by Ashlei Stevens

February 3, 2024

Virginia Union Received $40M Investment, Its Largest Gift Ever In 159-Year History

Virginia Union is the first recipient of a partnership between impact investment firm The Steinbridge Group, led by Tawan Davis, and the Student Freedom Initiative, a not-for-profit founded by Black billionaire Robert F. Smith.

Virginia Union University has received a roughly $40 million capital investment from The Steinbridge Group, marking the largest gift in the historically Black university’s 159-year history. The money will be used to develop 100 acres of the university’s underutilized land for attainable commercial and residential uses.

Virginia Union is the first partner recipient to be announced from a collaboration between impact investment firm The Steinbridge Group, led by CEO and founder Tawan Davis, and the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a not-for-profit founded by Black billionaire Robert F. Smith, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. Steinbridge provided $100 million in capital investment. At the same time, SFI was announced last week as the collaborating organization to help source the recipient of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The effort will expand investments into developing impact-focused real estate around these institutions, creating affordable housing options for working families, including professors and area professionals.

“Virginia Union is going places we have never been before because students and the community have high expectations of this institution,” Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of Virginia Union, said in a statement. “The Steinbridge investment will enable Virginia Union to create new sources of income, which will further strengthen our ability to create opportunities for students and the community.”

SFI President and CEO Dr. Mark Brown noted Richmond’s 44% Black population. Yet, due to increasing property values and tax assessments, “these community members face growing barriers, and many have been forced to sell their homes in areas they have long lived and worked. As the city faces a 35,000-unit housing shortage, this partnership will help many in the community find stability and will help to grow economic potential for the entire region,” Dr. Brown said.

Davis said downtown Richmond has simultaneously seen a growth spurt driven by people moving into the region and moving close to nearby Virgnia Commonwealth University. However, many HBCUs don’t have the full capacity to catalyze available land into “economically-productive uses for the university,” so his firm is partnering to achieve this.

“America is chronically underhoused and HBCU institutions are chronically underfunded,” Davis, 44, told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “So, our view is that instead of it being just a ‘problem,’ it actually creates an opportunity for us to put together private capital to address it and create a return that is impactful financially—both for the university and for private investors—and invite those investors to continue to expand their private capital commitment to the institutions as they will.”

In announcing the initial details of the partnership, Steinbridge says it will include a development on Richmond’s North Side, designed by Richmond-based KEi Architects, to include 130 to 200 residential homes on university-owned parcels. Martin Architectural Group will provide design support. As part of the initiative, Steinbridge and Virginia Union will collaborate to help graduates become homeowners, building wealth in communities at risk of displacement due to the impacts of gentrification in transitioning neighborhoods.

“As the oldest African-American-owned, continuously run nonprofit, and as an anchor institution for Northside Richmond,” Dr. Lucas said of Virginia Union, which now has record-breaking enrollment, surpassing 2,000 students. “We have a historic responsibility to drive the economic community development of this side of town.”

Impact real-estate benefits to university “are massive,” Davis says, noting Virginia Union will be able to quadruple or quintuple the value of the land throughout the investment versus selling the land outright. Davis said the investment will also increase this HBCU’s endowment, anywhere from 13% to 18%.

by Daniel Johnson

February 3, 2024

Joe Madison, Radio Personality And Civil Rights Activist, Dies At 74

Madison was a key figure in helping to fundraise for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Joe Madison, the longtime radio host and influential civil rights activist, died following a battle with prostate cancer at 74. As NBC Washington reported, no cause of death has been announced, but Madison did take a leave of absence from his radio show in December 2023 to address health concerns.

Madison, who was known as “The Black Eagle,” was involved in the civil rights movement before he went to the airwaves, often posing the question “What are you gonna do about it?” to his listeners. Madison is remembered as one of those who served as a voice for the voiceless, as Kojo Nnamdi from WAMU told NBC Washington: “He comes from a tradition of activism, and he understands that change only occurs when people take part in some form of movement or some form of struggle.”

Nnamdi continued, “The passion is what characterized Joe Madison’s entire career. This is a man who went on hunger strikes in support of causes he was invested in. When you listened to Joe Madison, you picked up that passion yourself.”

