Colleen McElroy, University of Washin gton, poet, educator, 88, writer, American Book Award, PEN, Oakland, Award

by Stacy Jackson

January 3, 2024

Trailblazing Poet And Educator Colleen J. McElroy Dead At 88

The prolific life of the inspirational poet and professor Colleen J. McElroy came to a close on Dec. 12, 2023, at the age of 88.

Pioneering poet and educator Colleen J. McElroy died Dec. 12 at age 88.

McElroy rose to prominence as a writer in the 1960s, becoming the first Black woman poet of national renown from the Pacific Northwest. She authored 16 poetry collections and books, winning accolades including the American Book Award and the PEN Oakland National Literary Award, after earning her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington, BNN Breaking reported.

Over a six-decade career, McElroy amassed a towering literary legacy as a boundary-breaking educator. She also changed the landscape of American academia. A professor at the University of Washington, she mentored hundreds of students, including future U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. She became the university’s first Black female full-time faculty member in 1969.

McElroy’s writing resonated for its musicality, diversity of subject matter, and fearless exploration of complex themes. She drew from global influences and her own adventurous travels abroad to create works that crossed borders and boundaries. McElroy refused to be pigeonholed, emerging as a one-of-a-kind voice who helped reshape the landscape of American poetry.

The poet approached education with the same spirit of openness that defined her work, embracing diverse perspectives and nurturing her students’ talents. She encouraged writers to fall in love with language while also challenging norms. Former student Quincy Tyler Bernstine reflected, “She was a light. She gave me permission,” according to the outlet.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1934, McElroy was possessed by a creative spirit from childhood. Possessing an “insatiable curiosity and an adventurer’s spirit,” McElroy wrote with passion and perspective that transcended boundaries.

Her immortal words, groundbreaking journey, and legacy as a cherished mentor live on as inspirations. McElroy is survived by her two children and her partner, James Fitzmaurice. A memorial will celebrate her remarkable life in 2024.

Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Dead at 87

by Stacy Jackson

January 3, 2024

Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Dead at 87

Johnson became the first African American and first woman to represent the Dallas, Texas area in Congress in 1992.

The trailblazing political career of former Democratic Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson ended on Sunday with her passing at age 87.

Johnson faithfully served the people of Texas in elected office for nearly 30 years. She made history multiple times as the first African American woman in leadership roles in a still-too-often exclusionary political system, CNN reported.

Johnson’s tenure in the House was defined by her pioneering spirit and commitment to service. Most notably, she made history in 2019 when she became the first African American and first woman to chair the influential House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Leaders across the political spectrum mourned the former congresswoman’s death and celebrated her inspirational life and career. President Joe Biden called her an “icon and mentor to generations of public servants,” according to CNN, while Vice President Kamala Harris said Johnson’s “legacy and leadership will be felt for generations to come.” Johnson’s successor representing Texas’s 30th congressional district, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, vowed to carry on her fight, writing, “I’ll continue to uplift your life’s work!” the news outlet also noted.

Born in segregated Waco, Texas, in 1935, Johnson overcame barriers to become a registered nurse in the 1950s. She blazed a trail in the 1970s as the first Black woman elected to public office from Dallas during her time in the Texas state legislature. Her dedication to breaking ceilings continued when she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, becoming the first African American and first woman to represent the Dallas area in Congress.

Johnson leaves a powerful legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and dedicated public servant who spent her life breaking barriers and fighting for underrepresented communities. In the words of President Biden, “Many have benefited from her tireless work,” especially women and minorities now empowered to follow in her footsteps, CNN reported.

Johnson’s passing represents the end of an era, but her memory lives on as an inspiration.

by Rafael Pena

January 3, 2024

Ed Lover And MC Shan Defend Eminem Over Dr. Umar’s Remarks

Ed Lover took a firm stance against what he deemed as unfair criticism of Eminem's legacy by controversial activist Dr. Umar.

HipHopDX reports that in a recent episode of his “C’Mon Son!,” podcast and radio host Ed Lover took a firm stance against what he deemed unfair criticism of Eminem’s legacy by the controversial activist Dr. Umar. On his final episode of 2023 (Dec. 31), Lover questioned Dr. Umar’s qualifications and authority on hip-hop, asking, “Where did you get your doctorate? What makes you a doctor? And then, where did you come from, and what makes you an authority on hip-hop?”

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A post shared by Cam P. The Cypher Synatra🪶 (@imcamquotes)

The current backlash against Dr. Umar comes from the statement he made on the “Joe Budden Podcast” when asked if Eminem was one of the greatest rappers of all time. Dr. Umar replied, “No non-African can be the best at anything African, it is an insult to all the ancestors, and every race, and is an insult to any Black person.”

