Maryland College, HBCU, Veterinarian School

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 21, 2024

The University Of Maryland Eastern Shore To Become 2nd HBCU To Have Veterinarian School

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is making strides in diversity, becoming the second HBCU to host a veterinarian program.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland, is set to become the second HBCU to have a veterinarian school. Classes are set to begin in 2026.

Not only will the school join Tuskegee University as the only HBCU in the nation to have the program, it will soon be part of the just over three dozen schools that grant the degree, as reported by USA Today on Feb. 20, granting more opportunities for aspiring Black veterinarians.

“We are hoping that our new school will open the door and create plenty of opportunities in an underserved field,” said Moses Kairo, the dean of agricultural and natural sciences at the university. “There are very few vet schools being established, so there’s room for growth. We feel our timing is just right.”

Black veterinarians only make up 1.2% of all professionals in the United States, according to a 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

“The bottom line is we need more veterinarians of all races, from all backgrounds,” said Stacy Pursell, CEO of the VET Recruiter. “It’s a much bigger picture than just race. There are very limited spots at veterinary schools, and they turn away more students than they can accept.”

The establishment of the school and its designated building will be part of the university’s $60 million fundraising campaign. The grand scale operation also happens to be the largest financial plan in the school’s history. A portion of the raised funds expected to go toward the construction of its veterinarian studies building as well as updates to its farm so that students can have access to hands-on practice.

The school anticipates hosting an accelerated 3-year program, with a year-round curriculum equal to the rigor met at other prestigious veterinary schools. According to its interim dean, Dr. Kimberly Braxton, the UMES is taking steps to ensure that future generations of Black veterinarians are prepared to overcome a shortage in a vital field.

“It’s a huge task,” said Braxton, “but a good task to have.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 21, 2024

2 Boys Arrested After Allegedly Beating 3-Year-Old Girl To Death

Tragedy struck two Louisiana families. Two adolescent boys allegedly assaulted two girls when the children were left unattended.

According to WBRZ, two cousins, 10 and 12 years of age, were arrested and charged with simple battery and second-degree murder. The charges come after emergency responders found three-year-old Blessing Buckles in critical condition on Monday, Feb. 12. Police officers stated that a child called 911 to report that Buckles wasn’t breathing. The caller was unaware of the home’s address and told the 911 operator that no adults were in the house.

Police canvased the area, knocking door to door to determine the children’s location. During the search, Blessing’s mother, Dineshia Yates, and Terica Scott arrived at the residence. The women informed police officers that they were returning from the casino. When emergency responders arrived, they found Blessing unresponsive and not breathing. They resuscitated the three-year-old and took her to the hospital, where she died two days later on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Both women were arrested for principal to battery and principal to second-degree murder.

Doctors stated that Blessing had a brain bleed, bruises, and abrasions to the face and body consistent with blunt force trauma. The 10-year-old and 12-year-old allegedly beat another four-year-old girl present at the time. Her injuries were similar to Blessing’s.

According to police filings, Scott and Yates left eight children, ranging from 11 months old to 12 years old, in the home when they departed to the casino. Yates told officers that she and her children had been staying with Scott for two weeks before the incident.

Although Yates and Scott knew that some of the children were being abusive toward the others, they did nothing to stop it and left the children unsupervised. Both women have had previous arrests.

Bonds for the women were set at $20,000 each.

Tim Scott and Byron Donalds On Shortlist Of Potential Trump Vice President Candidates

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 21, 2024

Tim Scott and Byron Donalds On Shortlist Of Potential Trump Vice President Candidates

Is he trying to fill a diversity quota?

Two Black GOP lawmakers made the list of potential running mates for Donald Trump.

During a Fox News town hall event, Trump announced Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) as potential Vice President candidates. That’s not where the list ends – failed presidential candidates like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are also being discussed. “Are they all on your shortlist,” host Laura Ingraham asked.

“They are,” Trump answered. “Honestly, all of those people are good. They’re all good. They’re all solid.”

Scott and Trump have formed quite the “bromance” since the South Carolina native dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump. He was even present at the town hall event, prompting Trump to shout him out for his candid support. “A lot of people are talking about that gentleman right over there. He’s been such a great advocate. I have to say this in a very positive way, Tim Scott, he has been much better for me than he was for himself,” Trump said, pointing to Scott in the audience.