Madison began as a leader in the Detroit branch of the NAACP, becoming the youngest person to lead a chapter at just 24 years old. He later served as the NAACP’s national politics director and on its national board. As Dayton Daily News reports, Madison began his career in radio in 1980 after spearheading a series of voter registration marches, which also gathered signatures for an anti-apartheid bill in Congress. Madison started off at WZYX in Detroit before eventually moving to WWDB in Philadelphia and WOL and WWRC in Washington, D.C. It was his work at WOL that would lead to a syndicated program on the Radio One Talk Network and its associated XM satellite channel, which would merge with Sirius and become SiriusXM in 2008.

Madison was a key figure in helping to fundraise for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, raising over $250,000 for the museum during a Guinness Book of World Records record-breaking 52-hour marathon radio session. Five months later, Madison would broadcast from Cuba, becoming the first American radio host to broadcast from the country in more than 50 years.

Joe Madison led an incredible, impactful life. He was also an invaluable member of the SiriusXM family and a treasured colleague and friend. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Sherry, along with his entire family, his devoted listeners, and the countless people he inspired… pic.twitter.com/ChSPn0iOoR
— SiriusXM (@SIRIUSXM) February 2, 2024

Joe Madison was the voice of a generation.

Whether it was a hunger strike for voting rights or his advocacy for anti-lynching legislation that I was proud to sign in 2022, Joe fought hard against injustice.

Jill’s and my thoughts are with his wife, Sherry, and entire family.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 2, 2024

In 2021, Madison went on a hunger strike to bring attention to the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act. At the time, no one knew he was also dealing with prostate cancer while he was doing it, and when asked about it, Madison, ever the activist, replied, “I am willing to die.” For his efforts in assisting to get the act passed, Madison was recognized by then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in her speech commemorating the act.

SiriusXM released a statement shortly after Madison’s death was confirmed, also posting it to Twitter/X. “Joe Madison led an incredible, impactful life,” wrote SiriusXM. “He was also an invaluable member of the SiriusXM family and a treasured colleague and friend. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Sherry, along with his entire family, his devoted listeners, and the countless people he inspired with his determination to make the world a better place.”

Joe Madison is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Sharon; four children; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

by Rafael Pena

February 3, 2024

Houston Authorities Investigate Alleged Scam: Man Accused Of Posing As Funeral Director And Exploiting Grieving Families

Authorities are investigating a case involving a 26-year-old man, Javian Major, accused of exploiting grieving families by posing as a funeral home director.

Law & Crime reports, Houston authorities are investigating a case involving a 26-year-old man, Javian Major, accused of exploiting grieving families by posing as a funeral home director and embezzling life insurance payouts meant for the deceased’s loved ones. Major, currently facing a forgery charge, allegedly deceived families during their most vulnerable moments, leaving over 50 victims in his wake.

“This is a case that absolutely turned my stomach because you’re dealing with people at the most vulnerable time of their lives after they lost somebody that they loved and cared for,” remarked Alan Rosen, Harris County Constable for Precinct 1, during a press conference.

The alleged scam involved Major reaching out to victims through social media or mutual connections, masquerading as a licensed funeral director. Promising to manage funeral arrangements, Major failed to fulfill his commitments, exploiting the trust of grieving families.

Detectives from Harris County Constable Precinct 1 initiated an investigation after the Texas Funeral Service Commission reported forgeries to life insurance policies in May 2023. One notable case involved Deidre Greenleaf, who passed away in Louisiana. Major, claiming to be a relative, accepted payment to transport Greenleaf’s body to Houston. However, he allegedly forged signatures, causing delays and distress for the family.

During the press conference, Ernest A’akquanakhann, Greenleaf’s brother, disclosed that Major had forged signatures to access insurance funds. While Major was charged in the Greenleaf case, several other victims shared harrowing experiences.

One woman recounted paying Major to embalm her deceased son, only to discover the shocking state of his body during a late-night viewing at a church in a questionable neighborhood. Major’s deceit became evident as he falsely claimed the church always had a foul smell. “The smell just hit us,” the grieving mother said, describing the distressing encounter.

