Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach George Raveling Dies At 88
He has been credited with leading NBA great Michael Jordan to Nike.
George Raveling, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame college coach, died on Sept. 1. He was 88.
The death was announced by Raveling’s family on his social media account.
“It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved ‘Coach,’ George Henry Raveling, who faced cancer with courage and grace,” the post read. “He transitioned peacefully at 88, surrounded by family as well as love, faith, and sacred protection.”
It is with deep sadness and unimaginable pain that we share the passing of our beloved “Coach,” George Henry Raveling. pic.twitter.com/LGWQubvI3V
Raveling, who was a head coach at Washington State, Iowa, and Southern California, from 1972 to 1994, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. He had a career record of 335-293, according to The Associated Press.
He has been credited with leading NBA great Michael Jordan to Nike. Raveling was on the basketball staff for the U.S. Olympic basketball teams in 1984 and 1988. In 1984, he introduced Jordan, who starred for the Olympic team, to Sonny Vaccaro at Nike, which blossomed into Jordan helping the brand grow exponentially, leading to probably the most profitable and most recognizable sneakers in the world, Air Jordan.
“For more than 40 years, he blessed my life with wisdom, encouragement, and friendship,” Jordan said in a written statement. “He was a mentor in every sense, and I’ll always carry deep gratitude for his guidance. I signed with Nike because of George, and without him, there would be no Air Jordan.”
The Hall of Fame coach plated collegiately at Villanova from 1957-60, averaging 12.3 points and 14.6 rebounds over his last two seasons. He never played in the NBA even though he was drafted in the eighth round by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960.
Despite Steep Declines, Mortality Rates For Prostate Cancer Are 2 Times Higher For Black Men
In a new report from the American Cancer Society, mortality rates for prostate cancer are two times higher for Black men compared to White men.
A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that while there has been progress on the prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates for men overall, Black men are still disproportionately dying from the disease.
The ACS’ Prostate Cancer Statistics 2025 report shows that mortality rates for prostate cancer are two times higher for Black men compared to White men.
“Our research highlighting the continued increases in prostate cancer incidence and persistent racial disparities underscores the need for redoubled efforts to understand the etiology of prostate cancer and optimize early detection,” said Tylet Kratzer, MPH, associate scientist, cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, and the study’s leas author.
Kratzer added, “At age 50, per ACS guidelines, all men should have a conversation with their healthcare provider about the benefits and harms of screening, but Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should have that conversation at age 45.”
Why There Are Disparities In Prostate Cancer Mortality in Black Men
According to the ACS, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among men in the U.S., accounting for 30% of male cancers in 2025. It is the second-leading cancer death in men behind lung cancer. The ACS estimates there will be over 313,000 new cases of prostate cancer and more than 35,000 deaths this year.
In the study, researchers found that prostate cancer mortality ranges from 36.9 deaths per 100,000 among Black men to 8.8 among Asian American and Pacific Islander men.
While prostate cancer mortality varies by state, the highest death rates are in Washington, D.C. (27.5 deaths per 100,000) and Mississippi (24.8 deaths per 100,000). Both places have sizable Black populations.
“Our report underscores the need to redouble efforts to optimize early diagnosis that minimizes overdetection and to also ensure those strategies reach Black and Native American communities in particular,” said Rebecca Siegel, MPH, Senior Scientific Director of Cancer Surveillance Research at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report. “All men should have the same opportunity to survive this common cancer.”
One significant reason is out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays prove to be a barrier to accessing early detection.
The federal Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening for High-risk Insured Men (PSA Screening for HIM) Act would waive cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for prostate cancer screening tests for men with the highest risk of prostate cancer.
Black Women Thriving Hosts Third Annual Event Celebrating Beauty And Community On Martha’s Vineryard
Black Women Thriving 2025 brought out esteemed panelists to discuss Black women's influence and recognition across beauty.
The Black Women Thriving 2025 event centered on creativity, beauty, and health throughout the diverse Martha’s Vineyard community.
Taking place Aug. 6 in the coastal town established as a Black summer haven, the evening featured Black women change-makers as they discussed their place in the beauty and wellness industries. The Estée Lauder Companies spearheaded the event, in partnership with Pinterest, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Clinique, to connect 130 influential Black women for its third annual year.
Black Women Thriving hosted two panels in addition to its brand activations and community networking events. CNN anchor Abby Phillip moderated the first conversation on the importance of putting Black women at the forefront of marketing and design of new brands.
One of the panelists, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Senior Vice President Susan Akkad, spoke about how her employer is driving inclusivity in its product development and rollout. Through ELC’s Local and Cultural Innovation Center of Excellence, the beauty conglomerate addresses the unique needs of customers on a global scale, creating products that cater to the differences associated with varying skin tones.
On the the event, Akkad stated, “Beauty is anthropology. To truly serve Black women, we must understand the science of our skin, the aesthetics of our tones, and the culture of our beauty.”
