WATCH LIVE OCT 17TH @ 10:00 AM EST ON BLACKENTERPRISE.COM, FACEBOOK, X OR LINKEDIN
Our special townhall session will focus on how HBCUs and Corporate
America can collaborate on the best ways to position African American
students to take advantage of educational and career opportunities to
succeed in today’s rapidly changing workforce. We will explore the
following:
▪ Corporate recruitment and retention of HBCU graduates
▪ Impact of the increased flow of students attending HBCUs
▪ Challenges of college affordability
▪ Corporate investments in internships and job training
▪ Advanced technology and AI revolutionizing industries
SPEAKERS
AGENDA
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Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for The New York Times
Kamala Harris Joins ‘All The Smoke’ Podcast For Interview With NBA Champions
The former District Attorney for San Francisco also touched on local politics in the Bay Area.
Kamala Harris continues her campaign trail through an in-depth conversation with two NBA champions.
The Democratic nominee invited the All the Smoke Podcast to her home in Washington, D.C., for an exclusive interview. Hosted by Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the conversation ranged from civil rights, the economy, and professional sports leaving Oakland.
The episode, released on Sept. 30, revealed more of Harris’ insights on HBCUs, social justice, and interpersonal relationships. On the progress of civil rights, Harris shared her belief that everyone should be involved. She urged voters not to take “any of our rights for granted.”
“I strongly believe we have to always be vigilant, meaning, whatever gains we’ve made will not be permanent unless we stay on it,” she explained in the podcast. “You can’t take any of our rights for granted, and that’s about voting, being involved in community organizations, about having those conversations when everybody gets together… Don’t sit back and get comfortable, like, ‘Oh, that’s done.’ … And don’t complain about it. If you have a house, you have to keep it up… [It’s about] maintenance.”
Barnes and Jackson started All The Smoke in 2019. The podcast goes beyond sports. With no topics off limits, the duo engages in critical conversations with high-profile public figures, with one of its most prominent ones officially joining its guest roster.
The politician then ventured into policy. Harris detailed her economic plan, focusing on rebuilding the middle class and supporting small businesses.
“My vision overall is we need to build an opportunity economy,” she stated. “A lot of my work, even in the Senate, was about increasing access to capital through our small businesses and, in particular, through our community banks. So, I’ve been responsible for billions of dollars more now going into our community banks…”
She continued, “My plan is to give small businesses, startups, a tax deduction of $50,000. Right now, the tax deduction is $5,000… We have to make sure that we have high employment, but also that we create opportunities for people to build wealth.”
The former District Attorney for San Francisco also touched on local politics in the Bay Area. On the topic of major sports teams leaving Oakland, Harris shared that it “breaks [her] heart.”
“Oh, it breaks my heart,” expressed the ex-California senator. “We used to have all of them…. And you just drive by that area when I go to Oakland, and if you land at Oakland Airport and pass the Coliseum, it breaks my heart…. It was part of the economic engine of Oakland, the vendors, local folks, small businesses.”
The almost 50-minute conversation picks Harris’ brain on various topics, offering its listeners a deeper take on her thoughts for the future of America.
Basketball Legend Dikembe Mutombo Dies Of Brain Cancer At 58
'Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. 'On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA.'
Former NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo has died after a bout with brain cancer, the league announced on Monday, September 30. The defensive standout was 58 years old. The popular center played for 18 years in the league for several teams, most notably the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a written statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Mutombo, born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was also the league’s first global ambassador.
“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.”
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
The center, who was known for his fierce shot-blocking abilities and the waving of his long index finger toward opponents when he swatted their shots, was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. He pursued treatment in Atlanta.
He played his collegiate career at Georgetown University, which also birthed basketball stars like Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Allen Iverson. Mutombo, Ewing, and Mourning, three of the best centers to play in the NBA in the 1990s, were tutored by the late John Thompson, the university’s revered longtime head coach.
Mutombo is one of only three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert, who just won his fourth one this past season, and fellow NBA Hall of Famer Ben Wallace are the other two.
The 7-foot-2 center retired after the 2008-09 season. Mutombo was selected to the NBA All-Star Game eight times and was a three-time All-NBA pick. He averaged 9.8 points and pulled down 10.3 rebounds per game. He made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The African native spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997. He spent his remaining days involved in charitable and humanitarian causes.