“I watched his campaign, and he doesn’t like talking about himself. But boy, does he talk about Trump. I called him, and I said, ‘Tim, you’re better for me than you were for yourself.'”

https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1760108752982720517

Scott has been aggressively campaigning for his former boss ahead of the Feb. 24 South Carolina primary. He has openly dismissed Trump’s growing legal woes, claiming “the American people are more focused on their future than Donald Trump’s past.” “They’re not talking about legal challenges. They’re talking about their challenges across a kitchen table,” Scott told CBS. He’s hopeful of Trump regaining “order” if elected to office.

Outside of the Jan. 6th insurrection, Scott told a crowd of supporters that “four more years of Donald Trump means law and order in the streets of America.”

https://twitter.com/SwissWatchGuy/status/1757929954027659580

Contrary to Scott, Byron Donalds has no problem discussing Trump’s legal battles or performance in the courtroom. As an avid supporter, the GOP representative thinks Trump is “one of the [greatest] presidents this country has ever seen.” Describing himself as a “Trump-supporting, gun-owning, liberty-loving, pro-life, politically incorrect Black man,” Donalds commended how Trump has handled his cases, saying, “Your feelings aren’t allowed to go into the courtroom.”

Drake, voter, address, registration, 50 Cent, The Game, Houston

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 21, 2024

PUNKED: Scammer Registered R&B And Rap Heavyweights To Vote At Same Houston Address

The childish prank is being investigated by Houston authorities.

Drake, 50 Cent, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and The Game are among the celebrities registered to vote at the same Houston residence.

The Harris County Attorney’s Office is investigating a recent prank listing the five music stars as registered voters at the same residence in Houston’s Katy region. Whoever is behind the prank was able to use the artists’ real names and dates of birth to register them as Houston-based voters.

“Drake and 50 Cent obviously did not do these voter registrations, and whoever did- committed a crime,” the Harris County Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “Our communities take the right to vote seriously, and it shouldn’t be the subject of a prank.”

An investigation is looking into a loophole in federal voting allowing anyone to register. Authorities found that the person behind the prank registered the rappers on August 15, 2023, the same day Drake was busy performing a show in California as part of his nationwide tour.

None of the music stars voted in last year’s election, so no voter fraud was committed. However, while the rappers could be falsely registered, some residents said they’ve tried to register multiple times to no avail.

“These people are either committing high misdemeanors or felonies,” Randall Erben, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said of the prank. “This is not fooling around.”

According to state regulations, only a spouse, parent, or child serving as a representative is permitted to complete voter registration forms on behalf of someone. This implies that one individual is not legally authorized to submit the forms for all five celebrities.

Whoever is behind the false voter registration took part in a third-degree felony for submitting a false or forged voter application and acting as someone else’s agent is a Class A misdemeanor. The crime is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Call To Action: Black Americans Must Consider Estate Planning As A Means To Generational Wealth

by Jeffrey McKinney

February 21, 2024

Call To Action: Black Americans Must Consider Estate Planning As A Means To Generational Wealth

Black Americans are more inclined not to have estate planning documents in place compared to other racial groups.

Though estate planning is crucial, money experts contend it’s a tool often overlooked and not seen as a life-changing high priority.

Just 33% of African Americans have spoken to their parents about long-term care options and preferences provided they’re needed, based on new data supplied by life insurance and financial services giant Northwestern Mutual. Only 31% of the respondents stated their wishes on inheritance issues, wills, and other matters on future estate plans.

The data showed that the average Black American is convinced that preparing a will is best done around 43. However, many financial advisers urge starting as soon as you turn 18.

Much is at stake. Black Americans could fail to benefit from a $68 trillion transfer of wealth by 2047, partly due to insufficient estate planning. According to CNBC, over 70% of Black Americans do not have a will.

In general, estate planning is vital as it helps establish where an individual’s holdings, like homes, money, and other assets, go after death. The absence of one could have devastating financial implications because a person’s estate could lead to legal problems and cause family feuds. However, an estate plan, including a will or living trust, can help erase those disputes before or after death.

While progress has been made, the Black community still falls behind other demographics regarding estate planning, says Dexter Wyckoff, a managing director for Northwestern Mutual in Florida.

“I have found that many members of our community feel as though estate planning is only for the wealthy, and this myth also applies to the need to engage with a financial advisor.”