Lover defended Eminem’s place in hip-hop, emphasizing that the genre was inclusive and had influence worldwide. He stated, “Hip-hop might’ve been created by Black people, but the love of music, melodies, and rhymes have spread all over this world.”

Drawing parallels, Lover questioned the logic of excluding artists based on their race, saying, “That’s like saying [Big] Pun can’t be one of the greatest of all time because he’s not African American, ’cause he’s Puerto Rican; Fat Joe don’t deserve to be in hip-hop because he’s not African American. You weren’t there, Dr. Umar, respectively. You were not there.”

https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1741492472512139410

MC Shan, a member of the Juice Crew, also weighed in on Dr. Umar’s critique of Eminem. In an Instagram Live session, the rapper dismissed the racial aspect of the controversy, claiming that Dr. Umar is always playing the race card.

Shan refuted the notion that Eminem had unfairly exploited the rap game, highlighting the challenges the Detroit rapper faced. He stated, “Em wasn’t no rich muthaf—a that come and rob the rap game and step off. Em muthaf—in’ came in this muthafucka; he had more problems than any Black n-gga. His plate was just as f—ed up as some of us in the Black community.”

Shan asserted that if Dr. Umar refused to respect Eminem, it was his prerogative. “If you don’t wanna respect him, you do what you do, n-gga,” he concluded, adding that hip-hop and the Black community did not support Dr. Umar’s opinion of Eminem.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 3, 2024

NBC Adds Snoop Dogg To Summer Olympics Primetime Show

“We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked"

Is there anything hip-hop entrepreneur Snoop Dogg can’t do?

NBC Sports recently announced that Calvin Broadus, better known to the world as Snoop Dogg, will be joining its coverage of the Olympics this summer in Paris. The multitalented lyricist will lend his views onsite at the Olympic Primetime Show, starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock.

ICYMI. @SnoopDogg is joining NBC’s primetime coverage of @Paris2024 as a special correspondent https://t.co/4an1VoNxxT

— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) January 1, 2024

“I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” said Snoop Dogg in a written statement. “We’re going to have some amazing competitions, and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?”

In the video clip below, Snoop gives a sample of how he interacts with Olympic athletes, including Suni Lee (gymnastics), A’ja Wilson (basketball), Jagger Eaton (skateboarder), and Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes (beach volleyball).

Teaming up with NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico, Snoop will bring the expected unexpected way he sees things. He’ll also explore the scenes taking place in Paris.

“Snoop is already an Olympic gold medal commentator, generating tens of millions of views for his highlights commentary on Peacock of the dressage competition during the Tokyo Olympics,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production. “That performance alone has earned Snoop a job as our Special Correspondent in Paris. We don’t know what the heck is going to happen every day, but we know he will add his unique perspective to our re-imagined Olympic primetime show.”

NBC will air the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on NBC and Peacock from July 26-Aug. 11.

Will Reparations Reduce Crime Rates? Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Thinks So

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 3, 2024

Will Reparations Reduce Crime Rates? Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Thinks So

Does he have a point?

Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, hopes reparations will reduce the violent crime rate of the Windy City.

A segment on CNN’s This Morning touched on the spiking crime rate in Chicago and how a proposed $500,000 of reparations programs in his budget may fix it. Host Poppy Harlow touched on recent statistics revealing violent crimes are up 17% percent regardless of a drop in murder rates. She asked, “Are Chicagoans going to be safer in 2024?”

Johnson said that depended on the government’s response to the “full out community safety plan” and “critical investments.”

“A quarter of a billion dollars to address homelessness, $100 million for violence prevention. We added 80 million more dollars to our youth employment program, of which we hired 25,000 young people just this summer,” he listed as investments. “That’s a 20% increase from the previous year.”

Funds for a half-million dollar reparation plan would address “the cycle of violence, which looks like school closings, the closing of mental health facilities, of which I’ve invested in now,” Johnson said.

“We’re going to open up two mental health clinics that were closed from two previous administrations ago.” He has also proposed a plan “to hire 4,000 additional young people this summer.”

The program would be considered a way for incarcerated individuals to successfully re-enter society as a “welcoming space for them.”

However, some aren’t a fan of Johnson’s plan. Fox News contributor and civil rights attorney Leo Terrell said he would be the first lawyer to file a lawsuit, as he argued the program violates the 14th Amendment. “Last time I checked, Chicago has never been a slave city,” Terrell said. “It is illegal, it is racist, it violates the 14th Amendment, it violates equal protection. This is nothing more than a pandering to Black citizens where there is no correlation between reparations, slavery in Chicago, and violence.”

