is mostly due to obesity, drug use, or the inability to meet academic standards.

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

David W. Marshall

Ben Jealous

Joy

Continued from page 4A

I remind you that it was Trump who wished the worst for our dear sister, Marilyn Mosby – who truly does deserve a pardon after all the great work she’s done for her community. (Sign the support petition at www. JusticeforMarilynMosby. com. Compare the behavior of the two, and you will see a true champion for the people in Ms. Mosby. You will see someone in Donald Trump who

Crisis

Continued from page 4A

We can’t blame this on the kids. Many public education advocates point out how test-based school reforms became the primary measure of student success. One of the main reasons students may graduate without the ability to read is the lack of emphasis on foundational literacy skills in early education. Schools are now judged on their test scores, forcing teachers to focus on test preparation rather than actual learning.

In 2001, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was the chief education initiative of President George W. Bush. It required every student in grades 3 to 8 to take standardized tests in reading and math every year, as well as one test in high school. The NCLB law proclaimed that by 2014, virtually every student would achieve competency in reading and math. This goal was never achieved in 2014 and never will be. Standardized tests do not measure what a child should learn in school. They fail to measure creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, or empathy. It comes down to money when standardized tests can generate additional revenue for school districts when their

deserves no sympathy for his efforts to overturn our Democracy, as well as life choices for women, and wreck racial progress by overturning Diversity, Inclusion and Equity that was bringing some measure of justice to non-white people and women. For once in life, at least The Donald has learned he’s not in charge. We’ll see if the Supreme Court has the guts to uphold his convictions. We, the people can play a part in teaching him a lesson when we go to the polls to vote! Dr. E. Faye Williams, President of The Dick Gregory Society.

students perform well. While the authors of NCLB knew it was an impossible goal to achieve, the Obama administration embraced it and reinforced it. They implemented their own program, Race to the Top, which encouraged states to authorize charter school legislation to increase the number of privately managed charters and to pass legislation that tied teachers’ evaluations to their student’s test scores. It created a no-win situation for teachers and students by punishing schools that did not get high enough test scores. It goes further by individually singling out teachers if students in their classes don’t receive higher scores every year. Standardized tests are a financial boon for testing corporations but useless for teachers and students. More than $1.7 billion is spent on standardized testing in the U.S. each year, according to a study by the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings. It becomes another situation where profits are put ahead of people. The fact that our students are illprepared will have a longlasting impact that touches the future and productivity of every American institution.

David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.

TO BE EQUAL

Justice Alito Sullies Integrity of U.S. Supreme Court

By Marc H. Morial CEO National Urban League (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM)

“Professional baseball would never allow an umpire to continue to officiate the World Series after learning that the pennant of one of the two teams competing was flying in the front yard of the umpire’s home. Nor would an umpire be allowed to call balls and strikes in a World Series game after the umpire’s wife tried to get the official score of a prior game in the series overthrown and canceled out to benefit the losing team. If judges are like umpires, then they should be treated like umpires, not team owners, team fans or players.”

– U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin

When the U.S. Supreme Court unveiled its so-called Code of Conduct late last year, I said it would do nothing to restrain unethical behavior by the Justices.

Justice Samuel Alito has wasted no time in proving me right.

The upside-down flag – a symbol of allegiance to the Big Lie about the 2020 election – displayed at Alito’s home in January 2021 violates even the watered-down provisions of the code and disqualifies

him from the Jan. 6 cases that are before the court. His feeble explanation, that it was his wife’s decision to fly the flag and she denied his requests to take it down.

According to the code, “A Justice should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the Justice’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned,” including such instances in which the Justice’s spouse is known by the Justice to have an interest in the outcome of the proceeding.

Even if Alito does not share his wife’s false beliefs about the 2020 election, he can hardly argue that her interest is not known to him. Lest her decision to fly that flag –if, indeed, it was solely her decision – be dismissed as a fleeting whim of passion, another symbol of loyalty to Trump’s lies, flew over

These partisan displays, and Alito’s obstinate refusal to recuse himself, are merely the latest examples of Alito’s corruption and contempt for ethical standards.

the Alito’s vacation home as recently as last summer.

These partisan displays, and Alito’s obstinate refusal to recuse himself, are merely the latest examples of Alito’s corruption and contempt for ethical standards. He accepted the gift of a luxury fishing trip with a billionaire whose hedge fund has repeatedly had business before the court, and failed to disclose it.

The Code of Conduct says justices “should comply” with regulations that prohibit judicial officers from accepting gifts “from anyone who is seeking official action from or doing business with the court” and require the disclosure of gifts.

He is credibly suspected of leaking to conservative activists his ruling in 2014’s Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, exempting private companies from regulations in the case of religious objections. Another of his rulings, in 2022’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization also was leaked. While Alito’s behavior

clearly violates the court’s Code of Conduct, as I noted in November the code lacks any enforcement mechanism. In fact, “adapting” the federal judiciary’s code of conduct, the court conspicuously dropped word “enforce” from the opening section.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin makes a convincing argument that the Department of Justice can petition the other justices to require Alito’s recusal under the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution and a federal statute that mandates judicial disqualification for questionable impartiality. But the other justices, as Raskin notes, do not need to wait for such a petition. Alito’s past behavior already has made a mockery of judicial ethics; his refusal to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election is just another slap in the face to the American people. If his fellow justices do not step up to their constitutional obligation to require his recusal, they will be a party to his mockery.

As Hurricane Season Begins, Dominion Energy Finishes Burying 2,000 Miles of Power Lines

RICHMOND

June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season through November 30. Dominion Energy Virginia announced it has finished burying 2,000 miles of previouslyoverhead power lines as part of its Strategic Underground Program.

“We launched this program a decade ago after finding that a significant number of storm-related power outages were occurring in a relatively small number of areas,” said Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia.

“By burying the lines in these outage-prone areas, we’re not only reducing the number of outages, but we’re also shortening how long it takes to get the power back on.”

Launched in 2014 to reduce stormrelated power outages and shorten restoration times, the program focuses on burying power lines in the most outage-prone areas. The company plans to bury several thousand additional miles of overhead lines as the program continues in the coming years.