He explained Blacks need to be aware that estate planning can be affordable and is not only relevant when a loved one passes away. He declares both are misconceptions and are among the reasons why assets in the Black community tend to be passed “up” rather than down.” Consequently, when someone dies, Wyckoff says little to no assets are left for their children to inherit. “The only way to break this cycle is through a combination of financial planning and estate planning.”

A financial adviser, Wyckoff, also shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE through email the importance of estate planning and why it should be used to help strengthen your personal finance portfolio.

BE: What are some reasons why the Black community should engage in estate planning?

Wyckoff: One is asset protection, as estate planning helps safeguard accumulated wealth, shielding it from potential risks such as lawsuits, creditors, and other unforeseen financial challenges. It can enhance generational wealth. Creating a will and estate plan can help facilitate the transfer of assets to children and subsequent generations. With homeownership being a key component of building generational wealth, an estate plan can help ensure heirs assume homeownership without undue delays or additional costs such as legal probate issues.

Is there a specific time of the year most beneficial for estate planning?

Generally, financial professionals recommend beginning the estate planning process as soon as you become a legal adult, and it could be done year-round. Black History Month serves as a great reminder to engage with a financial professional and estate attorney to craft an estate plan that helps transfer wealth to future generations. If you already have estate planning documents in place, it’s encouraged to review and revisit those documents on a yearly basis, especially if you’ve had any major life changes, including marriages, divorces, births/deaths, and changes in your health.

What is the potential financial impact when people aren’t preparing an estate plan?

Not preparing your estate plan has the potential to impact several areas financially, including a lack of control over asset distribution. Without a will or trust, assets could fall under intestacy laws that determine their distribution according to state regulations. This can risk emotional turmoil due to potentially unplanned asset allocation and jeopardize the potential for heirs to receive assets crucial for building generational wealth. The absence of an estate plan may trigger the probate process for estates exceeding a certain value, a potentially time-consuming and expensive ordeal. Navigating probate without a well-crafted plan can diminish the estate’s overall value.

by Stacy Jackson

February 21, 2024

HIV/AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent, 39, Dies: ‘Use My Testimony As A Warning’

Doctors said she wouldn't live past five years old, but she defied the odds for over three decades and shared her HIV journey with the world.

Hydeia Broadbent, a trailblazing AIDS activist who defied the odds after being born HIV-positive, has died at 39.

Abandoned by her biological parents at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and adopted at six weeks old by Patricia and Loren Broadbent, doctors grimly predicted she would not survive past five years old. According to BlackDoctor.org, she refused to be defined by her diagnosis and went on to educate millions with her incredible story.

In 1996, the young advocate’s poised appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show made her an overnight household name as she bravely opened up about being “born in 1984 with HIV, and…addicted to crack and heroin.” Her adoptive parents only learned of the HIV diagnosis three years post-adoption, according to the outlet.

From that point on, Broadbent’s life work was fueled by advocacy through raising awareness. She globe-trotted to personally connect with people across cultures, armed with lessons on preventing high-risk behaviors that spread HIV/AIDS. As “one of the first African American youth to openly discuss HIV/AIDS,” media outlets consistently celebrated her influential voice. A feature on Oprah’s “Where Are They Now” sparked an overwhelming response from viewers. Her candor stemmed from a belief that being unafraid to share one’s truth could inspire change.

“People think since I was born HIV-positive, my story doesn’t apply to them,” she said. “I ask people to use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”

Broadbent’s powerful story moved the masses. Author and AIDS activist Rae Lewis-Thornton posted a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter, in remembrance of Broadbent, who became her good friend. “Rest my sister. Rest. Your legacy will live forever.”

https://twitter.com/raelt/status/1760178101235966347?s=46&t=EnI8LpkKUkdwbsuH0OtHUQ

Her story even touched celebrities like Magic Johnson. As a seven-year-old, she tearfully met the NBA legend, who had also been diagnosed as HIV-positive. “I want people to know…that we’re just normal people,” she stated then. The emotional scene was captured in a 1990s Nickelodeon special informing youth about AIDS. Years later, the footage resurfaced during a screening of the ESPN documentary, “The Announcement,” that Broadbent attended alongside Johnson.

In 2010, BLACK ENTERPRISE noted the young advocate’s message to youth that “having HIV affects your mind, body, and soul. It’s not a death sentence, but it does make things a whole lot more complicated.