Having only served as mayor for seven months since his election in May 2023, Johnson’s focus has been on public safety and the city’s youth. In his very first address to the city, the father of three promised his strategy would be rooted in more mental health care, violence prevention programs, and police accountability.

“A safe Chicago means a safe Chicago for all, no matter what you look like, who you love, or where you live,” Johnson said.

More and more elected officials are paving the way for reparations to be distributed to their African American residents. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) signed a bill in early December 2023 to create a state commission that will study New York’s history with slavery and how it impacted African Americans. Evanston, Illinois will be the first city in the country to pay reparations to its Black residents. The city was projected to distribute $25,000 each to almost 140 residents by the end of 2023.

triplets, Jeanet, Jean, Jeanice Stephenson, nursing school

by Stacy Jackson

January 3, 2024

One Womb, Three Nurses: Stephenson Triplets Graduate Nursing School Together

Triplets Jean, Jeanet and Jeanice Stephenson plan to enter different medical specializations, yet hope to someday work in the same hospital.

Nursing is truly a family affair for the Stephenson sisters — in fact, triplets Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice all recently graduated together from the nursing program at South University.

The sisters are a triple threat in healthcare, and according to the triplets’ interview with WSFA, the shared career path was inspired by their mother, who sparked her daughters’ interests in the field during her time as a nurse. As Jeanet shared, “I want to do ICU, Jean wants to do pediatrics or NICU, and Jeanice wants to do ER.”

Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice graduated from South University on Dec. 7 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, according to a shared Instagram post published by the sisters. “We are excited to embark on a fulfilling career, making a difference in people’s lives. Ready to carry the lessons learned and the compassion cultivated into our nursing career,” they wrote.

Throughout their studies, the triplets developed motivational study habits through their unique bond. “If one person doesn’t know something, you can go to the other, and maybe they’ll explain it a little better,” Jeanice said. Her sister Jean added, “We motivate each other, help each other, make sure everyone is passing and learning at the same pace.”

Fond memories from the triplets’ formative years have secured their bond. “It was fun growing up together,” Jeanice reflected. “We’ve always shared everything: cars, clothes, rooms, bathrooms. We were always very close because we shared everything.”

Occasionally, the resemblance shared between the inseparable trio causes confusion for others. “It took a while for students to get our name down, and some teachers still can’t tell us apart,” Jeanice said. Even so, the playful sisters have been known to trick unsuspecting folks intentionally.

“Sometimes, we do play tricks on people. We do get confused a lot,” Jeanet admitted with amusement at their antics.

While their nursing careers may soon diverge into different specialties, the Stephenson sisters aren’t opposed to ultimately crossing paths in the workplace thanks to their career choice. They’d welcome the chance to all work side by side in the same hospital unit.

covid 19, vaccine, flu season, norovirus, sti,, HIV, Houston, Texas

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 3, 2024

Happy Flu Year: U.S. Slammed with RSV, COVID-19, and Flu Cases Post-Holidays

Masks on!

Thousands of people have been admitted to hospitals for respiratory illness every week of the 2023 holiday season.

Now, experts are pushing the importance of vaccinations and masks even more. Close to 30,000 patients were submitted with COVID-19, while 15,000 suffered from the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the week ending on December 23. Numbers for the flu aren’t too far behind. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 7 million illnesses, 73,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths related to the flu this season – and several indicators are rising.

The good news is that RSV cases are slowing down in some parts of the country. Montana, Nebraska, Vermont, and West Virginia are experiencing minimal impact, while New Mexico and Southeastern states face high cases. Primarily found in young children and older adults, hospitalization rates continue to rise, so experts say it can’t entirely be ruled out.

“It’s a wave of winter respiratory pathogens, especially respiratory viruses. So, it’s Covid. It’s flu, and we can’t diminish the importance of RSV,” Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine, said.

“So it’s a triple threat, and arguably a fourth threat because we also have pneumococcal pneumonia, which complicates a lot of these virus infections.”

There are a few racial disparities between children who have been hospitalized with suspected cases of RSV. A study published by MD Newsline found that 59% of RSV cases are found in Blacks and Hispanics. Hospitalization rates between the two demographics account for nearly 60% of all cases. Both Blacks and Hispanics are more prone to develop complications due to some of the antibiotic-resistant strains.

Vaccines and masks help reduce the risk of severe illnesses. However, other treatments such as Paxlovid and Tamiflu are helpful for patients 50 or older and those with underlying conditions like a weakened immune system, heart disease, or diabetes.