Detroit Man Arrested, Charged With Killing Missing Teenager Na’Ziyah Harris
Jarvis Butts, 41, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and child sexually abusive activity.
An arrest has been made in connection to a teenage girl from Detroit who went missing in January. Jarvis Butts, 41, has been charged with the killing of 13-year-old Na’Ziyah Harris by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, The Detroit News reports. Authorities also say that Butts impregnated Harris.
Butts, who lives in Detroit, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and child sexually abusive activity. He faces the possibility of life in prison.
CHARGED ⚖️ Following an investigation by the Detroit Police Department (DPD), the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Jarvis Ramon Butts, 41, of Detroit with the homicide of Na’Ziyah Harris, (cont.) pic.twitter.com/qMR5cpe5Iy
Prosecutors are also charging Butts with the sexual assaults of two other girls: Four counts of sexual assault of a woman who is currently 20 years old but was underaged when he allegedly assaulted her between 2012 and 2014, and sexual assault of a girl who is now 13 years old from 2015 to 2017.
Harris, a seventh grader at the J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, got off a school bus January 9 but never returned home. Her body has yet to be found. Butts, who had children with the victim’s aunt, met up with Butts, text messages revealed. The meeting took place that day after school at Butts’ auto repair shop in Detroit.
Harris and Butts were seen together by several people who were close to Butts, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a press conference on Sept. 26.
Butts, a coworker, and Harris went to Ypsilanti in the coworker’s car and then returned to the auto shop, according to the prosecutor’s office. Later that night, Butts checked into a hotel at 9:30 p.m. by himself. He was seen on Jan. 10 in the Rouge River area in Detroit. The clothes Harris had on were found in that area, according to prosecutors.
Butts exploited, molested, and sexually abused Harris, who was pregnant with his child at the time that she died, according to Worthy. In September 2022, Butts allegedly sent her sexually explicit texts while she sent him sexual photos of herself. She texted him in September 2023 that she did not have her period. Butts allegedly knew of her pregnancy in November 2023.
“The evidence in this case will clearly show that the defendant’s alleged actions were beyond predatory. They were vulturous—he groomed and preyed upon Na’Ziyah with expertise. We will prove that he killed young Na’Ziyah after he found out she was pregnant at 13 with his child,” Worthy said in a written statement.
US Navy Lawyers Argue In Favor Of Affirmative Action In Civil Trial
According to the attorneys, race sometimes comes into play during the admissions process for the Naval Academy, but it is one among numerous factors that determine admission into the United States Naval Academy and its consideration in the admissions process is often limited.
According to The Associated Press, the same party responsible for the case in which the Supreme Court’s conservative judges ruled that affirmative action was unconstitutional is responsible for this civil case against the United States Naval Academy.
Although the case brought by Students for Fair Admissions in 2023 resulted in the end of affirmative action on college campuses and a subsequent tidal wave of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from several actors, including conservative governors and legislative bodies, the military service academies were left exempt from that ruling.
Conservative activist Edward Blum’s group, Students for Fair Admissions, eventually sued the United States Naval Academy, based in Annapolis, Maryland, in a bid to change that exemption from the affirmative action ruling.
However, Solicitor General Elizabeth Pelogar warned the Supreme Court in a brief that “a lack of diversity in leadership can jeopardize the Army’s ability to win wars.”
Prelogar continued, “Plagued by accusations that white officers were using minority service members as ‘cannon fodder,’ the Army confronted racial violence that ‘extended from fire bases in Vietnam to army posts within the United States to installations in West Germany, Korea, Thailand, and Okinawa.’”
A bench trial for Blum’s group’s lawsuit is currently underway. It is overseen by Judge Richard Bennett, a federal judge in Baltimore’s federal court system who was appointed by George W. Bush. Bennett also served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and Maryland’s National Guard.
Lt. Col. Dakota Wood, a white man who is a retired Marine Corps officer and a 1985 graduate of the Naval Academy, argued that racial and ethnic diversity is irrelevant when creating a cohesive fighting force.