The Strategic Underground Program is one of several programs that the company has launched in recent years to reduce power outages and make the grid more resilient. The company’s Mainfeeder Hardening

Outdoors

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When Rodney left prison, he felt like he could not go back home to South Phoenix, a particularly under-resourced part of the city, because there was nothing good there for him. Now he says, “with the garden spaces I work in, I don’t leave South Phoenix … and I am one of the community leaders helping to provide resources and opportunity to people who are like I was. I see people come to the garden and shed those tears just like I did. I see people struggling with anxiety and depression and addiction, they come to the garden and they find tranquility and peace. People find their sobriety in

Before any storm, it’s always good to have bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.

program, for example, is replacing older poles with taller, stronger ones that are rooted deeper in the ground and spaced closer together. The new poles are engineered and built with fiberglass cross-arms, which help prevent fallen trees or limbs from bringing down the entire pole.

Since 2019, the company has hardened over 265 miles of power lines, with the ultimate goal of hardening 1,000 miles by 2030. The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be active, so Dominion Energy is reminding customers how they can prepare:

• Know how to report a power outage and track your restoration time.

the garden; people find their purpose in the garden.”

We know that many people of color, and especially Black people, face unique barriers to enjoying nature. We often have less access to parks and green spaces due to where we live. And we face discrimination. You might recall the story of Christian Cooper, the Black bird watcher who had the police called on him for simply requesting that a white woman leash her dog – which she was legally required to do –in New York’s Central Park. The gravity of that racist incident, in which the woman who called the police lied and said Cooper was threatening her, was driven home by George Floyd’s murder at the hands of the police in Minnesota later that same day, Memorial Day 2020. For all the barriers Black

The Dominion Energy mobile app is the easiest way. Customers may also use the Dominion Energy website or call 866-DOM-HELP.

• Stay away from downed power lines.

If you see a downed power line, please report it by calling 866-DOMHELP and stay at least 30 feet away. The line could be energized and dangerous.

• Charge your devices before the storm.

Fully charge your phone, computer and other electronic devices before a storm arrives. Consider purchasing portable batteries to extend the life of your devices.

• Properly connect your generator.

If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the storm arrives, and always operate it outdoors with good ventilation.

• Prepare food, water and emergency supplies.

Before any storm, it’s always good to have bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.

For more hurricane preparedness tips, please visit www.dominionenergy. com/our-stories/hurricanepreparedness.

people face, we should not let social stigmas and stereotypes infect our own minds and keep us from the benefits of nature and being outdoors. That is one reason Rodney Smith’s story is so important. It not only speaks to the healing power of nature, but to the power of challenging absurd stereotypes about where different kinds of people “belong.” Rodney Smith stepped outside his comfort zone to challenge stereotypes that said nature and outdoor activities were not for people like him. There are opportunities to connect with nature everywhere in the country, even in big cities. For example, the Chicago Park District’s Outdoor and Environmental Education Unit has nature programs for all ages that include camping, fishing, and gardening. Its Nature

Oasis program provides outdoor experiences and environmental education to nearly 18,000 city residents a year.

Another option might be finding a local community organization like Phoenix’s Tiger Mountain Foundation or connecting with an outings group through your Sierra Club state chapter or other environmental organizations. And thanks to important federal initiatives, like the US Department of Agriculture’s $1 billion urban forestry investment to expand access to trees and green spaces (made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act), even more opportunities could be on the way. Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Marc H. Morial

INDIA ARIE ANNOUNCES HIATUS FROM TOURING: “I NEED HEALING TOO”

By Stacy M. Brown Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

NNPA NEWSWIRE

In a deeply personal open letter, four-time Grammy Award-winning singersongwriter India.Arie announced her decision to step back from touring, citing the need for personal healing and mental health care. The announcement comes from an artist who has been a powerful voice in the music industry for over two decades.

“I’ve sat quietly all these years because the things that inspired me had disappeared, and I’ve been healing from great disillusionment,” Arie wrote on her social media page. Despite recently accepting a few shows to gauge her feelings, Arie was overwhelmed. “Everything in me is screaming ‘no.’ My nervous system is a wreck,” she confessed, highlighting the toll that recent years have taken on her mental and physical health.

Born on October 3, 1975, in Denver, Colorado, India Arie Simpson began her musical journey in Atlanta, Georgia, after moving there with her mother and siblings following her parents’ divorce. In Atlanta, she picked up the guitar and started collaborating with local artists, eventually forming the music group “Groovement.” At 24, Motown Records discovered and signed her, launching her solo career.

The soulful musician

Project 2025

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For example, Dr. Ben Carson wrote the chapter on HUD. Peter Navarro, another Trump crony, who was, among other things, Assistant to the President, authored a chapter on trade. Incidentally, Navarro is currently serving jail time for contempt of Congress. But the 45th President says that, if elected, he would “absolutely” bring Navarro back. You can dive into the volume, replete with an authoritarianism recidivism, by checking it out at project2025.org.

While the AfricanAmerican community is not mentioned explicitly (except for the mandate to eliminate affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts), the policies that Project 2025 are aligned with are conservative policy. Project 2025 would cut spending in education, housing assistance, and other areas where AfricanAmericans and others frequently benefit.

The project would also reduce government regulation, especially in labor markets. Project 2025 is a comprehensive attack on contemporary government organization, and it also has a component that is actively seeking

Baseball

Continued from page 1A

Thorn hailed the decision as “not only righting a social, cultural, and historical wrong, it’s defining baseball as a game for Americans without exclusion.” He emphasized that baseball is a sport of tradition, but its capacity

and a beacon of authenticity made her mark with her debut album, Acoustic Soul, in 2001. The RIAA awarded this masterpiece a double platinum certification and gave it seven Grammy nominations.

Her musical journey continued with albums like Voyage to India, which won Best R&B Album at the 2003 Grammy Awards, and Testimony: Vol 1, Life and Relationship, and Testimony: Vol. 2, Love and Politics. Her global influence is evident in her record sales, with over 10 million records sold worldwide, and her numerous accolades, including four Grammy awards, 21 Grammy nominations, two BET awards, and four NAACP Image awards. Despite her illustrious career, Arie has been candid about her challenges. In her open letter, she explained that she left her touring

life in September 2019, seeking a break from the demands of her career.

She candidly shared the toll her career took on her health, especially in 2019.

“I sacrificed my health, enduring deaths, root canals, and lack of management support, just to secure higher pay for my performances. I was underpaid for years,” she revealed in her post.

The open letter touched on her evolving perspective since 2020, which has seen significant global upheaval.

“Now that I see the world all different ways since 2020, as we all do, I’m having a hard time being inspired to take on the absolute heavy lifting it takes to go on the road with 19 people,” she wrote.

The singer emphasized the importance of mental health, acknowledging her need to prioritize her wellbeing over financial gain. “I need healing too,” she stated

Project 2025 lays out a frightening Republican agenda, a reversal of many of the hard-won victories of the past several decades.

the most conservative people to populate a new Republican administration.

