Alpha Phi Alpha To Determine Transgender Ban During Chicago Convention
Some Alpha Phi Alpha members believe the proposed amendment to ban transgender members is politically motivated.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, is currently deliberating a contentious bylaw amendment that could potentially bar transgender members from joining the historic African American brotherhood.
This move has sparked a heated debate within Alpha Phi Alpha, revealing a generational and ideological divide between the more traditional national leadership and the often younger, more progressive general body and chapter leadership.
Deandre Miles-Hercules, a self-described “gender creative” Alpha who uses they/them pronouns, strongly criticized the proposal. “Their decision to alienate trans and nonbinary people from membership is reactionary, asinine, and unbecoming of an organization with a professed commitment to human rights…It’s ludicrous to be the fraternity of Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. and come up with a policy that bans trans people.”
The Constitutional Convention, described by General President Willis L. Lonzer, III as an “opportunity to be a part of history,” will see delegates from over 700 chapters worldwide debating proposed amendments. In Lonzer’s letter to membership, he indicated the cultural shift, noting that “while the character and values of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are as steadfast as the Great Sphinx of Giza, society’s are not.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. opened its 2024 Constitutional Convention on Wednesday, July 10 in Chicago, IL. The Fraternity discussed and addressed critical Fraternity business, including the presentation of the proposed strategic plan. pic.twitter.com/DfuIqGynCQ
— Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® (@apa1906NETwork) July 11, 2024
Many Alpha Phi Alpha members, including those from the GBTQ+ community, feel betrayed by the consideration of this amendment.
Lennex Cowan, who helped organize a letter to Alpha leadership in March, expressed disappointment that the amendment is still under consideration despite assurances it would be withdrawn. The potential bylaw change not only affects transgender members but highlights broader issues of inclusivity within Alpha Phi Alpha. The fraternity has reportedly never officially recognized Pride month, despite calls from GBTQ+ members for greater acknowledgment and support.
As the fraternity grapples with these issues, it faces a crucial moment that could define its future with the GBTQ+ community, college campuses, and current members.
'The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re gonna Forrest Gump him.'
It seems like Drake can’t catch a break! Retired tennis icon Serena Williams took a jab at the Canadian rapper while hosting the ESPYS on July 11.
Williams poked fun at the rap beef, siding with rapper Kendrick Lamar. The Compton rapper grew up in the same town as Williams. Although the tennis great and Drake were once an item, the OVO label head dissed her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, on his 2022 song, “Middle Of The Ocean.”
It’s safe to say that Williams hasn’t forgotten. During her opening monologue at the ESPYs, Williams stated it was not a good move to go against Lamar, her Compton neighbor.
“And if I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us—not a single one of us, not even me—should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar.” At that moment, Lamar’s hit diss record, “Not Like Us,” played in the background, and Serena danced to the song with the crowd cheering her on. “He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re gonna Forrest Gump him. ‘Seat’s taken!'”
Serena Williams crip walks to “Not Like Us” at the ESPYs and pokes fun at Drake. pic.twitter.com/TTg71OL463
Drake wasn’t Serena’s only target. She dissed the Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker for comments he made about women’s place in society in his Benedictine College commencement speech earlier this year. CNN reported that during his speech, Butker suggested that women should find fulfillment by getting married and having children rather than pursuing a career.
While standing on stage with her sister, Venus Williams, and “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson, the three women encouraged the audience to “go ahead and enjoy women’s sports” as much as they would men’s sports. After Venus gives that advice, Serena then says, “Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” With Brunson adding, “At all. Like Ever.”
“So, go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports, because they are sports.” – Venus Williams
“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you.” – Serena Williams
Dawn Staley References Pay Disparity At ESPY Awards
'How do I not fight pay disparity when I do the same job and get paid less but win more?'
The ESPY Awards took place on July 11, and winning South Carolina basketball head coach Dawn Staley was awarded the Jimmy V Award, spotlighting perseverance. During her acceptance speech, Staley called out pay disparity by stating that she does “the same job” and gets “paid less” but wins more.
Stale is fresh off an undefeated season and her third NCAA Championship win with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The former WNBA player spoke about the pay difference women experience when doing the same job as men, yet not receiving matching salaries and compensation. Staley’s advocacy for equity matches the spirit and purpose of the Jimmy V Award, given to someone who has overcome obstacles in their journey.
Staley spoke about her influence on young women, specifically her impact as a head coach for the Gamecocks’ basketball team.
“How do I not fight injustice when I ask them to do things the right way? How do I not fight for fairness when I ask them not to cheat themselves? How do I not fight for equity when I tell them they can climb as high as they want, they can be all that they want.”