In a significant development, authorities also arrested 38-year-old Sandy Broussard, who allegedly collaborated with Major in the fraud scheme. Broussard faces a theft charge and was taken into custody along with Major. Both individuals posted bonds of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Jamaica, travel, violent crimes, Jamaican restaurant

by Jameelah Mullen

February 3, 2024

U.S. Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory For Jamaica

The Department of State is urging Americans to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica.

The U.S. government has issued a level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica amid a rise in violent crimes.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” warned the alert, which was issued on Jan. 24.

A Level 3 advisory, as categorized by the State Department’s ranking system, signals a heightened risk and advises individuals to reassess their travel plans entirely.

The island has seen 65 murders in January 2023—the second highest in the world according to the World Population Review. The advisory also stated that victims may face obstacles when they do report a crime to authorities.

“Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.“

Antony Anderson, police commissioner for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, told NBC News that the force is taking measures to increase security by hiring more police officers. Jamaican officials also pointed out that homicide rates have decreased nearly 20% since January 2023.

This is the second travel warning for a Caribbean island in days. The U.S. Embassy issued a level 2 warning for The Bahamas. This is in response to an uptick in homicides on the island. The U.S. Embassy cites “retaliatory gang violence” as the reason for most of the murders. They also stated that most of the violence is happening on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. They warn travelers to be aware of their surroundings and to use extra caution when staying at properties that don’t have security.

If you plan to travel to Jamaica or the Bahamas, the State Department advises Americans to obtain travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance. They also encourage travelers to join the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which may make it easier for you to be located in case of emergency.

by Mary Spiller

February 3, 2024

Legendary Actor Carl Weathers Has Died At 76

Weathers' family said the actor passed peacefully in his sleep.

Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who made a name for himself as a Hollywood action and comedy movie star, has died. He was 76 years old.

The tragic news was confirmed on Feb. 1 by his manager Matt Luber. Weathers’ family said that he died “peacefully in his sleep.” No official cause of death has been released.

Weathers grew up in New Orleans, LA, and started acting by performing in school plays, according to Variety. By the time he graduated high school, though, he excelled in football, playing at San Diego State University while majoring in theater. He even went on to play a season in the NFL as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders in 1970. After making his mark on the football field, Weathers starred in big-name films that would become influential performances. Some of his most significant roles included playing Apollo Creed in the iconic movie Rocky, Dillon in Predator, and Chubbs in Happy Gilmore in the late 1990s. He also showed his diverse skills in Action Jackson and the television show Arrested Development.

Despite all of his iconic roles, Weathers acknowledged that playing Apollo Creed was his most memorable. He told the Daily Beast in 2017, “It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak. But that’s a one-off, so you’ve got to follow it up with something. Fortunately, those movies kept coming, and Apollo Creed became more and more in people’s consciousness and welcome in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time.”

More recently, Weathers earned his first-ever Emmy nomination for his role in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian for playing Greef Karga over the show’s three seasons.

Tributes flooded social media, including from Rocky star and creator Sylvester Stallone.

“We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching,” Stallone said in a video posted on Instagram. Stallone is seen standing in front of a painting depicting a fight between Rocky and Creed. “Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realize how great.”

Weathers is survived by his two sons and his ex-wife, Mary Ann.

Dr. Dianah Lake, Fit Boss Fitness, Health and Wellness, Women of Power, Black Physicians

by Daron Pressley

February 3, 2024

Empowering High-Income Earning Women: Dr. Dianah Lake Advocates For Holistic Self-Care And Financial Wellness

"Women think of self-care and envision a massage or spa, but that's just one aspect. Self-care includes financial self-care, emotional self-care, and more," says Dr. Lake.

In the dynamic landscape of today’s business environment, businesswomen navigate a myriad of roles and obligations. Unfortunately, professional success sometimes relegates health and fitness to a secondary role. Dr. Dianah Lake, a renowned emergency medicine physician and wellness coach, understands the unique challenges that high-income-earning women grapple with, the delicate balance between finances and fitness.

