by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

‘Oh Boy!’ Juelz Santana Believes Financial Literacy Takes Precedence Over Reading

Santana, legal name is LaRon Louis James, made the remarks during a segment on the 'No Funny Business Podcast.'

Rapper Juelz Santana says that reading is not an essential skill for youth; financial literacy and math are the only educational requirements.

Santana, whose legal name is LaRon Louis James, made the remarks during a segment on the No Funny Business Podcast. When asked about which foundation skill was most important, “reading or math,” the rapper chose math. He then argued that technology, particularly voice-to-text features in devices and artificial intelligence, negates the need for traditional literacy.

“I feel like reading is not necessary,” Santana said during the interview. “You ain’t gonna need it. You ain’t gonna need to know how to read.”

The rapper insisted that voice commands and automated systems will eliminate the need for individuals to interpret written text physically. Still, the rapper does acknowledge the importance of basic reading skills and does not advocate full-blown illiteracy.

“Respectfully, I’m not saying that in a way to be illiterate because you’re not supposed to be illiterate, but . . . I think you could listen to a book on YouTube. You can still obtain the information,” he stated.

Santana says there are different forms of intelligence he values above reading, with “common sense” being the highest.

“I’d rather have zero books smarts and common sense. Be able to read the room, be able to read life, be able to read people.”

The Whistle Song rapper’s comments arrive at a time when national data reveal concerning achievement gaps in literacy, particularly affecting Black children and adults.

According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which gauges student performance nationwide, significant disparities persist in reading proficiency. The NAEP’s 2022 assessment showed that only 17% of Black fourth-grade students scored at or above the proficiency level in reading, compared to 42% of white students. This achievement gap between the two groups has remained essentially unchanged for more than two decades.

Research repeatedly connects these low literacy levels to a cycle of reduced income, higher unemployment rates, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in urban areas where racial and socioeconomic inequality is often concentrated.

Rhetoric that dismisses the need for strong reading skills threatens to exacerbate the literacy decline. An analysis by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy estimated in 2020 that raising every American adult’s literacy rate to a sixth-grade level could generate an additional $2.2 trillion annually for the U.S. economy, framing the issue as a critical economic and social challenge.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Strangling Video Shakes AUC: Morehouse Student Arrested For Assault On Clark Atlanta Peer

The incident and subsequent statements from Morehouse College has sparked controversy within the AUC community.

A Morehouse student has been arrested after a video of him strangling a Clark Atlanta student while getting off another school’s shuttle bus went viral.

The incident went viral as the female victim detailed the assault on TikTok. The issue allegedly began as the man and his girlfriend sat beside her on a Georgia State University bus. When the couple started kissing, the victim moved over. However, as the Clark Atlanta student prepared to leave, she claims the man stepped on her foot. Its on_site re-shared the video detailing the encounter.

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Tensions brewed when she said the Morehouse student refused to apologize, prompting her to initially argue with his girlfriend. As the two women began to get in each other’s faces, the boyfriend’s inclusion escalated the fight.

The video showed footage of the young man grabbing her by the neck and appearing to strangle her. Viewers could also hear him threatening to kill the woman, reportedly saying, “I’ll catch a body today.”

Following the young man’s arrest, both schools issued statements on the viral matter. However, Morehouse’s initial release sparked backlash from the AUC community as it described the assault as an “off-campus incident.”

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Critics argued that Morehouse’s statement undermined the violent nature of its students during the incident, especially toward a young Black woman.

“As a Black woman and a CAU alumna, the language is quite triggering and deeply disappointing,” wrote one upset commenter. “And rather than labeling this incident as disgusting, deplorable, and or repulsive, you chose ‘disappointing.’ Disappointing doesn’t even scratch the surface of the violence that we saw in this video…Sometimes we have to stop trying to protect the brand and start protecting the students, even when they’re not yours.”

Others began to call for the student’s expulsion from the university, given his death threats and physical attack on the CAU student. In light of the backlash, Morehouse’s President and Student Government Association released follow-up apologies emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy of violence within its community and toward the women of the AUC.

“I want to state my unequivocal stance,” issued Morehouse President, Dr. F. DuBois Bowman. “Whether physical, verbal, or written, violence or threats of violence have no place in the Morehouse community, particularly violence against women.”

The SGA added, “We are committed to advocating for the safety and dignity of all women, knowing that Black women often face violence and feel unheard… Being a Man of Morehouse means standing up for women’s rights, supporting survivors, challenging harmful behavior, and building a culture where safety and respect are nonnegotiable.”