The former President goes even further than Project 2025, since the Heritage Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that cannot support any particular candidate.

Project 47 comes from the Trump Administration and embraces much of Project 2025, but also more aggressively addresses the Department of Justice, which would be weaponized to get revenge on President Biden (even though he didn’t do anything to the former president) by going after him for offenses, real or imagined. Project 47 would actually establish the next Republican president as a dictator who can hire and fire at will, eliminate agencies at will, and do whatever he wants.

The plan would weaken or eliminate the Department of Education, sending some federal funds, especially Title I funds that are targeted toward low-income students, back to the states. While President Biden has attempted student debt relief, the next

for profound change is equally significant. To honor the Negro Leagues, MLB will host a tribute game on June 20 at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the oldest professional baseball park in the U.S. Players will don period uniforms and pay tribute to legendary center fielder Willie Mays, an Alabama native. With the integration of these statistics, players like Buck Leonard, Buck

The singer emphasized the importance of mental health, acknowledging her need to prioritize her well-being over financial gain.

plainly.

Apologizing to her fans, promoters, and band, Arie expressed regret for any disappointment her decision may cause. “I’m sorry to anyone who is disappointed, that means you love me. And I love you back,” she said.

Despite the hiatus, Arie hinted at new music and more authentic connections with her fans in the future.

“I hope to meet you in a more authentic space with all the new songs I have at some point here soon,” she promised.

During her hiatus, Arie said she’s not just stepping back from touring, but also into a new role. She plans to host meditation gatherings in her hometown, creating a healing space for herself and her community. As a certified meditation teacher and a long-time practitioner, she said she’s dedicated to providing a truly restorative environment.

“This is my offering for now,” she concluded.

Continued from page 1A

Reared in Winston Salem, NC, Jarrett served as an active member in the family church, Goler AME Church in Winston Salem.

After graduation from Atkins High School, Jarrett joined the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1961-1964 on active duty and from 1964-1967 as a reservist. Following his honorable military service, he attended WinstonSalem State College where, in 1965, he met the love of his life, Angela Wynn. The couple married the following year in Asheville, NC.

Soon after arriving in Hampton Roads, the entire Arthur Jarrett family joined Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Albert Paul Brinson. A committed and faithful church member, Jarrett served on the Ministry of Trustees Board, the Men’s Day chorus, and the Men’s Fellowship, chairing several Men’s Day celebrations. He was one of the “Great Chefs of Bank Street.” In 1998, Jarrett was ordained as a Deacon at Banks Street. He served as coordinator of the Food Pantry Ministry for many years, expanding the ministry to include a clothing closet, household furnishing, and a Meals on Wheels program.

President would eliminate those efforts. Other discretionary funds that the Secretary of Education can grant will also be cut under Project 2025.

Project 2025 reeks of Christian conservatism, describing our nation as one with “Judeo-Christian values.” From that perspective, the agenda emphasizes the “traditional family,” perhaps excluding the majority of the population. It would also impose work requirements on Medicaid, but where would those affected work, and how much would they be paid?

The Project 2025 document would shred the safety net, leaving the poor to fend for themselves, ignoring employment discrimination and the structural inequities that result in the poverty that so many people experience.

Reproductive rights? Forget about it. Project 2025 would reduce abortion access and even criminalize abortion is some cases. It’s “leave it to the states” perspective could mean that more than half of all women would have no access to reproductive medical services. In the past month or so

O’Neil, Cool Papa Bell, Doc Sykes, Monte Irvin, Leroy Satchel Paige, and Gibson will finally receive their due recognition. Fans will now appreciate the true scope of their talents and achievements.

Sean Gibson, the greatgrandson of Josh Gibson and executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, expressed the family’s excitement over this acknowledgment. “We always considered him a major leaguer; he just didn’t

we have seen a number of weather challenges that are related to climate change – tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme heat. But Project 2025 would gut climate policy and roll back the Inflation Reduction Act. Since Black people live closest to pollution sources and have disproportionate health effects from climate issues, ignoring climate issues is an attack on Black people.

And let’s not talk about voting rights. Project 2025 would tighten voting regulations, perhaps eliminating early voting and mail voting, imperiling the African-Americans voter franchise.

Project 2025 began in 2022 and was released in book form last year as A Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise. It lays out a frightening Republican agenda, a reversal of many of the hard-won victories of the past several decades.

I’d like for some of the Black Americans who think our 45th president “wasn’t so bad,” to read the book and govern themselves accordingly. President Biden likes to say that democracy is on the ballot. He should also say that economic justice, health access, and educational equity are also on the line.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author based in Washington, DC. Juliannemalveaux.com

play in the major leagues,” Sean Gibson told NBC Sports. He is eager to see how his great-grandfather’s stats compare to those of other MLB legends.

Reflecting on this milestone, he added, “If Josh Gibson was alive right now, he’d be honored. He’ll probably wonder why it took so long. He’ll be happy for all the other baseball players, and more importantly he’ll be excited for his family to carry on his legacy.”

Deacon Jarrett provided leadership and coordination on several church and community affairs like the Church’s annual Back to School Bash. He served the Food Pantry Ministry with corporate organization, efficiency and compassion. In honor of his dedicated church service, he was awarded the Man of the Year award in 2007, presented by the Men’s Fellowship a Bank Street.

Active in the community, Jarrett received many awards and accolades, including, the United Negro College Fund Distinguished Leadership

Jackson Lee

Continued from page 1A

Also, the RAISE Act. She has also introduced crucial bills like the Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, and Kaleif’s Law.

An unwavering advocate for women and children, she fervently supports the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and has championed outreach to minority- and womenowned businesses in the commercial space industry. Additionally, she authored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act.