Over her lifetime, Broadbent, who was dubbed “one of the most popular little AIDS activists in the country,” was honored by countless organizations, spotlighted in several magazines, and tapped to speak across the world.

by Lauren Nutall

February 21, 2024

‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Is A Money-Earning Box Office Hit

The film's release has shattered records in Jamaica.

Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love exceeded box office expectations during its debut weekend in the United States and internationally.

The biopic starring Kingsley Ben-Adir drew $52 million between Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day domestically, surpassing its estimated $51 million revenue on Sunday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This doesn’t include the additional $29 million the film garnered globally, setting a new record for a musical biopic opening in the UK and France and becoming the biggest film opening in Marley’s native Jamaica ever. Overall, the film achieved nearly double what was expected during its weekend opening, all with a total budget of $70 million, an admirable feat on par with earlier biopics such as Rocketman and Elvis.

The late musician’s son, Ziggy Marley, celebrated the film’s accomplishments on Instagram. “The #bobmarleymovie that carries a message even in it’s very title is number 1,” the 55-year-old boasted. “How blessed it is that One Love is at the forefront in this time. How blessed that a film is also spreading a consciousness around the world. Like @bobmarley music so is @onelovemovie. Thanks to all the fans, friends and families who made this possible. JAH Live.”

Marley’s widow, Rita Marley, also applauded the film’s success. “Give thanks to the people 🙏🏾 for helping to spread the message of #ONELOVE,” she shared on Instagram. “The UPrising tide elevate all boats in its waters. #bobmarley @onelovemovie.” Both Rita and Ziggy Marley were producers of the film, alongside his daughter, Cedella Marley.

The motion picture depicts the late Rastafarian singer and his band, the Wailers, as they attempt to use music as a bridge between political ideologies to promote peace. As he survives an assassination attempt, copes with his deteriorating health as a result of a rare skin cancer, and struggles to navigate his duties as a father and husband, Marley grapples with his role as one of Jamaica’s most popular musical acts ever.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 21, 2024

LeBron Speaks On Ending Legacy With The Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James speaks on his intentions to end career with the Los Angeles Lakers, yet isn't detailing exactly when that will be.

The end is near for LeBron James and his current place in the NBA. The 39-year-old spoke ahead of his 20th appearance at the NBA All-Star game on Feb. 18 to state his hopes to remain part of the Los Angeles Lakers until he retires.

According to ESPN, LeBron spoke to reporters about where he stands in regards to his longstanding career, especially as he nears the oldest age one has ever played in the professional sports league, a record currently held by Vince Carter. Carter was 43 when he officially left the game after the 2019-2020 season. As for LeBron, he intends to stay a Laker as he is “very happy” with the organization and his accomplishments with the team. He helped earn them a 17th national title, his fifth, back in 2020.

“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” expressed James.

“But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”

However, even the 6-foot-9, 240-lb. athlete cannot escape the symptoms of getting older, noting how health remains his and the Los Angeles team’s top priority as the playoffs near.

“Trying to get my ankle as strong and as back to where I feel confident that I can finish off this last third of the season,” James said. “I won’t be playing the entire game tonight, for sure. I can get out there and run around with the young guys for a little bit and then shut it down at some point to give my body, and my ankle more importantly, another opportunity to rest…The most important thing for me is definitely my health, where I’m at right now, where our team is leaning.”

How LeBron’s last season in the sport that made him a household name will go, however, remains up in the air. During the conference, the father of three recalled the question of whether he will take a “farewell tour” for his final year in the NBA.

“I’m 50-50, I’m going to be honest, because there’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be. That seems cool.”

Fortunately for the fans of King James and the Lakers, neither he nor his legacy are stopping anytime soon, also mentioning his intentions to go for gold again with Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. His son Bronny, a freshman playing for USC, may also “go pro” following his first year as well.

For right now, LeBron is all about staying healthy and making it to the playoffs for another attempt at a sixth championship ring.

alabama, am, educator, black, male, Lorenz Tate

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 21, 2024

Larenz Tate Joins Alabama A&M’s M.A.L.E. Initiative Week To Empower Black Male Educators

Actor Larenz Tate is taking part in Alabama A&M University's M.A.L.E. Education Initiative aimed at mentoring the next generation of Black male educators and community leaders.

Actor Larenz Tate is taking part in Alabama A&M University’s M.A.L.E. Education Initiative aimed at mentoring the next generation of Black male educators and community leaders.