The veteran athlete also recognizes that the fight is still unfair regarding compensation between the genders. Staley is one of the most recognizable and successful basketball players and coaches (male or female), but her pay does not reflect her accomplishments. Staley took the opportunity to use her voice in the same way she encourages those who look up to her to use theirs.
“How do I not fight pay disparity when I do the same job and get paid less but win more? I can’t ask them to stand up for themselves if I’m sitting down. Nor can I ask them to use their voice for change if I’m only willing to whisper.”
A piece from @dawnstaley’s incredible #ESPY24 speech accepting the Jimmy V Award. Plenty of gems in here, including acknowledging her team in attendance, but my personal favorite?
Biden Campaign Assesses VP Harris’ Viability As Democratic Nominee In New Poll
The Biden Campaign's new poll aims to evaluate whether Vice President Harris might perform better, worse than or the same as President Biden.
A new poll commissioned by the Biden campaign’s analytics team is quietly assessing Vice President Harris’ viability against Donald Trump in a head-to-head survey.
The Biden campaign’s evaluation aims to compare Harris’ performance to Biden’s current polling standings. Insiders told NBC News that the decision to conduct the new poll this week comes amid growing concerns within the Democratic party. Several key allies involved in the Biden campaign’s re-election efforts now view his chances of securing the Democratic nomination as slim to none. There’s a growing sentiment that he should step aside, potentially paving the way for Vice President Harris to secure the Democratic nomination.
One Biden campaign official said, “He needs to drop out,” while another person working on the re-election effort said, “No one involved in the effort thinks he has a path.” Their concerns stem from questions about Biden’s cognitive abilities, fundraising challenges, and polls showing declining support for the Biden campaign.
Breaking:
NBC News confirms: The Biden campaign is quietly assessing the viability of Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy against Donald Trump in a new head-to-head poll. @MSNBC
Despite these worries, other members of the Biden campaign remain optimistic. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez emphasized in a memo that Biden’s chances of winning are still possible. “Our internal data and public polling show the same thing: this remains a margin-of-error race in key battleground states,” they wrote. “The movement we have seen, while real, is not a sea-change in the state of the race — while some of this movement was from undecided voters to Trump, much of the movement was driven by historically Democratic constituencies moving to undecided.”
The new poll and others have prompted some within the party to question whether Vice President Harris might be better positioned to secure the Democratic nomination and face Trump in the general election. While some Democrats still see a path to victory for the Biden campaign, others believe that the goal of defeating Trump should take precedence over supporting Biden. As one person working to elect Biden pondered, “The question for me, and a lot of us, is: Who is the best person to beat Donald Trump?”
Recent polls have concerned some Democrats, including an AARP survey showing Biden trailing in Wisconsin, previously considered his most robust battleground state.
Louisiana Prison Forced To Keep Inmates Safe By Federal Judge
Originally Published July 21, 2023.
A federal judge handed down a ruling to Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola that may change the way It treats the incarcerated population who work the prison’s Farm-Line. According to WAFB, a federal ruling, on July 3, ordered the facility to establish a “memorandum with proposed remedies” to keep inmates safe on the prison’s Farm-Line.
Ronald Marshall, Chief Policy Analyst at VOTE spoke on the conditions:
“Officers on horseback with shotguns monitor as men soaked in their own sweat toil day in and day out in fields without safety gear or fair wages often suffering near-death injuries and heat exhaustion,” Marshall said.“
I witnessed these stories play out daily, and every day, I prayed for the men to find the strength to endure. Today’s ruling marks a crucial step towards safeguarding those men.”
Check out BE’s coverage of Louisiana State Penitentiary’s facility and its treatment of youth inmates.
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According to a federal court filing, young inmates in a Louisiana prison are not only suffering through treacherous summer heat but reside in psychologically scarring isolation and have a lack of basic services such as clean water and schooling.
Advocates are requesting that the youth be moved to a facility in better condition and away from the prison the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, a former death row prison, the Associated Press reports.
The paperwork, filed in Baton Rouge, claims officials had not kept promises to place inmates in a constitutionally acceptable facility, which was supposed to happen in spring 2023. Now, advocates for the juveniles are requesting that an order to end the housing of juveniles at the Angola facility be placed and the young inmates moved.
“Defendants promised safe and sanitary conditions. Defendants broke that promise, locking children in barred cells with only a metal bed and metal toilet/sink, unclean faucets, and no drinkable water source, and allowing excessive heat in the housing areas to go unremediated during this hot summer in Louisiana,” the juvenile advocates stated.