Kevin Ford, house, GoFundMe, Burger King, 27 years

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 3, 2024

Famous ‘Goodie Bag’ Burger King Employee Buys Home With GoFundMe Cash

Kevin Ford, a Burger King employee who went viral after receiving a goodie bag for nearly three decades of never missing work, has purchased a home after a successful GoFundMe on his behalf.

A Burger King employee who went viral for receiving a goodie bag for 27 years of never calling out of work is finally getting more for his hard work. After a GoFundMe raised nearly half a million dollars for the dedicated worker Kevin Ford, he revealed over the holidays that he’d officially bought his first home, in Nevada.

The fundraising campaign was set up by Ford’s daughter, and massive public support led to Ford being able to buy his own home in the city of Pahrump. Out of the close to $500,000 raised, Ford received nearly $350,000 once the crowdsourcing platform subtracted its fee. Of that hefty sum, Ford dedicated $177,000 to buy the 3-bedroom, 2-bath home.

The 846-square-foot abode is to house himself, while the rest of the money was allocated to his daughter for her family’s own home.

Ford posted the “Christmas miracle” that is his new home to social media.

@thekeep777 CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!! 🎄🏡🎄 #KEVIN27YEARS MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!! #MIRACLES #DavidSpade #JoeDirt #TheTodayShow #TMZ #ChristmasMiracle #Believe #Home #Houses #KillaKev #YouDaBest #Inspiration #K27Y #NoHate #🟦 #Peace #swifties #friends . NEWS NATION https://www.newsnationnow.com/business/burger-king-worker-gets-400k-in-crowdfunding-after-27-year-tenure/amp/ #HappyNewYear #KevinFord #K27Y #KEVIN-27-YEARS #Live #HaveFun #Truth #Honor #Love NEWSMAX Interview… https://youtu.be/vd0wZJDfsAQ?si=_pHjmsbjTZcvQX_Q Thankful for YOU… . KEVIN-27-YEARS BK… Over$200k Raised For Burger King Employee Who Got A 'Goodie Bag' For 27 Years Of Work | Essence https://www.essence.com/news/burger-king-employee-27-years/ This Was A 🎁CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!🎅🤶🏼 . NY Post Article 📰 https://nypost.com/2023/08/08/burger-king-cook-who-hasnt-missed-work-in-27-years-gets-400k-in-donations-after-viral-vid/ Thank You! If Anyone Ask You if Miracles are Real Tell Them About Me and That YOU Were a Part of It!!! #Ty #XmasMiracle #Xmas #Holidays #Swifty #Kelce #swifties #KevinFord #fellowship #K27Y #Honor #AmericanHeros #JOY KEVIN-27-YEARS BK . NOW THIS!!! https://fb.watch/ehrhC2AZgY/ I LOVE YAWL!!! May God Bless You and Yours in the New Year🧧and Beyond… KEVIN-27-YEARS… #viralvid #Swifty #Swifties #Love THANK YOU and May God Bless and Keep You and Yours in the New Year and Beyond… LLP Kevin Ford . JOY… 😄🎄😊🎑☺️🎎 BE HAPPY FOR EVERYONE! #JOY… LLP Kevin Ford 😊 #JOY #Happiness #Love Link in Bio… Thank You and May God Bless You and Yours Always… LLP 😊🤗😊#AmericanHeros KEVIN-27-YEARS BK THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!😊 #Joy #Joyful #thankful #gratitude #K27Y #Love #KevinFord #fellowship #YouSavedMe #swifties #Kelce #Viral #ViralVid #Traylor #viralvideo #Love #Laugh #Ty #Holidays #Xmas #Magic #XmasMiracle #Honor IT'S THE MACK!!! by KEVIN-27-YEARS https://my-store-da4a85.creator-spring.com/listing/it-s-the-mack . #HardWork #Hustle #Grind #KevinFord #JOY #Joyful #AmericanHeros #RealLife #K27Y #Kevin27Years #KevinFord #Thankful #YouSavedMe #ThankYou #Grateful #Swifty #viralvid #Business #MOREOFTHAT ♬ Christmas – neozilla

Ford’s outstanding employee commitment made the rounds on social media in June 2022 after his manager at Burger King only gifted him a goodie bag for his nearly three decades of service at the fast-food restaurant. Ford was being celebrated for never missing a day of work in his last 27 years of employment there. He showcased the assortment of candies, such as Reese’s and LifeSavers, that were meant to congratulate him for all his time and dedication to Burger King.

As people called out the employer for the meager gift, Ford’s daughter created a GoFundMe so that the wider community could uplift him further. The fundraiser is still active and open for donations.