Meanwhile, Capt. Jason Birch, a Black former Navy SEAL commander who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1999, said that his experiences as a Black officer illustrate the importance of having Black people in leadership positions in the military.
One of those reasons, Birch argued, is that diversity is a hallmark of core American values. Birch also recounted instances where he was subjected to racist behavior from white colleagues and contrasted those with experiences abroad where his race earned respect from various foreign leaders.
In court documents, attorneys for the United States Naval Academy spoke to the strife that came with a less diverse military. “For decades, senior military leaders have concluded that the fighting force is stronger when it is racially and otherwise diverse at all levels. The Armed Forces learned this lesson the hard way.”
The lawyers continued, arguing that America’s military has had to deal with “internal racial strife that has risked mission readiness since its inception,” arguing that although significant progress has been made, it remains vitally important to have a military that tries to reflect the demographics of the country because that helps reduce internal conflicts.
According to the attorneys, race sometimes comes into play during the admissions process for the Naval Academy, but it is one among numerous factors that determine admission into the United States Naval Academy, and its consideration in the admissions process is often limited. Despite these arguments, attorneys for Blum’s group argued that merit and achievement alone should be enough for the United States Naval Academy.
“For most of its history, the Academy has evaluated midshipmen based on merit and achievement,” attorneys for Students for Fair Admissions wrote in court documents. “For good reasons: America’s enemies do not fight differently based on the race of the commanding officer opposing them, sailors must follow orders without regard to the skin color of those giving them, and battlefield realities apply equally to all sailors regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin.”
It should be noted that the strategies submitted by Blum’s group all have the potential for increasing the representation of whites in the Naval Academy but decreasing the representation of other groups. Their attorneys advocated for focusing on the socioeconomic status of potential Naval Academy students, noting that they believed it would produce similar results.
However, like Prelogar, Beth Bailey, a professor of history at the University of Kansas, said that the lack of Black soldiers in leadership roles during the Vietnam War severely jeopardized the country’s war effort, and Bailey likened it to a missing weapon of war.
According to the AP, the bench trial is expected to conclude by Oct. 4, and no matter who wins, the verdict will almost certainly be appealed.
Black Pastor Arrested While Watering Neighbor’s Flowers Prevails As Court Rules Officers Lacked Probable Cause
The arrest of Michael Jennings in Childersburg, Alabama, failed to meet the legal standards for qualified immunity.
A three-judge panel on Alabama’s 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Sept. 27 that the arrest of Michael Jennings, a Black pastor in Childersburg, Alabama, made by three officers did not meet the legal requirements for being protected by qualified immunity.
According to The Associated Press, Jennings was arrested by the trio in May 2022 after his neighbor reported him to the police as he watered the garden of a friend while the friend was out of town.
The officers allegedly arrested Jennings because he didn’t show them an ID, but body cam footage captured the man repeatedly telling the officers that he was Pastor Jennings and lived across the street from the residence.
According to Jennings’ lawyers, it was impossible for the officers who arrested Jennings to establish any probable cause because they arrested him within five minutes of arriving on the scene.
Harry Daniels, Jennings’ lead lawyer, told the AP that the decision is a win for his client and the justice system in general.
“This is a win for Pastor Jennings and a win for justice. The video speaks for itself,” Daniels said. “Finally, Pastor Jennings will have his day in court and prove that wearing a badge does not give you the right to break the law.”
In December 2023, Chief District Judge R. David Proctor dismissed Jennings’ case against the three officers, citing qualified immunity. However, the ruling from the appeals court clarified that although an officer has the right to request a name, address, and an explanation from a person they reasonably suspect is committing or will commit a crime, they do not have the right to demand a physical ID.
Jennings had been initially charged with obstructing government operations, but the police chief dismissed that charge within a few days.
A few months later, Jennings filed a lawsuit, alleging that the incident violated his constitutional rights and caused other problems, including emotional distress and anxiety.
According to Daniels, the case has the potential to impact other cases involving the police and the violation of the civil rights of Alabama’s citizens in the state.
“This has major implications for anyone who has been subjected to unlawful arrest because they wouldn’t give their ID,” Daniels said.
