By V.S. Santoni In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd in 2020, a global wave of protests erupted, demanding accountability and reform in policing. Now, four years later, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) has reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, reigniting the crucial conversation around racial justice in law enforcement. Jackson Lee emphasized the critical nature of this legislation, acknowledging the countless lives forever altered by incidents of police brutality. The act seeks to address systemic issues by lowering the criminal intent standard for convicting law enforcement officers and limiting qualified immunity as a defense…
Author: V.S. Santoni
By V.S. Santoni A brain cancer diagnosis is a devastating blow, and for African Americans, it brings additional challenges. With May marking Brain Tumor Awareness Month, it’s crucial to shed light on the racial disparities that exist in the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer within the Black community. Learning you have a brain tumor, whether benign or cancerous, raises countless questions. Unfortunately, African Americans face a higher likelihood of receiving a brain cancer diagnosis later in its development and experiencing certain types, compounding an already distressing situation. While not all tumors are malignant, they can still pose significant health…
By V.S. Santoni Despite recent efforts by major credit reporting agencies to mitigate the impact of medical debt on credit reports, new research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlights ongoing challenges for millions of Americans. The CFPB’s latest analysis reveals that 15 million Americans, disproportionately residing in the South and low-income communities, still grapple with medical bills on their credit reports, totaling over $49 billion in collections. Director Rohit Chopra emphasized that while Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion have taken steps to minimize the reporting of medical bills, further reforms are needed to address the underlying issues. The CFPB’s…
By V.S. Santoni NASHVILLE, TN — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee (BBBSMT) traces its roots back to 1969 when a group of community leaders recognized the need for support among Middle Tennessee youth. Founded on the belief in the potential of every child, BBBSMT matches adult volunteers (“Bigs”) with youth (“Littles”) aged 6 through young adulthood. Operating across eight counties in Middle Tennessee, the organization aims to ignite the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships. Recently, BBBSMT received recognition for its commitment to creating a healthy work culture through the Best Nonprofits to Work For…
By V.S. Santoni WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg unveiled two final rules designed to ensure automatic cash refunds for airline passengers and shield consumers from surprise airline fees. The rules are part of the administration’s efforts to reduce costs for consumers and address corporate exploitation. President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order on Promoting Competition encouraged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote fairer, more transparent, and competitive markets. Secretary Buttigieg expressed gratitude to advocates like Bill McGee from the American Economic Liberty Project and highlighted the culmination of efforts by the USDOT team and passenger advocates. He emphasized…
By V.S. Santoni The month of May serves as a poignant reminder to spotlight the importance of understanding and supporting mental health, particularly within the Black community. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to address the unique challenges and disparities faced by Black people in accessing mental health care and resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, shaping how we navigate life’s challenges and interact with others. However, systemic barriers often hinder equitable access to mental health services for Black individuals, perpetuating disparities in…
By V.S. Santoni Lorene Cary, founder of Art Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Black arts, has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Philadelphia and beyond. Established in 1998, Art Sanctuary has enriched the lives of over 15,000 participants annually, hosting esteemed artists such as The Roots, Chinua Achebe, and Sonia Sanchez. Beyond her contributions to the arts, Cary has been deeply involved in community activism, serving as a member of Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission from 2011 to 2013. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing school safety and student well-being. In…
By V.S. Santoni Giving Kitchen, the award-winning no Giving Kitchen, the award-winning non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to food service workers, has a remarkable journey rooted in community support and resilience. Founded in 2013 in response to Chef Ryan Hidinger’s stage-four cancer diagnosis, Giving Kitchen has since expanded its reach beyond Atlanta, now serving Tennessee food service workers since 2021. The organization’s genesis lies in the overwhelming response to Chef Hidinger’s diagnosis. Friends within the restaurant industry, and subsequently, the broader Atlanta community, rallied behind him with love and financial support, providing a lifeline during a challenging time. According…
By V.S. Santoni In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has unveiled a new policy action today. The initiative allocates $51 million for HRSA-funded health centers to pioneer innovative approaches aiding transitions in care for individuals leaving incarceration. This momentous step aligns with the White House Second Chance Initiative, emphasizing the provision of health services to individuals in the 90 days preceding their release. The aim is to facilitate their reintegration into the community by expanding access to primary health care, including mental health and substance…
By V.S. Santoni Jordan Obi, a fourth-year forward for the Penn women’s basketball team, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her collegiate career, demonstrating her prowess both on and off the court. Throughout her time at Penn, Obi has accumulated an impressive array of career honors, including two-time Second-Team All-Ivy selections in 2022 and 2023, and two-time Second-Team All-Big 5 recognitions in the same years. Additionally, she was named to the CoBL.com All-City 6 Second Team in 2022, showcasing her impact within the city’s basketball scene. Obi’s achievements extend beyond her team’s confines; she has received individual accolades such as Ivy…