Morehouse has kept the student’s identity hidden due to privacy policies. The HBCU has yet to confirm if he remains a part of the school. A criminal investigation into the matter remains ongoing, with police confirming they arrested the alleged assaulter.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

Kohl’s Corporation Appoints Michael J. Bender As Permanent CEO

In a Nov. 24 press release the company announced the unanimous board decision.

Kohl’s Corporation named Michael J. Bender as its permanent chief executive officer.

In a Nov. 24 press release, the company announced the unanimous decision of the board. Bender’s appointment is effective immediately, transitioning the interim CEO to the permanent role.

“Over the past several months, as interim CEO, Michael has proven to be an exceptional leader for Kohl’s — progressively improving results, driving short- and long-term strategy, and positively impacting cultural change,” the board chairman, John Schlifske, said in a statement.

In a LinkedIn post, Bender expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue as CEO in a permanent capacity. He also referenced the corporation’s history in the retail space.

“Over the past few months, I’ve seen teams coming together with urgency, focus, and belief in our future. We’re building momentum, embracing change, and taking important steps to strengthen our business for the long term. Kohl’s holds a special place in the retail landscape, with a proud history and a unique ability to deliver value and relevance for our customers. I’m excited for what’s ahead and confident in what we can achieve together,” Bender wrote.

Kohl’s names Michael J. Bender CEO https://t.co/yYxxuPkIxl

— RPM Media (@RetailPrintMed) November 24, 2025

Bender has over 30 years of experience in retail and consumer goods at companies such as Walmart and PepsiCo. He had served as interim CEO since May, after the board dismissed Ashley Buchanan amid an ethics investigation into a vendor deal. The department store has now gone through four chief executives in four years.

Kohl’s emphasized that the board conducted a comprehensive external search before selecting Bender. The company said it expects to unveil its next phase of strategic initiatives that will emphasize improved inventory discipline, elevated customer experience, and cost optimization.

As Bender announced the unanimous board decision, the company says its focus will shift from turnover toward sustained performance. With the retail climate tightening and consumer expectations rising, Kohl’s is betting its next chapter will reflect discipline and growth rather than disruption and retrenchment.

by Ahsan Washington

November 25, 2025

Wet Your Whistle With These Black-Owned Whiskey Brands

During the holiday season, limited edition bottles and special releases showcase a new lineup of spirits. The creators behind celebrity-backed launches and first-of-their-kind distilleries create more than liquor; they establish a legacy while expanding representation and developing culturally intentional flavors. Consumers who seek conscious spending and purposeful celebrations now have additional reasons to toast with these recently launched bottles. The holiday season encourages people to purchase thoughtful, Black-owned products.

SirDavis Whisky

The new American whisky brand SirDavis Whisky was launched in 2024 by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy as co-founders. The whisky brand operates in Houston, where it produces and bottles its products, paying tribute to Beyoncé’s Prohibition-era moonshiner and farmer great-grandfather, Davis Hogue. The U.S. market received the product first in September 2024, alongside specific international markets, where it showed its deep copper hue and presented Seville orange aromas with raisin notes, cinnamon and clove scents, and toffee malt citrus flavors, ending with honeyed notes, at 44% ABV (88 proof).

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Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

Victor G. Harvey Sr. of Victor George Spirits established Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey. The four-year-old bourbon pays tribute to Fort Mose, the first legally recognized free Black settlement in America, established in 1738. The brand launched in the early 2020s, and both its story and distribution have grown since then. The combination of corn, rye, and malted barley in the mash bill produces flavors of rich cocoa, creamy custard, warm cinnamon, and oaty barley. This spirit represents more than a beverage — it serves as a historical tribute while donating proceeds to support Fort Mosé’s legacy.

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Brough Brothers Bourbon

The Brough Brothers Bourbon distillery, established by Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, is the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky since Prohibition. Their Louisville-based distillery produces small-batch bourbon along with other expressions. The family business works to create diversity in the whiskey industry. Their bourbon delivers a smooth taste that combines ginger nutmeg and apple scents. Because Brough Brothers Bourbon represents one of the rare Black-owned distilleries in bourbon country, it makes a significant gift or bar cart addition.