Ford posted an update on Dec. 29, saying, “This was all made possible because of you!!! This is truly a Christmas miracle, and you were all a part of it! Much love, thank you and may God bless you and keep you all in the new year and beyond.”

Ava Duvernay, slavery, origin, civil war, film, neon, Oscar, snub, party

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 3, 2024

Ava DuVernay Weighs In On Nikki Haley’s Civil War Remarks, Says They’re A ‘Wake-Up Call’

Can't just erase what you said...

Oscar-nominated director Ava DuVernay had some things to say about Nikki Haley’s controversial Civil War comments.

DuVernay talked with activist and civil rights leader Al Sharpton during an episode of MSNBC’s “Politics Nation” to offer her take on the presidential candidate’s remarks. During a town hall event in New Hampshire, a potential voter questioned Haley’s knowledge of the Civil War, and the former South Carolina governor didn’t identify slavery as the leading cause of it. While her lack of acknowledgement caused outrage nationwide, Origin director DuVernay said she wasn’t shocked at all, but described Haley’s comments as “real warnings that I think we should all heed.”

“Either she didn’t know that slavery was the reason for the Civil War beginning,” said DuVernay, “or she doesn’t want to say and wants to kind of continue the lies of omission that have become the hallmark of her party.”

Haley told the voter the “cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run. The freedoms and what people could and couldn’t do. What do you think the cause of the Civil War was?” When the questioner noted that Haley failed to even mention slavery in her response, Haley said, “What do you want me to say about slavery? Next question.”

According to The Associated Press, Haley changed her tune several hours later. “Of course, the Civil War was about slavery,” she said during a radio interview, referring to it as “a stain on America.” However, some feel the damage is already done.

DuVernay hopes that comments like Haley’s will be “a wake-up call to the dangerous kind of deranged idea that history doesn’t matter anymore, and that’s one of the big reasons why I wanted to make [Origin].”

Starring Oscar-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, the biographical drama tells the story of Isabel Wilkerson, journalist and author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. The thesis of Wilkerson’s groundbreaking book is that racism in the United States is a product of a caste system and often characterized by notions such as hierarchy and purity. DuVernay’s film covers Wilkerson’s calling to write the book.

Origin hits theaters on Jan. 19.

Carrie Bernans, hit-and-run, Manhattan, daughter

by Stacy Jackson

January 3, 2024

Carrie Bernans Faces Long Recovery After NYC Hit-and-Run

Carrie Bernans' mother shared alarming images of her daughter’s extensive injuries from the hit-and-run incident in Manhattan.

Actress and stuntwoman Carrie Bernans was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident in Manhattan early Monday morning.

According to a police report obtained by People, the 29-year-old, who recently appeared in major films including The Color Purple and Black Panther, was dining outdoors when a black Mercedes plowed into the Chirp restaurant around 1:30 a.m. The new mother, whose child was not there at the time, suffered several broken bones and is in stable condition at an area hospital.

The collision occurred during “a police foot chase” after officers responded to reports of a physical assault involving a 44-year-old male Mercedes driver and his 34-year-old female passenger near 33rd Street and 6th Avenue. According to a statement, “Officers…ordered the male operator of the vehicle to put the vehicle into park. The male failed to obey and fled westbound on 33rd Street before…mount[ing] the sidewalk and…traveling westbound,” where he then “struck a food cart and two 39-year-old female pedestrians, a 31-year-old female pedestrian and a 29-year-old female pedestrian.”

Two officers were also hurt when the driver “mounted the curb…again” and crashed into parked and moving vehicles before being apprehended. All injured parties except the driver were last reported in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital, where the driver himself remains in critical condition. An ongoing investigation follows the incident.

In a series of Instagram images, Bernans’ mother, Patricia Lee, revealed her daughter’s devastating injuries from the hit-and-run. One photo shows Bernans’ battered, bloody face with chipped and broken teeth. “She’s still in so much pain and can’t answer calls at this time, but appreciate the messages,” Lee wrote. “This was a traumatic incident. Please keep Carrie in your thoughts.”

Describing the collision itself, Lee said Bernans was knocked unconscious and pinned under the stand: “She has a few broken bones, fractures, & chipped teeth, but thanking God that she’s alive.”

Lee emphasized her daughter’s resilient spirit. “This setback hasn’t deterred her belief that something remarkable is still being crafted by God,” she wrote. “Despite the injuries sustained…she’s filled with hope and faith.” After surgery, and thanks to helpful first responders, strangers, family and friends, Bernans has started the “path toward recovery and new beginnings.”