According to a McKinsey Health Institute Study, women will spend 25% more time in poor health than men. The same study says that investments addressing the women’s health gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.

Harmonizing health and fitness aspirations with professional objectives is paramount. Achieving this equilibrium is crucial for women in the workforce and instrumental in fostering improved overall well-being and career accomplishments.

Dr. Lake recently spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE and shed light on the importance of comprehensive self-care, emphasizing that it goes beyond spa days and massages. Dr. Lake passionately discussed the seven areas of self-care, including financial, emotional, spiritual, physical, recreational, and intellectual well-being.

Dr. Lake’s Transformative Journey

Opening up about her transformative journey, Dr. Lake said, “The whole transformation to fitness and self-care came from a low place. I was going through a divorce, dealing with a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD for my younger son, and mourning the recent death of my dad. Meanwhile, I was managing people in the ER, taking care of them, and my life felt like it was falling apart.”

Dr. Lake’s struggles catalyzed her mission to empower high-achieving women facing similar challenges.

“Women think of self-care and envision a massage or spa, but that’s just one aspect. Self-care includes financial self-care, emotional self-care, and more,” she adds.

Dr. Lake stressed the importance of recognizing that self-care is not just about physical well-being but encompasses a holistic approach to living a fulfilling life.

Suicide Rates Among Female Physicians: A Silent Crisis

A critical concern within the high-income-earning demographic is suicide rates among female physicians. Dr. Lake reveals a startling statistic: “Suicide deaths are 250-400% higher among female physicians when compared to females in other professions.”

Sadly, many physicians suffer silently from depression, but few talk about it or seek help.

Dr. Lake highlights the broader issue within the medical community, stating, “Physicians, in general, have the highest suicide rates in the United States, with 300 to 400 physicians taking their own lives annually.

Physicians’ challenges, particularly in high-stress fields like emergency medicine, include long hours, lack of prioritization of physician wellness, and the pervasive culture that often prioritizes work over well-being.

The Financial-Wellness Nexus: Aligning Finances With Holistic Self-Care

One of the critical aspects Dr. Lake emphasizes is the connection between financial stability and overall well-being. She articulated this link by stating, “If you want to have 6-7 vacations a year, then your financial self-care has to be to support your recreational self-care.” Integrating financial goals into the broader scope of self-care becomes paramount in her coaching programs.

“One primary challenge that affluent women face is the potential neglect of personal financial planning amidst their demanding careers,” emphasizes Dr. Lake. “The journey towards financial wellness involves accumulating wealth and leveraging it effectively to enhance overall well-being.”

Dr. Lake believes financial wellness is integral to a holistic self-care journey for women in high-stress, high-stakes professions.

Overcoming Obstacles For High-Income Earning Women

Addressing the specific challenges of high-income earning women, Dr. Lake revealed that many of her clients are physicians and dentists.

She noted, “The perceived lack of time is a common obstacle for them. Many of these women feel stretched thin, managing successful careers while neglecting their health and well-being.”

Dr. Lake recognizes that these women are not merely seeking a quick fix or generic self-care advice. Instead, they require a tailored approach that aligns with their hectic schedules and high-stakes careers. Dr. Lake addresses this by guiding her clients through a self-care audit, helping them identify areas that need attention, and restructuring their priorities.

“The self-care audit involves a comprehensive evaluation of how my clients allocate their time,” Dr. Lake tells BE. “My goal is to help redefine their priorities, establish boundaries, and introduce the concept of micro-self-care.”

Dr. Lake says setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and aligning actions with overarching life goals are a must to achieve a sustainable balance.

by Derek Major

February 3, 2024

U.S. Labor Market Adds 353,000 Jobs In January As Black Unemployment Hits Historic Low

The U.S. labor market added 353,000 jobs in January, continuing an upward trend and significantly outpacing expectations as Black unemployment hits a historic low.

The January total brings the 2023 monthly job gain average to 255,000. The January gains are almost double what forecasters expected, a sign of the surprising economic strength and gross domestic product measurements for the fourth quarter of 2023. Average hourly earnings were also on the rise.