Attorneys working with the American Civil Liberties Union and other inmate advocates supplied affidavits from three youths who are or have been housed at the facility. They spoke of foul water from unsanitary faucets in their jail cells and inedible food. One inmate accused a correctional officer of slamming him against the wall and stated that he was overcome by a chemical irritant that had drifted from another part of the jail when it was used on another prisoner.
There are claims that the heat is unbearable: temperatures in southeast Louisiana regularly went above 100 degrees and sometimes as high as 130 degrees.
A medical expert said the prolonged solitary confinement of the youths can cause a “significant risk of serious psychological harm.” Another expert said there are physical and psychological dangers of keeping them in un-airconditioned cells with unreliable fans.
“The youth at OJJ Angola Unit are at substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm due to their extensive and continued exposure to high temperatures and heat index during the summer months in Louisiana,” Dr. Susi Vassallo wrote.
In summer 2022, a lawsuit was filed questioning the ability to protect the juveniles and provide them with needed services at the prison.
“Given the fact that 83% of youth in OJJ’s secure care system are Black, it is statistically likely that Black youth will disproportionately suffer the brunt of the Governor’s transfer plan,” stated the attorneys in the lawsuit.
Celebrity stylist Kim Kimble discusses how to keep hair healthy and manageable this summer.
Originally Published July 29, 2015.
Everyone loves a little fun in the sun, but too much time spent under those summer rays without the proper haircare routine can leave your once beautiful beach hair in need of help.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with LA Hair star and celebrity stylist, Kim Kimble, to get her five tips for maintaining summer hair. She shares how you can keep your tresses manageable, stylish, and healthy in the warm weather.
Natural hair during the summer is a great choice
It’s low maintenance and it’s nice to give hair a break from the stress of chemical treatments, especially when it’s going to be taking on stress from the heat and sun.
Sunlight is not your friend
It’s not only damaging to skin, but to hair. Using hair products with SPF or wearing a hat or scarf when you are out in the sun is a must.
Rinse your hair both before and after swimming
If your hair is already wet, it is harder for chemicals, like chlorine, to latch on. And, of course, you want to wash out any chemicals or salt as soon as you can after swimming. If you do swim a lot, it might be worth it to invest in a shampoo designed to get rid of chlorine.
Protective styles work
Box braids or other protective styles, like buns or braided updos, can be a nice change of pace—especially when it gets really hot out.
If you feel like your hair is starting to feel dry or straw-like, indulge in a little extra TLC. Deep conditioning treatments–look for a product with silk amino acids–can help damaged hair. Hot oil treatments are great. (I love natural coconut oil.) It will also help if you can avoid blow-drying or using heat on the hair.
In a pivotal moment for Biden’s reelection campaign, the President addressed reporters at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., on July 11. After an eight-minute speech, reporters came out swinging with questions surrounding the growing list of Democrats pushing for Biden to step down. However, Biden fought to reassure Democratic voters that he was the man to vote for in November 2024. “I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once, and I will beat him again,” Biden said.
“I’ve gotta finish this job. I’ve gotta finish this job because there’s so much at stake.”
The President addressed vital foreign policy questions while celebrating NATO’s 75th anniversary, including his concerns about Ukraine and China’s rising threat to the U.S. However, his presidential responses were overshadowed by questions about mishaps that occurred earlier in the day.
During a scheduled event, Biden mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin before quickly correcting himself. At the start of the press conference, Biden made another noticeable flub by referring to former President Donald Trump as the Vice President after a reporter from Reuters asked if Vice President Kamala Harris had the ability “to beat Trump if she were at the top of the ticket.” “I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be vice president if I think [sic] she was not qualified to be president,” Biden mistakenly replied.
Joe Biden mistakenly calls Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump.”
He failed to correct himself and carried on with the next question.
Since Biden’s poor debate performance, concern for his health and mental capacity has heightened after reports of a meeting between expert neurologist Dr. Kevin Cannard and Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor. The President took the time to address the rumors, stating that he is in good health and has no problem taking a cognitive exam if needed. “If my neurologist tells me I need another exam…if they think it’s a problem, then I’ll do it,” he told reporters.
While Biden admitted to needing more time to “pace” himself, seemingly placing the blame on his team for running a tight schedule, he took some jabs at Trump, suggesting that while he is having back-to-back meetings, his GOP opponent is relaxing in Mar-A-Lago.
The goal of the press conference was to reignite faith within his party’s lawmakers and voters. Biden highlighted the fact that regardless of what he decided, someone would be disappointed.