(L-R) Candace Parker Photo: Getty/Kelly Balch, Kamala Harris Photo: The White House/flickr, Magic Johnson Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
‘Athletes For Harris’: Magic Johnson, Candace Parker, Billie Jean King Among Sports Stars Campaigning For Kamala Harris
The initiative will mobilize athletes and coaches to vote, while also inspiring other players to do so.
Kamala Harris has a new cohort campaigning on her behalf. Her campaign announced the launch of “Athletes For Harris,” as sports legends join the cause.
The initiative will mobilize athletes and coaches to vote. while also inspiring other players to do so. Specifically, the movement will target Gen-Zers and young men, as written in a statement obtained by USA Today.
“Athletes are among the most trusted voices for key voting blocs, especially young men, making them uniquely qualified campaigners for Vice President Harris and Governor (Tim) Walz’s campaign,” read the statement. “Sporting events and games are also key moments that draw in large and politically diverse audiences, audiences that are increasing their reach with Gen Z and younger men.”
Alongside the news, multiple all-star athletes announced their support as co-chairs of the endeavor. These athletes range from a multiple sports, including tennis legend Billie Jean King, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, and Philadelphia Eagles lineman Thomas Booker. Other co-chairs include WNBA champion Candace Parker, long-time NBA coach Doc Rivers, as well as NBA all-star Chris Paul.
“I have known Vice President Harris for over 25 years, and you can count on her to deliver on what she says she is going to do,” Johnson said in a statement. “She’ll be a President for all people, no matter the race, language, sexual orientation, or party line. She showed all of us — and showed the world — that she was ready to be President, how smart she is, and her plan for the country in that debate. We are not going backwards; we are moving forward.”
Many consider the push to take action began with the “Win With Black Women” virtual fundraiser. After Harris announced her candidacy in July, thousands of Black women banded together, raising over $1M for her historic campaign. Its success led to other groups creating calls, such as white women and Black men, to fundraise for Harris.
Now, professional athletes across the country are following the trend to get Harris elected. Their support will accompany a media blitz by the Democratic campaign, which includes outreach to fans at major sporting events.
Johnson added, “For all of the athletes out there, don’t be afraid to use your platforms — we need all of you to get involved. Share this with your friends that Vice President Harris has an agenda that will move the country forward. The Magic Man is on board.”
BLACK HEALTH MATTERS—PROSTATE CANCER IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND THE ROLE OF CLINICAL TRIALS
According to Euvon Jones, his journey with prostate cancer is “not a testimony you usually hear.”
For starters, Jones is African American and Black men not only experience a disproportionately high incidence of prostate cancer,[1] but are more than twice as likely to die from the disease than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.[2] Furthermore, age plays a significant role in prognosis, and Jones was 59 years old at the time of his diagnosis fifteen years ago.
photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Hancock) The National Guard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia causing massive damage as 90 people were killed.
The devastation of Hurricane Helene, as inclement weather tore through the southeast, claimed at least 90 lives.
According to Reuters, Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia, causing massive damage as 90 people were killed and destruction was left along its path. Millions were left without power, and roads were left in ruins after the hurricane flooded some towns. Local officials anticipate that the death total will grow.
According to some insurers, the estimated damages from the hurricane that ravaged the region over the past several days may range from between $15 billion and more than $100 billion. The weather drastically affected all manner of living, including knocking out cellphone towers and causing rippling effects throughout the water systems, communications, and critical transportation routes.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden plans to visit the areas affected by the hurricane this week once it is clear that he can do so without disrupting emergency services.
Referring to the tragedy and mayhem left behind, the president told reporters, “It’s tragic. You saw the photographs. It’s stunning.”
Both presidential candidates, Vice President Kamal Harris and former President Donald Trump will also stop in the region. Both the Democratic and Republican candidates will receive briefings on the particulars.
A U.S. Energy Department official stated that approximately 2.7 million customers throughout the South were without power on Sept. 29, down 40% from Sept. 27.
South Carolina reported that 25 people had died, while Georgia stated 17 people were found dead, and Florida reported 11 deaths, according to the governors of those states. Sheriff Quentin Miller from North Carolina told reporters that 30 people died, and most of the victims lived in Buncombe County.
Hurricane Helene impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast on Sept. 26 before making its way up the coast, affecting six states.