The Love Jones star was present at the famed HBCU on Tuesday, February 20, for a panel discussion aimed at inspiring the young men of Alabama A&M who have hopes of bridging the gap among Black male educators.

“Larenz Tate, we are very happy to have him here with us to speak to our Kings because he is one. He has had a very successful career and I hope that he is able to inspire our young men,” Jessica Brown, Alabama A&M Leadership Development director told News 19.

Tate’s involvement in the M.A.L.E. initiative is part of the school’s mentorship program, launched in 2017. This year, M.A.L.E. expanded to include a week of events titled “Kings on the Hill,” which feature workshops, worship services, and athletic competitions.

With a goal of combatting Alabama’s achievement gap among Black male educators, Alabama A&M University hopes to improve data that shows black male teachers only make up 4% of the state’s workforce.

“We need our young men to be in the classroom and teaching our younger students what they can aspire to be,” Brown said.

Mckelton Johnson, a native of the Bahamas and a junior at Alabama A&M, has hopes of becoming the prime minister of his country. The M.A.L.E. initiative is helping to set him on a path to accomplishing his career goals.

“I don’t like to just talk about it. I want to go ahead and do the work and so, I see the Prime Minister position as one way to go ahead and do the work,” Johnson said.

Johnson, along with senior business major and aspiring entrepreneur Jakobie Forrest, hosts a weekly program called “Man to Gentleman” that offers advice to younger students. The two are also leaders in the Alabama A&M M.A.L.E. Education Initiative.

“In order for us to inspire the next generation of leaders, inspire the next generation of men, husbands, and fathers in the community, we have to make the sacrifice and take time out,” Johnson said.

The M.A.L.E. Education Initiative runs for six consecutive days and ends on Friday.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 21, 2024

Is This Illinois Mayor Channeling Nino Brown To Gain Support For Her Campaign?

Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard is accused of taking a "New Jack City" approach to getting her way in the city, critics say.

Dolton, Illinois, Mayor Tiffany Henyard is accused of taking a Nino Brown of New Jack City approach to getting her way in the city, critics say.

Henyard is being called out by her constituents for the Nino Brown persona she allegedly takes on at board meetings, The New York Post reported. According to sources, Henyard has dressed like the drug kingpin from the 1991 gangster film while having a DJ blast Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money” to get her point across.

Walking around the room in her Nino Brown attire, Henyard reportedly dragged a stuffed dog to reenact a scene from the Wesley Snipes-led cult classic film. She’s accused of using Dolton city funds for lavish personal use and using local law enforcement to strong-arm her opposition.

Exactly who are Henyard’s enemies? Local business owners allegedly refuse to fund her campaign. Lawrence Gardner, 57, claims he was forced to shut down his trucking business after refusing to renew a $3,500 contribution to Henyard’s administration.

He claims that after making his first donation, the mayor’s team members proceeded to hound him for more money each year and when he refused, he was accused of illegally selling alcohol and had his license revoked.

“What is she, Nino Brown?” Garner said. “Anything she wants done, she gets them to harass you. She likes nobody. If you are not doing what she say, if you are not doing how she’s saying to do it, you are a problem. She don’t like them.”

The former burger joint owner turned politician is accused of working with Village of Dolton Police Chief, Lewis Lacey, to allegedly extort small business owners into making annual payments or risk having their companies shut down. Village of Dolton Trustee Kiana Belcher claims Dolton Police Chief, Robert Collins, admitted to targeting locals on Henyard’s behalf.

“People look at politics like a joke, it’s like a mockery right now because of all this stuff,” Belcher said. “She comes to board meetings dressed like Nino Brown.”

Henyard is also accused of using city funds to hire $1 million worth of security, among other personal expenditures, like a $2 million ice rink that’s only open when she hosts events. Locals are now expressing regret for voting her into office.

“It was a vote that I regret,” voter Sherry Britton said. “Please put that in there! It was a vote that I regret deeply,” she added. “When she got into office, she just shut everyone out and she went into the opposite direction. She became this tyrant and dictator.”

It’s speculated that Henyard has her sites set on reality television and might even be filming a show as she always has cameras recording her.

“It seems like her aspirations and goals are for her to be a reality star,” Britton said. “She didn’t [previously] wear all that makeup. She just now thinks she’s this reality star. I don’t know this for sure, but they say she is filming a reality show, because the cameras are always with her.”