“We were expecting about half that number, so it’s good news,” Council of Economic Advisers member Kirabo Jackson told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Another big headline is the unemployment rate remains below 4%. This is now the second consecutive year that has been the case, and it’s a record we haven’t seen in over 50 years. Another nice piece of the story here is overall, we’re seeing positive wage growth, which is outpacing the recent rate of inflation, which means that paychecks are growing faster than prices, which is good for the American employee and the American consumer.”

President Joe Biden and V.P. Kamala Harris have turned a 14% unemployment rate at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic into one of the best job markets in the county’s history. Additionally, the administration has found a way to avoid what many were saying was a 100% chance that the economy would dip into a recession. Jackson also pointed out that the U.S. economy is doing much better than other nations, including China and Europe.

“We’ve added 3 million jobs in 2023 alone, which is way better than anything we’ve seen in the previous four years,” said Jackson. “Just to add another piece of context, if you look at how we did in relation to other nations and our colleagues in Europe, we’ve had about twice as much growth and percentage terms as far as our colleagues on the other side, so overall we’re doing very well.”

Black Americans are also feeling the success of the labor market. While the national unemployment rate is at 3.7%, Black unemployment is at a record low 4.8%, the lowest it’s been since Black unemployment has been tracked.

“We’ve not seen an unemployment rate for African Americans this low since the data has been collected, so this is certainly something to be very happy about, but having said that, the work is not done,” said Jackson. “There’s still a lot of work that we’re doing to try to bring that number even lower and in the idea there’d be no difference between the unemployment rate for white Americans and Black Americans so we’re doing a lot to invest in African-American communities which has been a key part of this administration’s transition to clean energy.”

Jackson added that more than two-thirds of new energy jobs are in minority-majority areas, and it’s part of a concerted effort to diversify the labor market and new positions. The Biden Administration is also working on diversifying the number of individuals who receive small business loans from the Small Business Administration and government contracts.

“So this is a concerted effort to build wealth and create opportunities in communities of color the numbers, and we’re seeing this in the extraordinarily low unemployment numbers that we’ve seen in the past few years,” Jackson told BE.

deputy, black man shot, ohio, holster, police shooting, Mississippi

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 3, 2024

Opening Arguments Alleged Casey Goodson Jr. Was Holding A Sandwich And Keys When Shot By Ohio Sheriff’s Deputy

The 23 year old was shot six times -- five times in his back.

Opening arguments in the Casey Goodson Jr. case revealed he was holding a sandwich and keys at the time of the deputy-involved shooting.

On Jan. 31, former Ohio sheriff’s deputy Jason Meade sat in a courtroom as his defense team and prosecutors painted a picture for the jury of what happened in 2020. The white officer pleaded not guilty to murder and reckless homicide in the death of Goodson, who was Black. The 23-year-old was shot six times – five times in his back – after the sheriff’s deputy entered the victim’s grandmother’s house.

Special prosecutor Gary Shroyer told the jury that Goodson did have a gun holster on his hip, something his family never disputed, as he was a licensed firearm carrier. Also, being found with Airpods in his ears, Shroyer said Goodson was never a threat to Meade. “Casey did not pose a reasonable threat to him or anybody else at the moment when he pulled the trigger,” Shroyer said.

With the officer aiming at “vital organs” with an assault-style rifle, the prosecutor claims Meade’s actions could be looked at as intentional in causing Goodson’s death. Meade later pursued Goodson to his grandmother’s house, where he said the victim turned to lift his gun and aimed it at the deputy, causing Meade to fire.

Stephens continued saying the victim did not adhere to warnings to stop and drop his weapon, and the officer feared for his life and the safety of others. “You have to look at the totality of the circumstances,” Stephens told the jury. “Officers on the beat are not afforded the luxury of hindsight.”

However, prosecutors say the gun in question was later found in the victim’s kitchen – with the safety on, according to The Associated Press. No evidence of the shooting was presented, as Meade was not wearing a body camera at the time.

Goodson’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The suit claims the office failed to investigate claims of unreasonable force against its Black residents. It also alleges the force failed to train deputies on how to fire guns at civilians – targeting African Americans.