“No matter what I did, no one is going to be satisfied,” he said. And just four minutes after Biden gave his final question response, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, according to CNBC, released a statement calling on Biden to exit the race. Rep. Scot Peters (D-Calif.) followed in his footsteps.
“The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course,” Peters said.
However, despite rumors of Harris being groomed to step up to the plate, the Vice President issued her continuous support of her boss on X. “Presiden @JoeBiden speaks from the heart, shows an unshakable resilience, and when he gets knocked down, he gets back up,” she wrote. “That is what winning looks like.”
Tessie Provost, One of The First Students To Attend A Desegregated School In New Orleans, Dies At 69
Provost was in the first grade when she enrolled in McDonough Elementary in 1960
Tessie Prevost, a pioneer in school desegregation, died over the weekend. She was 69 years old.
Prevost was one of the first Black girls to attend New Orleans public schools after federal courts forced schools to abide the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown vs. the Board of Education ruling that determined that segregation of schools was unconstitutional.
On Nov. 14, 1960, Prevost, Prevail Etienne, and Leona Tate enrolled in McDonogh 19 Elementary School. Federal marshals escorted the six-year-olds into the building while an angry white mob jeered at them. Prevost said she wasn’t afraid of her aggressors.
“My daddy told me in the car, he said, ‘Look straight ahead, take my hand, and I’m here.’ And I wasn’t afraid,” she told CBS News. “For some reason, I just wasn’t afraid. I felt protected with my daddy,” Prevost told the outlet.
White parents abruptly removed their children from the school, leaving the three girls to be the only students in the school. The children were under constant police guard, and their classroom windows were covered with brown paper. The students attended recess in the school’s gymnasium because it was too dangerous for them to play outside.
Prevost worked at the LSU School of Dentistry for over 20 years and made public appearances where she shared her experience while attending McDonough Elementary school. She also advocated for voting rights.
“On behalf of NOLA Public Schools and the Orleans Parish School Board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Tessie Prevost’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life,” NOLA Public School Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams said.
Her cause of death has not been released, but Prevost’s family told WSDU Newsthat her health had been declining for several months.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement honoring the trailblazer.
“Her passing is a profound loss, but her contributions will continue to resonate for generations. May she rest in God’s perfect peace.”
LGBTQ Organization The Trevor Project Appoints Jaymes Black As New CEO
Jaymes Black's personal story as a lesbian teen in the 1990s resonates with The Trevor Project's mission to support LGBTQ youth.
The Trevor Project, a prominent LGBTQ suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization, has appointed Jaymes Black as its new CEO.
Black, who uses all pronouns, makes history as the first Black and nonbinary leader of The Trevor Project, and the appointment comes at a critical juncture for LGBTQ youth, particularly transgender individuals, who face unprecedented challenges. The Trevor Project’s new CEO aims to shed light on the struggles of today’s LGBTQ youth as recent data from The Trevor Project paints a concerning picture. A 2022 poll conducted by Morning Consult revealed that 86% of trans and nonbinary youths reported negative mental health impacts from debates surrounding anti-trans legislation. Furthermore, The Trevor Project’s 2023 survey found that 41% of LGBTQ young people had seriously contemplated suicide in the previous year.
According to NBC News, Black’s personal journey resonates deeply with The Trevor Project’s mission. As a high school student in the 1990s, Black faced isolation after their relationship with a girlfriend became public knowledge. “What that led to is me dropping out of high school. It was too isolating, and I just didn’t feel like I could go on,” Black shared. Reflecting on current challenges, they added, “As bad as my story sounds, I can’t imagine what our youth are going through today.”
The Trevor Project’s new leadership comes amid a surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation. As of this month, state lawmakers have introduced 527 bills targeting LGBTQ individuals, surpassing last year’s total of 510, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. These bills often focus on restricting trans students’ rights and limiting LGBTQ-related discussions in schools.
Before joining The Trevor Project, Black served as CEO of Family Equality, an organization advocating for LGBTQ families. Their journey includes overcoming personal challenges, including moving to Dallas with their girlfriend at 21 and finding community in the local “gayborhood.” Black later married their wife, Cheralyn, in Canada, years before same-sex marriage became legal nationwide in the U.S.
Black’s career path led them from corporate America to nonprofit leadership, motivated in part by the discrimination they faced as a lesbian couple starting a family. The couple adopted twin boys in 2014 and later relocated to Washington, D.C., to escape anti-LGBTQ legislation in Texas. As the new CEO of The Trevor Project, Black is poised to leverage their experiences and leadership to address the pressing needs of LGBTQ youth.