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Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey

Ja Rule, together with Herb Rice, Kelvin Barton, and Sandy Sandiford, established Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey. The brand operates through a Maryland-based partnership with Baltimore Spirits Company to serve both experienced whiskey drinkers and people new to whiskey. The brand Amber & Opal’s initial whiskey product was launched in 2024 and became available for purchase in early 2025. The 2-year straight rye whiskey undergoes oak barrel aging before being combined with orange blossom honey, Lapsang Souchong tea, and cinnamon, ginger, and fig flavors. The brand’s ABV is around 40% (80 proof). Amber & Opal represents a founder-led craft-focused initiative that also features celebrity endorsement. Ja Rule leads the brand’s growth efforts through a bar tour called “Cocktails + Conversations” to promote Amber & Opal.

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Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company

The Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company produces bourbon, Maryland-style rye, rum, and vodka under the leadership of founder Floyd “Beau” Wheeler Jr. The company operates in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to build a legacy brand based on quality, experimentation, and Black ownership. The 1932 Bourbon (88 proof) from Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company became available in October 2024, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, and a warm spice finish.

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

YWCA Partners With Ulta Beauty To Inspire And Educate Young Girls With ‘Pretty Empowered’

The initiative aims to inspire young girls interested in STEM as they become the leaders of tomorrow.

YWCA USA and the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation have teamed up to champion young girls’ ambitions with their “Pretty Empowered” initiative.

First launched by YWCA Chicago in 2022, the global nonprofit for women and young girls continues to work with Ulta Beauty’s philanthropic arm on the campaign. Across the U.S., YWCA chapters launched their “Pretty Empowered” programming to help girls, focusing on wellness, STEM, and leadership.

The impactful day of networking and education took place on Oct. 18. Local YWCAs then brought in over 730 participants to engage with this year’s theme, “Beauty in Belonging.” Girls aged nine to 14 participated in interactive sessions to learn not only about careers in beauty but also about ways to remain inspired about their dreams throughout the year.

With support from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, participants learned about cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, and store operations. They also dived into STEM careers, encouraging women to explore their talents in engineering, math, and the sciences. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women still only account for 26% of all workers in STEM occupations.

YMCa, ULTA, — Photo Courtesy of ULTA and YMCA

While increasing these numbers, the “Pretty Empowered” initiative seeks to address and dismantle this ongoing gender gap in this work sector. Furthermore, they hope to strengthen young girls’ self-worth and leadership skills, shaping them as the change-makers of tomorrow.

“By centering wellness and STEM education, we’re helping young women see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” said Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We’re proud to partner with Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation to create spaces where belonging and empowerment go hand in hand.”

Ranging from yoga sessions to science lessons, eight YWCA sites kept the mission going for its fourth annual celebration of girlhood and its unique potential. Associations in Atlanta, Greater Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, and more highlighted the “Pretty Empowered” initiative as it grows across the country for its inspiring purpose.

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Now, as it encourages other groups nationwide to support girls interested in STEM and leadership, the initiative has become an anticipated part of YWCA’s annual campaigns. Backed by Ulta Beauty, girls involved can feel their best as they evolve into diverse leaders of the future.

“Ulta Beauty is proud to continue our partnership with YWCA through Pretty Empowered, an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to helping young women realize their full potential,” said Amiee Bayer Thomas, chief retail officer at Ulta Beauty and board member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. “By creating spaces that foster confidence, belonging, and curiosity, we’re helping young women explore new possibilities – in beauty, in STEM, and beyond – and empowering the next generation of leaders.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 25, 2025

Contracted FedEx Employees Arrested in Massive Cargo Theft Ring In Georgia

The five suspects were arrested after an investigation

Several workers who were contracted to work for FedEx have been arrested after allegations that they were involved in a theft ring in Georgia.

According to Fox Carolina, 35-year-old Quandrickus Dominique Major, 35-year-old Daniel Glasco, and 37-year-old Quentin Jackson, who worked for FedEx Ground as drivers, along with 43-year-old Manathan Colbert and 33-year-old Quincy Jones, have been arrested for their alleged roles in the theft ring. They were all employed by a third-party logistics subcontractor.

Major was charged with four counts of misdemeanor theft by receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug-related objects. Glasco and Jackson were also arrested in connection with the Colbert Drug Trafficking Operation.

At the same time, Glasco was also charged with theft by taking and three counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Colbert and Jones were found to have stolen items allegedly traded for illegal narcotics.

Police officers said they received a phone call about a stolen FedEx package marked as “delivered” on April 1. Someone else had admitted to officers that they actually purchased the package’s contents online after seeing a posting on Facebook Marketplace. Investigators later received probable cause that Major had the stolen package and sold it to another person in March, according to officials.