Award, the Urban League Point of Light Award, the NAACP Virginia State Conference Award, the Charles Boone Award at Coca Cola Enterprises, and the New Journal and Guide Publisher’s Appreciation Award. Jarrett also served as President of the Winston Salem State University Alumni Association. He was a Prince Hall Mason and a Shriner with Arabia Temple No. 12 Portsmouth, VA. And he was a 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. The most cherished title he held was Papa. Jarrett loved being a Papa and cherished spending time with family! He enjoyed good humor and laughter with countless family members and friends. He was a sports enthusiast – Saturdays were all about college football, particularly Norfolk State tailgates followed by Sunday afternoon NFL football games with family and friends. He was a master griller, consummate brisket smoker and accomplished fish fryer – complemented by his uniquely tasty coleslaw. In addition to his parents, Jarrett was predeceased by his siblings – Ann Weaver, Charles Jarrett, John T. Jarrett, Ruby Hines, Mary Jane Clause, and a nephew – Monroe Weaver. Arthur Jarrett, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 58 years, Angela Wynn Jarrett; sons – Earl Irby and Arthur Henry Jarrett, Jr.; daughters – Anissa Walker (Michael), Antoinette Bacon (Ray), and Apryl Johnson (Damon); grandchildren – Nicole Irby, Jarrett M. Walker (Chantalle), Marissa S. Rogers (Nicholas), Felicity Parham (Ken), Kayla White and Ayden Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Eden, Zane and Sarai. He also leaves his brother Robert Grey Jarrett (Claudette); brothers-inlaw – James A. Wynn Jr. (Jacqueline), Reginald A. Wynn, Arnie M. Wynn (Pamela); and sistersin-law – Joan Wynn Hyman, Anita Wynn Ross (Lonnie); a special cousin Kim Logan (Charles) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Recognized as one of the 50 most effective Members of Congress by ‘Congressional Quarterly’ and among the ten most influential legislators in the House by ‘U.S. News and World Report,’ Jackson Lee’s influence extends beyond legislation. She is a founder, member, and Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Congressional Children’s Caucus, as well as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Energy Braintrust and Co-Chair of the Justice Reform Task Force. Educationally, Jackson Lee holds a B.A. in Political Science from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School. She is married to Dr. Elwyn Lee, an administrator at the University of Houston. She has two children: Jason Lee, a Harvard graduate, and Erica Lee, a Duke graduate and member of the Harris County School Board. She is also the proud grandmother of twins Ellison Bennett Carter and Roy Lee Carter III.

Despite her diagnosis, Jackson Lee remains resolute in her commitment to her congressional duties. “I am committed to working with our Congressional leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jefferies and the Speaker of the House, to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people,” she affirmed.

India Arie

BLACK DEMOCRATS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN IN HAMPTON ROADS FOR BIDEN-HARRIS

HAMPTON ROADS

The Biden-Harris campaign brought their message to Hampton Roads at a Black Voters Kick-Off Mixer hosted Saturday June 1 by the Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats. Members of the Virginia Campaign Team were on hand to announce the launching of a field office to connect with Black voters in Hampton Roads. The event highlighted local candidates running for offices in all of the seven city Hampton Roads region, as well as the reelection of Congressman Bobby Scott and Sen. Tim Kaine to the United States

Congress. Speaking for the BidenHarris Virginia Team was Tonya James, who is directing state-wide efforts to impact Black voter turnout in the Commonwealth on behalf of the national Biden-Harris Campaign. James stressed the importance of Virginia Black voters in preventing former President Donald Trump from reclaiming the White House, as Virginia is now considered by the campaign as a battleground state. Other prominent battle ground states are Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The Hampton Roads event was held at the

Chesapeake NAACP Hosting Juneteenth-Jubilee on June 9

CHESAPEAKE

The Chesapeake NAACP is hosting a JuneteenthJubilee Program on Sunday, June 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 662 Fernwood Farm Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

Ordinaire Restaurant in downtown Norfolk and was part of a push by the national Biden-Harris Campaign to shore up engagement events to reach Black voters. These events will be held at churches, block parties, barber shops and hair salons. One of the chief issues the BidenHarris campaign has identified is speaking to low-information voters. For more information or to get involved with the Greater Hampton Roads Black Democrats, call (757) 287-0277.

Continued from page 1A

He told Politico that he directly addressed these issues with the campaign. Similarly, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) noted the challenges posed by a fragmented media landscape, noting, “I think that the way that we communicate has changed in such a way that, if you don’t invest earlier, it’s going to be a problem.”

Politico reported that private conversations among Democratic operatives reveal deeper fears, including the notion that Black influencers and media personalities have grown disenchanted with Biden. Moreover, there is apprehension that Biden’s limited public engagements and scripted appearances make him less accessible to voters.

While surveys indicate Black voters support Biden’s policies, such as student debt relief and funding for HBCUs, many remain unaware of these achievements due to the campaign’s communication gaps, which are particularly concerning in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, where even a slight dip in Black voter support could be decisive.

Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, emphasized to the outlet the importance of informing working-class Black voters about Biden’s accomplishments. “When you tell people ‘Here’s what the Biden administration has done,’ particularly related to issues the Black communities care about, people are really surprised,” she said.

“If they are watching Joy Reid, they know Biden’s accomplishments,” said Cornell Belcher, who has conducted focus groups for BlackPAC. “If they are

spending time in the Shade Room or a dozen other social media news sites, [they] never hear that Biden used an executive order to ban chokeholds in federal office.” Polling and focus groups indicate a declining enthusiasm among young Black voters and Black men. One prominent poll found that only 41 percent of Black Americans ages 18 to 39 are sure to vote this year, down from 61 percent in June 2020. Despite those challenges, a senior Biden campaign official acknowledged the need to improve awareness of Biden’s accomplishments among Black voters. “If it was the flip side or the inverse and every Black person across the country knew everything that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris had done for their lives, we wouldn’t need to advertise [with] paid media,” the official said. The campaign has recently invested in Black media, including new television and radio ads, meetings with key Black community leaders, and interviews with Black journalists. However, some Black operatives argue that these efforts are not reaching the broader, non-collegeeducated Black electorate, mainly because most of this is with Black-targeted outlets instead of a robust investment in Black-owned media.

“Talking to Black men at Morehouse, talking to Black men who own businesses— you’re not talking to the majority of brothers who are sitting out elections,” W. Mondale Robinson, founder of the Black Male Voter Project, told Politico. With time running out, the Biden campaign faces a critical challenge in reengaging and mobilizing Black voters. As Cornell Belcher warned, “They have a shorter runway than they think,” and the campaign’s ability to bridge the information gap and address the concerns of Black voters will be pivotal in securing a victory in the 2024 election.

Congessman Bobby Scott (3rd Dist.) is seeking reelection

Photo: NikkiDuncan-Talley

(L-R) Mayors Kenneth Alexander (Norfolk) and Shannon Glover (Portsmouth) are both seeking reelection.

Photo: BrendaH.Andrews

A crowd ready to mobilize Black voters

Photo: NikkiDuncan-Talley

Museum Exhibition Honors Rosenwald Schools Legacy

RICHMOND

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) recently unveiled a new exhibition that honors the legacy of the school program established to provide educational opportunities for African-Americans during the Jim Crow era.

Called the Rosenwald program, schools were established for Black children who were denied opportunities for state funded education.

The exhibit, “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America” opened on will be on May 25, 2024 and runs to April 20, 2025.

