By V.S. Santoni The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is taking a significant stride toward diversity and inclusion in classical music with the release of its groundbreaking album, “Harmony in Black,” marking the inaugural entry in its “Musical Landscapes in Color” series. Supported by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact (AmFam Institute) and other sponsors, “Harmony in Black” showcases compositions by renowned artists Patrice Rushen, a distinguished composer and jazz pianist, and Dr. Bill Banfield, an award-winning composer and recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his multifaceted contributions to music, literature, and education. The album, recorded…
Author: V.S. Santoni
By V.S. Santoni April is Arab American History Month. Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic representative from Michigan’s 13th congressional district, made history as one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, alongside Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Born on July 24, 1976, in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents, Tlaib’s upbringing in a working-class family has deeply shaped her passion for social justice and public service. Tlaib’s political journey began in 2004 when she secured a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 12th district, where she advocated for workers’ rights, environmental protections, and healthcare access. In 2018, she won…
By V.S. Santoni April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding children and supporting families. However, amidst the efforts to protect children, it’s crucial to address the systemic injustices embedded within the child welfare system, particularly concerning families of color. The child welfare system, intended to ensure the safety and well-being of children, has a troubling history of perpetuating racial discrimination and unequal treatment, especially towards Black and Indigenous families. Shereen A. White, Director of Advocacy & Policy at Children’s Rights, aptly points out, “We cannot accept a system…
By V.S. Santoni Carol Moseley Braun, Shirley Chisholm, and Kamala Harris stand as trailblazing figures in American politics, each leaving an indelible mark on history through their groundbreaking achievements and unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. Born on August 16, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Carol Moseley Braun’s journey from the halls of academia to the corridors of power is marked by resilience, determination, and a dedication to public service. After earning degrees in political science from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School, Braun embarked on a career focused on progressive…
By V.S. Santoni President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of an additional $5.8 billion in student loan debt relief has significant implications for public service workers in Tennessee. As part of the broader effort to address the challenges faced by borrowers, the administration is taking decisive steps to rectify issues within the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, providing much-needed relief to individuals in critical roles such as teachers, nurses, social workers, and firefighters. The approval of $5.8 billion in debt relief, benefiting 77,700 borrowers, signifies a monumental effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to correct shortcomings within the PSLF program. These…
By V.S. Santoni Adrian Davis, a Memphis firefighter with unwavering courage and dedication, demonstrated extraordinary valor on September 25, 2021. That fateful day, he and his colleagues responded to a motor vehicle crash on I-240 at Union Avenue, where they encountered a scene of chaos and danger. Private Davis and his team witnessed firsthand just how swiftly a situation can escalate into a life-threatening crisis. Amidst the wreckage, they found a vehicle engulfed in flames, its occupants disoriented and in peril. Without hesitation, Private Davis and his partner, paramedic Stephen Atkins, sprang into action. While Atkins battled the flames consuming…
By V.S. Santoni The AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions, has voiced its support for the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond emphasized the significance of this legislation, especially as the nation commemorates the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. Redmond underscored the Act’s homage to the late Rep. John Lewis, a stalwart champion of civil rights, and its pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive democracy. He highlighted the labor movement’s enduring commitment to social and economic justice, recognizing the inseparable link between voting…
By V.S. Santoni The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the distribution of $1.2 billion in student loan forgiveness nationwide under President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. This initiative, aimed at alleviating the burden of student debt, is making a tangible impact on borrowers across the United States, including in Tennessee. Tennessee, home to 3,340 borrowers, is set to receive over $25.7 million in forgiveness under the SAVE Plan. This significant relief comes as part of the administration’s commitment to making higher education more affordable and accessible for Americans nationwide. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona praised the initiative,…
By V.S. Santoni Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Hampton, Virginia, offers a captivating journey through time and resilience, rooted in its rich history and cultural diversity. Mahogany Waldon, the Media Relations Manager for the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau, paints a vivid picture of the city’s storied past and vibrant present. Hampton’s history is deeply intertwined with pivotal moments in American history. Waldon highlights the city’s role in the 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in English North America, marking the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in the nation’s story. She also underscores the significance…
By V.S. Santoni Colorectal cancer poses a significant health risk, particularly for African American populations, who face disproportionate challenges and outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. As March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s crucial to highlight the concerning statistics surrounding this disease. From 2015-2019, African American men were 1.2 times more likely to have new cases of colon cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men, and 1.7 times more likely to have new cases of prostate cancer. Furthermore, Black men are 1.8 times as…