NNPA NEWSWIRE — “With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy wrote in a statement on Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, expressed their condolences and offered prayers to Payne’s family and friends. Jeffries described him as a “highly effective public servant and compassionate leader.” By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, has died at the age of 65, according to Gov. Phil Murphy. Payne had been hospitalized…
Author: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia O.J. Simpson, a towering figure in both the sports world and the annals of American legal history, has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death in a statement issued early on Thursday, April 11. The family of Simpson shared a statement that read, “On April 10, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, lost his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.” Simpson’s life story, a blend of unparalleled athletic achievement and enduring controversy, began in San Francisco, California, on July 9, 1947.…
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia The eagerly anticipated celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse finally descended upon North America after a seven-year hiatus, captivating millions of skywatchers on Monday. With its grand entrance at the Mexican beachside resort town of Mazatlan, the eclipse marked the beginning of a mesmerizing journey along the “path of totality,” stretching across various regions of the continent. Eclipse enthusiasts congregated at numerous vantage points along the path, which spanned from Mexico’s Pacific Coast through Texas, traversing 14 other U.S. states before reaching Canada. Cities like Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia, Penn., Baltimore, Md.,…
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor whose career spanned over five decades and who became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” has died. Gossett, who was born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., was 87. Recognized early on for his resilience and nearly unmatched determination, Gossett arrived in Los Angeles in 1967 after a stint on Broadway. He sometimes spoke of being pulled over by law enforcement en route to Beverly Hills, once being…
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration has unveiled its Equity Action Plans for federal agencies in a continued push for equity and racial justice. This release marks the first anniversary of President Biden’s second Executive Order on Equity, outlining strategies to address systemic barriers and promote inclusivity in policies and programs. Since taking office, officials tout how the administration has championed an equity and racial justice agenda, ensuring equal opportunities for all communities. However, they acknowledged that, despite progress, historical disparities persist in laws and public policies, hindering the advancement of…
#NNPA BLACKPRESS By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Tributes continued to pour in throughout Friday for Joe Madison, the talk show host, activist and philanthropist known as “The Black Eagle.” After a lengthy bout with prostate cancer, the popular SiriusXM host died on Feb. 1. He was 74. Madison’s death comes as America observes the start of Black History Month. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), stated, “On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, representing the Black Press of America, we express our profound condolences to the…
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent WASHINGTON, DC — Law enforcement faces a challenge as more officers resign or retire, and fewer qualified applicants are interested in becoming police officers. A new report from the Justice Department suggests that police agencies should reevaluate their mission, values, culture, and employees to improve their service to communities. In the report titled “Recruitment and Retention for Modern Law Enforcement Agency,” DOJ officials concluded that the law enforcement profession needs to update its hiring and retention practices. Officials say that law enforcement agencies can enhance the appeal of policing as a career by implementing…
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent WASHINGTON, DC — Howard University, the renowned historically Black college in Northwest, D.C., finds itself in esteemed company alongside institutions such as the Abbey Road Institute in London, the Berklee College of Music in Boston and Spain, and the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in Liverpool, England. These distinguished higher education establishments have earned a spot on Billboard’s prestigious list of the best schools for music business degrees. Billboard’s selection process, which refrains from ranking the institutions, is based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes executive recommendations, alum feedback, information furnished by…
by NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Stacy M. Brown Rev. Jesse Jackson’s decision to step down as president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition this month has led many to reflect on the civil rights leader’s astonishing career.But a significant part of Jackson’s fight for justice was his ability as a deft negotiator. That was no more evident than when Jackson distinguished himself as a diplomat.Beyond his efforts on American soil, he played a pivotal role in securing the release of numerous American hostages held captive abroad. His unwavering commitment to justice and diplomacy has saved lives and earned him global…
Among the 536 members of the last sitting Congress, Reuters found that at least 100 have ancestors who were slaveholders. By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent WASHINGTON, DC — Recent research conducted by Reuters has shed light on the genealogies of America’s political elite, revealing that a significant portion of members of Congress, living presidents, Supreme Court justices, and governors are direct descendants of ancestors who enslaved Black people. Among the 536 members of the last sitting Congress, Reuters found that at least 100 have ancestors who were slaveholders. Furthermore, over a quarter of the Senate, or 28 members, can…