After investigators executed a search warrant of the suspect’s residence on May 2, they discovered illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and several FedEx packages and packing slips belonging to other people. During the probe, investigators found that Glasco and Jackson were also involved in the thefts taking place during deliveries.

Some of the recovered items were determined to have been taken from FedEx Ground trucks by the suspects while they were working.

Everyone who was suspected of being a part of the theft ring has been terminated by FedEx’s subcontractor, officials said.

Anyone who believes the suspects’ actions may have victimized them is encouraged to file a claim with FedEx at www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html.

USDA, Mississippi,school lunch, children, students

by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

In A Giving Mood? FYI, There Are Some Donations You Can Keep

Pantries are asking donors to examine their offerings as the holiday season approaches.

Food pantries across the United States are seeing a surge in donations of expired, damaged, or improperly labeled food.

Pantries are asking donors to examine their offerings as the holiday season approaches. Compromised donations present safety challenges at a time when demand for assistance continues to climb.

Growing quantities of dented cans, past-date baby formula, and repackaged bulk foods that violate federal guidelines are being donated daily. Along with being unable to distribute the donations, pantries are spending increased hours sorting out food that cannot be safely distributed.

There are strict guidelines governing the food donations. Perishable items such as eggs, dairy, fresh meat, and produce are discouraged.

“While an individual can’t donate a bunch of bananas or a frozen turkey, many food banks do work directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation,” Feeding America wrote in its guidance.

Like fresh items, Feeding America stated that home-baked goods are also a safety hazard because they cannot list ingredients. Though baked donations are off-limits, pantries partner with many establishments that offer regulated treats.

“Food banks often have relationships with local restaurants or bakeries which will donate extra food that is properly labeled.”

The rise in questionable donations comes as many families face higher grocery prices and reduced federal support. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments temporarily increased during the pandemic, but most states ended those emergency boosts in 2023 and 2024. With household budgets tightening, more families rely on food banks, yet the quality of donated goods has become less reliable.

The Southern Living Food Bank Advisory notes, “Food banks cannot accept anything that is opened, damaged or missing required labeling.”

Pantry directors say the issue is not just logistical but also emotional for families who arrive expecting dependable help. Many centers have begun posting more explicit donation rules or shifting toward monetary contributions. Financial contributions allow food banks to purchase safe products directly from wholesalers.

Poor-quality donations often reflect public misunderstanding of food safety rules rather than intentional neglect. Still, the consequences are significant. Dented cans can develop bacterial contamination, and expired formula presents health risks that pantries cannot overlook.

Across the country, food banks are urging donors to review guidelines before dropping off groceries. The Southern Living advisory recommends three categories of high-need items:

• Shelf-stable proteins such as canned tuna, peanut butter or beans

• Whole-grain staples like rice or pasta in sealed manufacturer packaging

• Household essentials such as diapers or personal care products that are sealed and within date

With demand projected to rise seasonally through the winter months, food banks stress that safe donations can make an immediate impact.

“As long as the public knows what’s needed and what must be avoided, donations remain one of the strongest tools communities have,” the Southern Living guidance states.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Fake Marine Convicted For Defrauding Veteran Affairs Department For Disability Benefits

Mikhail R. Wicker submitted false information to receive nearly $150,000 in benefits.

A Minnesota man was convicted Nov. 21 for pretending to be a Marine and a former prisoner-of-war in a veterans benefits scheme.

According to MPR News, a federal jury in St. Paul found Mikhail R. Wicker guilty of wire and mail fraud, as well as fraudulent use of military medals for his scam of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The “stolen valor” ruse resulted in the wrongful payout of over $146,000 in benefits.

Wicker, 39, claimed to be part of the Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and that he was deployed to Iraq in 2005.

He said wounded in combat and kept as a prisoner of war in the country. He then claimed to received sniper training before getting into a car crash in Michigan. An investigation found his claims to be untrue.

Wicker was able to maintain the lie for some time by submitting false paperwork to the VA in 2016. At first, the VA did not accept his application for disability benefits as they could not verify his service. However, he used a fake DD-214 form as well as a fake certificate of honorable discharge, a Purple Heart certificate, and images he said showed him on tour in Iraq.

The false documentation went through and Wicker began receiving benefits the next year. To accentuate his scam, he joined a Facebook group for Marines. He cozied up to members, asking for details of their experience, even getting one member to verify that he served with them.

The scheme lasted for years until Wicker wanted to increase his amount in disability benefits. His lackluster letter describing his deployment and subsequent injuries led to an internal inquiry by the VA—and the truth.