The suit was paused by a federal judge due to the ongoing criminal case. Meade alleged defending himself in both cases would put him in a no-win situation. After Meade’s attorneys fought to have their client’s case tried in federal court, in February 2022, a federal judge ruled that at the time of the shooting, Meade was not acting in his U.S. marshal role, and the murder case was to remain in state court.

by Stacy Jackson

February 3, 2024

Mom Returns Home After Receiving Heart Transplant Year After Delivering Son

The new mom experienced spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare heart condition causing tears in the arteries feeding the heart muscle.

Naiya Atkins has endured an arduous medical journey since giving birth to her son one year ago in February 2023. The first-time mother from New Jersey is heading home after receiving a lifesaving heart transplant.

Against harrowing odds, ABC News reported that Atkins received a new heart on Jan. 6 after less than three weeks on the waitlist.

The new mom experienced a condition called spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare heart condition causing tears in the arteries feeding the heart muscle.

“I just felt lightheaded, hot, cold,” Atkins recounted in an interview with WABC. “But you know, I’m attributing it to ‘I’m a new mom.'” Her journey began a little over two weeks — 17 days — after she delivered her son Joseph Zion Griffith, who is now one year old.

SCAD plunged Atkins into a medical rollercoaster. She was intermittently hospitalized over several months as doctors fought to preserve her failing heart. The battle reached its lowest in November when her physician delivered the grave news that a transplant was necessary. Atkins was sent to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, where she spent the next two months, according to ABC News.

“I couldn’t believe it … I had only been on the list for less than three weeks,” she said, according to the news source. While Atkins soldiered through her fight, her husband, Tristan Griffith, raised baby Joseph.

“You live your life a certain way…and then things happen,” Griffith reflected on the complications she endured after giving birth. Now, the reunited family can embrace Atkins’ return and the chance for her to experience the joys of motherhood at home finally. “I made it through,” she declared.

Symptoms of SCAD might include dizziness, pain or pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, an upset stomach, and others, according to the Mayo Clinic.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 3, 2024

‘He’s Losing It’: Al Sharpton Thinks Trump’s Mind Is Fading

Sharpton feels it is time for Trump to wrap his reign up.

People seem to think there is something wrong with Donald Trump lately – including Rev. Al Sharpton.

While appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe,” the civil rights activist told host Joe Scarborough he thinks Trump is “losing it,” The Hill reported. Scarborough went through a timeline of Trump’s latest rhetoric and legal battles – including being ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll over $83 million and being oddly quiet on his opponent Nikki Haley – Sharpton added that Americans are seeing him decline. “I think that it is certainly that, but I also think that it goes with the fact that he’s losing it,” Sharpton said.

“Because let’s not forget, he ran against a woman in ’16 named Hillary Clinton, right? He had no problem. He’s losing it.”

.@TheRevAl: "He's losing it— The openings are there for Trump. He can’t get there. His mind is not there anymore, and they need to take him out the ring before he gets knocked out." pic.twitter.com/qYkqpMKgJK
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) February 2, 2024

Sharpton feels it is time for Trump to wrap his reign up, comparing his thoughts to a conversation he once had with the late great Muhammad Ali. Towards the end of the legendary boxer’s career, Ali told Sharpton when he knew it was time to retire. “Ali told me one day, toward the end of his career, ‘I saw the openings, and I just couldn’t get the punch there. I just couldn’t,’” Sharpton remembered.

“The openings are there for Trump. He can’t get there; his mind is not there anymore. And they need to take him out of the ring before he gets knocked out.”

He may have a point. Adamant about not dropping out of the GOP race, Haley pointed the finger to Trump’s age as a factor of why he can’t run the White House properly, according to CNN. She reminded Jake Tapper during an interview of Trump’s “temper tantrum” after his victory in New Hampshire as well as questioned her former boss’ morality.

But President Joe Biden wasn’t far from receiving Haley’s wrath either. The former U.S. ambassador said it is “absurd” for the country to be stuck with two 80-year-old candidates – Biden is 81 and Trump is 77.

RELATED CONTENT: Tim Scott Stumps For Trump In ABC News Interview