The Rosenwald program was a rural school building program that helped educate Black children during a time of deep racial inequalities in public schools. Seed money was provided to help build the schools, while local governments and Black communities, despite facing significant hardships, came together to contribute money, land, building materials and labor to provide educational opportunities for their children.

Between 1912 and 1937, the Rosenwald program created 4,978 schools, as well as shop buildings and teacher housing, for a total of 5,357 structures across 15 Southern states. The schools often were named after local places and individuals, but collectively were referred to as “Rosenwald schools.”

These schools served more than 663,000 students – one-third of Black children in the region – and employed thousands of teachers. In many locations, they were the only schools that Black children could attend. In Virginia, 382 Rosenwald buildings were constructed in 86 counties and 4 cities between 1917 and

1932.

When the Atlanta-based photographer Andrew Feiler learned of the Rosenwald story, he was inspired to embark on a threeyear journey across the South to document the remaining school buildings and their alumni. This work formed the basis of an awardwinning book and a traveling exhibition “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.”

The exhibition’s cornerstone are 26 photographs taken by Andrew Feiler, along with his stories of Rosenwald schools and their communities. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture has partnered with the Bray School Lab at William & Mary and various Rosenwald school community groups across the Commonwealth to curate a special section of the exhibition that showcases the history of Rosenwald schools in Virginia. This section will feature a variety of historical artifacts, images, oral histories with alumni, a recreation of a classroom and more.

“Rosenwald schools educated generations of Black Virginians and were a source of pride and hope for many communities,” Jamie Bosket, President and CEO at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture said in a statement. “This exhibition allows for us all to reflect on the lasting legacy of the Rosenwald schools program and be reminded of the power of education and its ability to break down barriers.”

For more information about “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America” visit VirginiaHistory.org/ RosenwaldSchools.

“A Better Life For Their Children” continues through April 20, 2025.

Don Carey Announces For Chesapeake Mayor

(Far Right) Dr. Ella Ward lends her support to Chesapeake candidates.

Well wishers enjoy outdoor setting.

Don Carey addresses the crowd.

PhotosbyErnestLowery

NORFOLK’S OWN SAM ALLEN IS HONORARY COACH FOR HALL OF FAME EAST-WEST BASEBALL CLASSIC

COOPERSTOWN, NY

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Hall of Fame East-West Classic: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Game honored the legendary players from the famed era of Black baseball. Among them was Norfolk, Va.’s own Sam Allen, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs.

Allen, who celebrated his 88th birthday in April, was accompanied by his daughter, Avanti Benson of Virginia Beach and grandson Donovon Benson of Norfolk. During the game, he served as Celebrity Coach for the West team. Serving for the East team as its Celebrity Coach was Pedro Ciara, who played for the Detroit Stars and the Indianapolis Stars. The Hall of Fame event celebrated the glory of Black baseball with the Legends baseball game as it opened a new exhibit: The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball. The weekend also included a special unveiling of a Hank Aaron statue.

Aided by Major League Baseball, the All-Star game featured a dozen Hall of Famers as coaches and more

than two dozen former big league players in the seveninning legends game. The East-West Classic rosters of former major league players included Chesapeake, Va. all-stars B.J. Upton and Justin Upton. Little League World Series hero Mo’ne Davis also play in the East-West Classic. The fun-filled day in Cooperstown included pregame music and giveaways. The first 5,000 fans entering Doubleday Field received a free bag of Cracker Jack in honor of the

Museum’s new “Cracker Jack at the Ballpark” exhibit.

The new “The Souls of the Game” exhibit covers stories of early Black baseball, the Negro Leagues era, integration of baseball to today’s shortage of African-American baseball players. Meaningful stories from Black baseball are also being added to other exhibits throughout the Museum.

Subtitled “Voices of Black Baseball,” the exhibit highlights firstperson accounts by the many individuals whose experiences shaped them,

WISDOM WHEN FACING BUDGET CUTS

When faced with a revenue shortfall should a nonprofit cut expenses across the board? Is there one way to “balance the budget?” We share insights from John Bazzanella, COO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network, as we end this six-part series on nonprofit budgeting.

What should a nonprofit do when facing revenue shortfalls?

One way to reduce the stress is to plan ahead in the budgeting process and create contingency plans based on revenue projections. This process allows you to consider scenarios related to your level of confidence in different revenue streams. Begin with the full budget, then reforecast revenue with however many scenarios you want (less than projected donations; didn’t receive a grant; didn’t hold a special event, etc.). Then think ahead about how you would adjust expenses for each scenario. You don’t need to detail each cut to expenses, but rather, have a general strategy prepared should you find yourself in a particular scenario. Approaches to reducing expenses will vary and might involve program changes or increasing operating efficiency. Be creative.

Maintain a balance between program and overhead needs and stay relevant and impactful to those you serve.

The value of scenario budgeting is that you’ve estimated how much you might need to adjust in a given situation. This approach during planning can help guide later decision making. There are spreadsheet templates for this type of process available online for free.

What are your closing words of wisdom?

Be better than break-even – This is a phrase I say in every budget workshop I facilitate. It’s a simple but critically important mindset to have when budgeting. You want to build sustainability for your non-profit, and the budget is an ideal tool for planning for sustainability. It’s OK and necessary for a nonprofit to generate a profit –that “profit” is a surplus that you are reinvesting for the future of the organization. If you only break even, then you only address current needs. If you want to plan for future viability, then you must also be intentional about budgeting for a reasonable surplus.

Leverage systems – As a master procrastinator, I can’t advocate enough for using a calendar to guide your budget process and

schedule your reporting. Use templates for the budget and reports.

Use a dashboard to communicate with the board and staff. Create tools such as a database or online questionnaires that make it easier for staff to contribute data. The efficiency gained will be worth the time spent creating templates and systems.

Breathe – Sometimes we forget to breathe. It’s just a budget. Budgets are based on what you plan to do and where you are at the time you make the plan. Plans change. Budgets won’t be perfect. The budget is an opportunity – it’s an internal tool you can customize to provide guidance and a means to track and understand your financial performance. It can and should be adaptable. Make it look and function however it best fits your organization so that is manageable and meaningful and adds value for your non-profit.

Comprehensive Fund Development Services. Video and phone conferencing services are always available. Let us help you grow your fundraising. Call us at (901) 522-8727 or visit www.saadandshaw.com.

Copyright 2024 –Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw

their community, baseball and America at large.

The new Hank Aaron statue at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a bronze representation of the famous Black Major Leaguer and is located on the first floor of the Museum.