While Wicker did live in Michigan at one point, he never served in the military. In fact, further documentation showed that he only worked in the retail industry, doing short stints at multiple businesses. He did get into a car crash, pleading guilty for his failure to report an accident in 2005.

The fraud became even more evident as veterans from Lima Company Marines also testified that he was not a part of their cohort.

Wicker will be sentenced at a to-be-determined date.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Mother Viola Ford Fletcher, One Of Last Survivors Of Tulsa Race Massacre, Dies At 111 Years Old

Mother Viola Ford Fletcher was an instrumental voice in remembering those lost in the massacre.

Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, has died.

Fletcher lived through one of the deadliest white supremacist attacks in the nation, the massacre that greatly destroyed “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa. Now, the city mourns one of its greatest elders and symbols of resilience through dark times.

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Her death was announced on Nov. 24 by the current Mayor of Tulsa, Monroe Nichols. Also, the city’s first Black mayor, Nichols, noted the legacy and life of this mother figure in the community.

“Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher – a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history. Mother Fletcher endured more than anyone should, yet she spent her life lighting a path forward with purpose. Mother Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go,” wrote Nichols, according to Fox 23.

Born in 1914, Fletcher was a young girl when she endured such a grave act of racial violence in her hometown. Fueled by prejudiced hatred and escalated racial tensions, a mob of thousands destroyed the prosperous Black town by burning down its businesses and leaving nearly 300 Black Tulsans dead, according to the Equal Justice Initiative. Deemed by the Justice Department as a “Coordinated, Military-Style Attack,” it remains one of the darkest moments in U.S. history.

While spotlighted as a survivor of the tragedy, Fletcher spent her life dedicated to justice for the loved ones lost and devastated by the attack. She continued to advocate on their behalf well into her later years, even working on a lawsuit over reparations for the victims of the massacre. Although the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the case in 2024, her sustained efforts for a semblance of justice have made her a trailblazer for truth and bravery.

Nichols added, “She never stopped advocating for justice for the survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled every day of her life. On behalf of the city of Tulsa, I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, the Greenwood descendant community, and to every Tulsan who saw hope in her journey. Rest in peace, Mother Fletcher.”

A year before the case’s dismissal, Fletcher, with the help of her grandson, Ike Howard, released a memoir of her life. Titled Don’t Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Massacre In Her Own Words, the book detailed her journey and lifetime, ensuring those who perished and lived on from the tragedy remain uplifted.

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by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 25, 2025

The Government Shutdown Has Deepened The Air Traffic Controller Shortage

The 44-day government shutdown has further strained the already struggling labor market for air traffic controllers.

As the dust continues to settle from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the airline industry is highlighting the toll it took on an already weakened air traffic controller workforce. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told CNN that many controllers quit after going 44 days without pay, a challenge compounded by already difficult working conditions.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added that the shutdown also led many to retire early. Daniels declined to estimate how many controllers were lost, but noted that replacing them could take years. The shutdown highlighted the chaos that occurs without enough controllers, as travelers nationwide faced widespread flight cancellations and delays.

“Just even losing one is too many, but I can’t even fathom how many were lost during the time,” Daniels said.

The FAA currently employs around 11,000 certified controllers but estimates it needs 3,000 more. Accounting for expected departures, that means over 6,000 new hires are needed.

But replacing controllers isn’t quick. Training takes two to three years. Even before the shutdown, the weakened labor market was nearly outpacing hiring.

Rising retirements and resignations during the shutdown will make closing that gap even harder. “Long after you all finish covering the shutdown, we are going to be stuck dealing with this problem,” Duffy said.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump appeared unconcerned about the potential loss of additional air traffic controllers, particularly those who had missed work during the shutdown, saying on Truth Social that those who quit would be replaced by “true Patriots” who “will do a better job.”

A union representing air traffic controllers recently reported that only 7% of those who worked without pay during the shutdown received Trump’s $10,000 “perfect attendance” bonus. Many controllers who took approved vacation, sick, or bereavement leave and were therefore ineligible said the bonus highlighted how little their work is valued.

“It spits in the faces of the thousands of controllers who showed up every day without a paycheck, who staffed an already-broken system, who worked overtime, who attended funerals, who took care of sick children, who took well-deserved vacations booked a year in advance,” one Reddit user wrote. “To now be told that only a small slice of us are ‘worthy’ of recognition is a betrayal of the reality we all are living through.”