Hello and welcome to The Bridge Corner. Another technique for developing tricks is to play the “High Card from the Short Side.” Examine this hand. Using the High-Cardfrom-Short-Side technique, do you agree or disagree with the statements made about this hand?

1) South is the dealer and opens the bidding with 1 N/T. South is the describer and North is the responder and the captain.

2) With South showing at least 15 points (a No Trump opening bid show 15 to 17 High Card Points) and North having an 8 High Card Point hand, the contract may be in game. The strain would be No Trump. North, the responder, makes an invitational bid of 2 N/T. South holding 17 HCP – the maximum 1 N/T range –would bid 3 No Trump.

3) The contract is 3 N/T and South is the declarer.

4) West makes the opening lead with the Q Spade.

5) Declarer needs nine tricks but only has five sure tricks. Declarer can develop the extra tricks in Diamonds (four).

6) Declarer should play the Diamonds after winning the first trick. Declarer should play the Diamond Q first – the high card from the short side. If declarer plays the suit differently, declarer may not be able to get to dummy to enjoy the Diamond winners

7) Declarer should make his 3 No Trump contract.

(L-R) Former MLB player B.J. Upton, Chesapeake native son and Sam Allen

Photo: CourtesyofSamAllen

(L-R) Donovon Benson, Sam Allen’s grandson and Avanti Benson, Sam Allen’s daughter

Photo: CourtesyofSamAllen

(L-R) Sam Allen talking with former Yankees manager Joe Torre

Photo: CourtesyofSamAllen

Sam Allen with East and West teams and Jane Forbes Clark (at left), Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Photo: CourtesyofSamAllen

Pedro Ciara, Celebrity Coach for the East team

Photo: CourtesyofSamAllen

Selected For Summer Flight Academy

Princess Anne High School Student Among 28 In

WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Virginia Beach high school student has been selected for an elite U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy.

Kenul Vantwest, a student at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Va., will complete an intensive eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation program at Delaware State University, an HBCU, achieving his FAA Private Pilot’s license upon completion of the training. The program takes place from June 9 to August 2.

Vantwest is one of just 28 high-performing 11th and 12th graders throughout the United States selected for the elite program which was established in 2021 by the Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) to increase exposure to Naval Aviation.

The Navy partners with select universities throughout the country to provide the flight training to the participating students. The cost of the program is approximately $28,000/student but is offered at zero cost to the student and with no obligations. Upon completion of the program, each student earns a private

Nation

pilot certification/license and five college credits.

The Department of the Navy sponsors the Summer Flight Academy program for students participating in Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The program is a STEM initiative that was selected for funding by the Naval STEM Coordination Office – located at the Office of Naval Research – which oversees investments in STEM education, outreach and workforce initiatives.

“The goal of the scholarship program is to inspire and expose exceptional young talent from communities across the nation to a career path in Naval Aviation,” says Tamara Graham, Deputy Director, CNAF Flight Academy Program

Chosen Manager. “Kenul Vantwest has demonstrated incredible potential, and the Navy is honored to play a part in his personal and professional journey.”

During the eight-week Summer Flight Academy, he will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and more than 40 hours of flight training in either a Vulcanair V.10 singleengine aircraft or Piper Warrior (PA-28). As part of the certification process, Vantwest will be required to complete 17 hours of solo flights.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S GUILD TO PRESENT EVENT ON BLACK EMANCIPATION

HAMPTON ROADS

The Young People’s Guild School of Performing Arts will present a Juneteenth production featuring singing, dancing and acting on July 13 at 4 p.m. at the Kroc Center Theater.

The theatrical production is featuring Steven Alexander, Carolyn Smith, Mary Redd, and a host of actors in “Another Day (Emancipation Proclamation.)” It tells how enslaved Africans first arrived aboard a pirate ship to what is today called Hampton, Virginia. Come out and listen

as the story is told how “another day” has come where African-Americans are no longer called “colored,” “Negro” nor “Black folks.”

“We are people that crossed the sea, brought here with gold in the lining of our coat,” says Apostle Joyce White-Tasby, Guild Director. “The Moorish were some of the very first people of dark skin driven out of Spain because of the color of our skin,”

The Gold Sponsor is VAACC (Virginia African-American Cultural Center); The Sliver Sponsor is Studios and Suites 4 Less For tickets and more information, call (202) 812-2804.

“This is not only entertainment but an evening of empowerment through the truth of how great we are. Bring your hand clapping, foot patting and thank you Jesus with you. As the days changed so did we … “It’s Another Day for us because the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t free African-Americans; Juneteenth did!” The Kroc Hampton Roads is located at 1401 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia. Tickets are $35. Vendors will be on site.

LOCAL VOICES

NBA World Championship Week

By Sean C. Bowers

The Boston Celtics go for a league-leading 18th World Championship against the single-time champion upstart Dallas Mavericks. This week the league, world, and game, lost one of its 50 greatest players of all time.

Bill Walton, who protested against the Viet Nam War, the Draft and was then arrested, stood

his tallest when it counted most.“Walton was the best of us,” remarked longtime competitor, friend, and fellow-UCLA-multi-timechampion-alumni, Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

I pay tribute to Bill Walton, one of my childhood heroes, who made the game better, more fun and the best it could be every time, play, day, practice, and rep. He did so from the court, stands, broadcastbooth, home and now heaven. I put up these poetic offering shots for the big redhead mountain man from the “PACIFIC 12 the Conference of Champions,” as he always proudly proclaimed 20 times a broadcast with humor, humility, honesty and an undying love of the game.

Tickets: $50 Tables: $500

For information, call Ernest Lowery (757) 737-2180

Thank you for your example, of TEAM-first. Catch up with Mr. Bill Russell, Dennis Johnson, and Big Luke. The heavens rejoice in your coming to their club, They are not grateful you are dead. However, they are grateful you couldn’t bring the dead’s music with you.

PARKING LOT OF DREAMS

3/9/05

By Sean C Bowers

To most the angled parking lot represents little other, than a place to park your car, Yet to me, this place was majestical in some way fueling the dreams of my youth, on the Black top and tar

We are a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization.

Each crack was a landmark, a positioning point, Every crevasse a crease in time’s blanket, littered with butts and an occasional compound joint

Flat, unforgiving pounding pavement with no traces of past glories, Gone are those who came

Sean

before, those who like me, have just become stories

Virginia Beach’s First Presbyterian Church parking lot was a sanctuary, A place one could focus, claim one’s mind, as if blessed by the Virgin Mary

The Prez was the wallless, roof-less, unofficial home to countless From the talentless, To the can’t miss

The pavement’s memory holds the key, Along with each visitors history

For those who put in the time, the home away from home, became a shrine, It allowed all who came, to have a chance to step into the spotlight and shine

“The Prez” was famous as a gathering, a happening, and event, a right of passage, It lure was strong, it’s appeal real, it’s affect on my soul, like that of a massage

Though the Prez’s basketball courts are long gone, like memories, one of a kind, They made up the parking lot of dreams, in my mind

WHEN RIMS WERE LOW 8/27/11

By Sean C. Bowers

Used to be I could fly, High enough to touch the

sky

Making the plays no one thought I could make, Taking the charge no one thought I could take

Using teamwork and dedication to reach a championship goal, Is at the core of my basketball’s DNA soul

The importance of Following up in life is what I learned, Scholarships and Multiple championships is what I earned

Played countless styles of the game, East & West Coasts and the Midwest were not the same

All my teammates through the years, Not wanting to let them down, is what shifted my gears

Tons of extra running hills forwards and backwards and defensive slides, By myself, taking pride in my out work them workouts were always my guides

Losing the one thing you love the most and can’t replace, Still makes tears through the years run down my face

The pain of not playing again is something I hope you never know, When rims were low

Sean C. Bowers has written the last 27 years for The New Journal and Guide, CHAMPIONING overcoming racism, sexism, classism, and religious persecution. More of his work can found by searching “Sean C. Bowers” on the NJ&G website, on social media at Linkedin.com or by email V1ZUAL1ZE@aol. com NNPA 2019 Publisher of the Year, Brenda H. Andrews (NJ&G 37 years) has always been his publisher.

C. Bowers

Kenul Vantwest

By Rev. Dr. Archie L. Edwards, Sr.

THE SINFULNESS OF PREJUDICE MOMENTS of MEDITATION

James 2:1-13

Having touched briefly on basic principles of the Christian life in chapter 1, James now begins a series of more developed discourses on some important topics. The first of these is preferential treatment, or prejudice. Prejudice means “prejudgment” – making a decision before having sufficient evidence to justify that decision.

Some prejudice is unavoidable. We cannot thoroughly investigate every situation we encounter and every person we meet. However, if we give preferential treatment to some people and discriminate against others simply because of appearance or because they belong to a particular group, that is sin.

Incompatibility of Faith and Favoritism. Some of James’ readers were guilty of “personal favoritism” (2:1). Though they had put their faith in Christ, they were discriminating against people for whom Christ died. Prejudice and favoritism are unacceptable because God is impartial in His dealings with us (Acts 10: 34). The fair treatment of one another require under

the Old Covenant (Leviticus 19:15) is equally obligatory under the New.

James describes a specific situation (2:2-3). The believers were meeting together on a regular basis.

Two strangers visit the assembly. One is wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. His appearance conveys the impression that he is rich, a person of prestige and power. A poor man also arrives. His clothing is dirty, so the congregation concludes that he is a person with no influence and no value.

The rich man might contribute to their building fund; the poor beggar obviously could not. The well-dressed man would bring prestige and recognition to their assembly; the man in dirty rags would make them a scandal in the community. The rich man is shown to a seat, but the poor man is told to stand or to sit on the floor. The believers have shown their prejudice and “become judges with evil motives” (v. 4).

Inconsistency of Actions. James drives this point home by showing his “beloved brethren” the inconsistency between what they were

doing and what God had done. They were contemptuous toward the poor. They had shown partiality toward the rich; God expected them to treat everyone with equal consideration. Verse 5 refers to God’s choice of the poor of this world to be rich in faith. There are more poor Christians than rich ones, simply because there are more poor people in the world – and because the rich tend to trust their riches rather than God (Mark 10:1723). James is not saying that poverty is a virtue. A poor person without Christ is as lost as a rich person without Christ. But to treat the poor with contempt just because they are poor fails

to recognize that God has chosen many people who are poor in earthly possessions to share in His Kingdom (Luke 6: 20).

These believers had honored the rich visitor purely on the basis of his appearance – without knowing whether he was also rich in faith. Furthermore, rich persons had blasphemed “the fair name by which you have been called“ (James 2:7) The name referred to was, of course, that of Christ. When a Jew accepted Jesus as His Messiah, he became a “Christ-one,” or Christian.

James acknowledges the possibility (v. 8) that their treatment of the rich visitor

was motivated by a desire to obey the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” If this were indeed the case, though, why had they not treated the poor visitor with equal consideration? Inevitability of Judgment.

The people to whom James wrote were guilty of showing partiality, and God would hold them accountable for it. Some may have tried to excuse themselves by saying, “We haven’t done anything so terribly wrong. After all, we haven’t committed adultery or killed anyone.”

James’ reply to this is simple. Once you break any part of God’s Law,

you become a lawbreaker (v. 10). Under the Mosaic Code, all human beings are condemned (see Romans 3:20), for no one can keep the Law perfectly. The “law of liberty” (James 1:25), however, is not the Old Testament Law, but the perfect Law of God revealed through Jesus Christ (see Galatians 6:2). Jesus kept the Mosaic Law perfectly and offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people in all places at all times. Those who accept Him and His redemption now live under a New Law, which results in liberty instead of bondage. see Prejudice, page 6B

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

NNPA NEWSWIRE

Marian Robinson, mother to former First Lady Michelle Obama, died on Friday, May 31, at 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinson’s presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Marian Lois Shields set out on a journey that was characterized by fortitude and compassion after

emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s South Side. From her early days as a teacher to her later role as a trusted secretary, Robinson’s

In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle Obama fondly recalled her mother’s enduring influence, describing her as the unwavering pillar of their family.

life was a testament to the values of family and service, showcasing her personal achievements and contributions. In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle Obama fondly recalled her mother’s enduring influence, describing her as the unwavering pillar of their family.

CHURCH ADs & DIRECTORY

Robinson’s wisdom, honed through life’s diverse experiences, was a beacon of light during times of uncertainty. Her steadfast support and gentle nature were not just sources of strength but unique qualities that endeared her to the entire Obama clan. see Robinson, page 6B

Marian Robinson

FILM REVIEW: ATLAS

By Dwight Brown Film Critic

★ ★ (2 Stars)

Hard to respect an action/ adventure/sci- fi fi lm when all its fl aws are so obvious.

The un-special effects in this feeble, futuristic and shallowly written movie (Leo Sardarian, Aron Eli Coleite) are so telltale they would be laughable in a theater. But on a streaming service (Net fl ix), where mediocre movies are a bit more tolerable, there’s just enough movement and thrills to stop viewers from clicking the remote. But not enough to keep them from periodically raiding the fridge.

In the far future, Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez) lives in a time when the novelty of AI is over, and their danger is present every day. As a data analyst, she’s well aware of their power as they’ve declared war on humanity.

Arti fi cial Intelligence bots, ranging from transportation to medical and home maintenance, have all bypassed their security protocols and are wreaking havoc. Their rebellion is led by Harlan (Simu Liu), a vengeful arti fi cial intelligence spirit encased in the body of a human-looking robot.

A military crew is assigned the task of fi nding and bringing Harlan back alive from a remote galaxy. It’s led by Colonel Elias Banks (Sterling K. Brown), who is talked into bringing Atlas along on his mission.

Harlan and she have history. A beef. Both are calculating and headstrong. The quest is in danger way to soon. “Mayday, we are under attack.” There’s a crash landing. Harlan commands deadly bots, directed by the evil Casca (Abraham Popoola). They’re out to kill the interlopers. Atlas gets an assist from an exo-suit, a robot that looks like a day player from a Transformer movie. She maneuvers it from within, wearing it like a large mechanical suit. His name is Smith (Gregory James Cohan), and she drives him like a pilot. Smith, like other AIs, has a mind of his own. Smith, “Atlas my primary protocol is to keep you alive.” Atlas, “I don’t need your help. I don’t trust any AI!”

If viewers sit 20 feet away from their TV screens, they can still see that the spaceships look like toys, their capsule like cups, the robots are fake, and the explosions are computer generated. All

the scenes that take place off earth, wherever Harlan is hiding, look cheap. As a director, Brad Peyton (San Andreas) is capable of organizing, shooting and completing a movie. But that’s it. No style. No artistry. None of the action sequences look remotely original. No memorable visuals (production designer, Barry Chusid; art direction Madie Hays; set decoration, Victor J. Zolfo). Nothing. Following Atlas’s exploits becomes less and less effective. As she fights assailants from inside Smith, the switching back and forth from seeing the robot do combat and watching Atlas try to control it becomes more and more awkward. It’s alternately shot in ill-advised closeups (cinematographer John Schwartzman) that shows the seams. For these passages to succeed, Lopez would have to be a superior character actress. Someone capable of convincing

viewers that she is not in a booth reciting her lines while the camera juggles around to make it look like she’s involved in running, fighting, falling and tumbling, while in Smith. There’s no connection, just filmed scenes edited together.

Lopez was miscast. She’s much better at playing business execs, cops, criminals, nurturing moms, career-minded woman, dancers, singers… Sci-fi is not her groove. Even playing an analyst is a stretch because those nerds don’t walk around with perfect makeup (Cary Ayers), neat hair and stylish skintight pants. Viewers needed Atlas to be professorial, scientific and geeky, but Lopez didn’t shed her glam persona.

The unimaginative direction, generic script, weakly drawn characters, iffy acting and misguided production elements are a hinderance. But even with all that dead weight, the simple act of going on a mission, to fight a villain who threatens humanity, provides a natural momentum. It’s easy enough to climb onboard this adventure and watch until the assignment is complete or a complete failure.

This sci-fi story is a big letdown. But it wins on one level. It’s a cautionary AI tale that warns us that Suri and Alexa could go rogue one day. And in that case, we’d better have a plan that isn’t as flawed as this movie.

Prejudice

Continued from page 6B

This does not mean that Christians have no obligations or responsibilities. Indeed, under the law of Christ they have a higher level of accountability than under Moses’ Law. The responsibility under grace liberates rather than enslaves. Those who have been redeemed have God’s power available to them. They have new natures and can speak and act differently (James 2: 12). God has been merciful to us, so we should be merciful to others. We need to remember how unlovely we were in God’s sight, and how God in grace and mercy accepted us into the body of Christ. Likewise, we too should receive rich and poor without partiality, since both are the objects of God’s love and mercy. If we fail to do this, “judgment will

Continued from page 6B

Throughout Barack Obama’s historic presidency, Marian Robinson was a symbol of stability, offering sage advice and unconditional love. Despite the grandeur of the White House, she maintained her down-toearth charm, forging deep connections with staff and finding solace in everyday routines, thereby extending her influence beyond her immediate family.

Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Michelle Obama shared cherished memories of their time, illustrating their profound bond. Robinson’s unwavering presence and nurturing spirit created a sense of home amidst the whirlwind of public life.

“Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality, it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace,” the family said.

Michelle, Barack, Craig, Kelly, Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin, and Aaron joined to pen a heartfelt remembrance of Robinson.

“Our mother, mother-inlaw, and grandmother had a way of summing up the truths about life in a word or two, maybe a quick phrase that made everyone around her stop and think,” they wrote.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Know what’s truly precious. As a parent, you’re not raising babies — you’re raising little people. Don’t worry about

be merciless to one who has shown no mercy” (v. 13). James’ final word on this topic is a welcome one. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” God expects us to behave as Christ’s representatives on earth and to demonstrate the compassion and love that He has for all people. Though we will experience the chastening of the Lord for our failures, it is reassuring to know that we are still His children, redeemed and secure through His mercy. James’ admonitions on the topic of prejudice are uncomfortably relevant for 20th-century believers. Whenever we give special consideration to one person or refuse to give proper consideration to another person, simply because of his appearance or identification with a particular group, we are guilty of showing partiality. James calls this sin (v. 9). It has often been said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. In other words, God shows no partiality. Neither should His children.

whether anybody else likes you. Come home. We’ll always like you here.”

The family recalled that, as a young woman, Robinson studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary. She fell quickly and madly in love with Fraser Robinson, another South Sider with a “boxer’s strength and jazzlover’s cool.” Together, they raised two children, Craig, and Michelle, in a tiny upstairs apartment on Euclid Avenue in South Shore.

Robinson volunteered for the PTA and taught her children to read at an early age, sitting together as they sounded out words on a page, giving them the strength and confidence to walk to school –and out into the world – all on their own. She once chewed out a police officer who had accused Craig of stealing a bike, demanding that the adult apologize to her son.

On summer nights, she’d pack the family into the car with a steaming plate of chicken for a trip to the drivein movies. On New Year’s Eve, she’d pass around pigs in a blanket and raise a toast to Auld Lang Syne. And every night, for years on end, she and Fraser would hold court at the dinner table, where they indulged all manner of questioning, teaching their children to believe in the power and worth of their own voices.

“On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand,” the family wrote. “With a healthy nudge, she agreed to move to the White House with Michelle and Barack. We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all.”

FUN PUZZLE FOR YOUR LEISURE

Jennifer Lopez as Atlas Shepherd