As a primary sponsor, The Estee Lauder Companies’ Vice President Local & Cultural Innovation, Monique Davis, also explained to BLACK ENTERPRISE how the business continues to champion all women in its companies’ philosophy and creative development.
“At the Estee Lauder Companies, we know that beauty, health, and wellness are deeply intertwined and personal,” expressed Davis. We also know that these journeys are not one-sized-fits-all – especially for Black women. We wanted to create a space to explore these topics and what it means to thrive at every life stage.”
Pinterest’s Chief People Officer, Doniel Sutton, joined Akkad to discuss the role of Black women as trendsetters within and outside its digital platform. He added how Pinterest contributes to inclusivity within its own website.
Julee Wilson, editor at large at Cosmopolitan, rounded out the cohort of panelists. Wilson spoke on the magazine’s most wide-ranging topics in the beauty sphere, also noting brands she believes are trailblazers for inclusive products and marketing, such as Bobbi Brown cosmetics.
Amid the conversation, attendees could indulge in brand experiences from sponsors. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics hosted live makeup sessions, featuring its reissued Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. Another makeup and skincare brand, Clinique, hosted its own educational experience. The brand showcased products that complemented melanated skin while addressing age-specific issues. For the non-makeup enthusiast, Pinterest also showcased personalized tote bags that could symbolize one’s time and love in Martha’s Vineyard.
The night continued with the second panel of the evening, moderated by television broadcaster, attorney, and legal analyst Laura Coates. Coates sat down with Dr. Sharon Malone, OB/GYN and author of Grown Women Talk, to discuss the health challenges and support needed for Black women to live longer and better. They specifically addressed the experience of perimenopause and menopause during the mid-life stage.
“My message to Black women—who start earlier, suffer longer, and more severely—is don’t suffer. Don’t suffer because you don’t get a medal at the end of the menopause marathon. We don’t have people to advocate for us, so you’ve got to advocate for yourself,” said Dr. Sharon Malone, who also serves as chief medical advisor at Alloy Women’s Health.
Black Women Thriving sparked change and conversation as it successful completed its third installment. Guests also expressed their own gratitude for the event, as it emphasized the value and importance of Black women in the beauty, media, and wellness.
“The event was truly incredible, explained Maude Okrah Hunter, an attendee and CEO of Black Beauty Roster It was an inspiring space where we were not only centered and uplifted but deeply reminded of our strength and brilliance. The panels and activations were exceptional. It was powerful to be in a space that honored the fullness of our lives. I left with my cup full and my spirit renewed.”
Pras Michel Has Emergency Colon Cancer Surgery, Sentencing Delayed
The sentencing is now scheduled for Oct. 3.
Fugees member Pras Michel had his Aug. 29 sentencing in a federal court case delayed after he underwent emergency colon cancer surgery, a representative for his legal team told Complex.
The sentencing has been rescheduled for Oct. 3. The rapper faces as much as 20 years in prison.
In April 2023, Pras was convicted on 10 felony counts—including witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of China—based on his relationship with a Malaysian billionaire who was accused of embezzling billions from the country’s sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB.
A jury found Pras guilty on 10 counts, including witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of China. The U.S. Justice Department prosecuted the rapper, as the FBI stated that this was the “largest kleptocracy case to date.”
Several months after losing the trial, Pras requested an appeal, citing his trial attorney, David Kenner, who had gone viral for allegedly misusing artificial intelligence to draft closing arguments, which contributed to the rapper’s conviction, according to a brief filed with the court. His legal counsel had asked for a retrial based on that information being revealed.
It was reported in February that President Donald Trump considered issuing a pardon. When Pras released his solo project, Ghetto Supastar, in 1998, Trump appeared on the album via a voice message left for the rapper, acknowledging that he wished Pras success in his career.
“I have no doubt that you’re going to be a big success. I hope very soon you’re going to be in the leagues with me.”
As for the pardon, The Hollywood Reporter said the White House would neither confirm or deny that report. Pras’ legal team, meanwhile, was “exploring all available options following his case.”
Cardi B Found Not Guilty Of Assault In Civil Trial
Cardi B secures another legal victory after being cleared of assault in a 2018 case.
Cardi B scored a legal victory after a jury found her not guilty in a civil assault case brought by a former security guard.
The Sept. 2 ruling came after Cardi B spent more than two days testifying in the civil suit filed by Emani Ellis, a former security guard who accused her of assault during a 2018 incident at a medical office where she worked. Following the verdict, Cardi B expressed relief, telling reporters she had even missed her children’s first day of school over what she called a “frivolous” lawsuit, CNN reports.
“I’m not even playing around, even if I’m on my deathbed, I swear to God I will say it on my deathbed, I did not touch that woman,” she said. “I did not touch that girl. I didn’t lay my hands on that girl.”
"I did not touch that woman."
Cardi B spoke to reporters outside of court after being found not liable in civil suit. pic.twitter.com/kkliqL8Xip
At the time, Cardi B was secretly pregnant and heading to an obstetrician appointment when she claimed Ellis began filming her without consent. While the “I Like It” rapper has consistently denied any assault, Ellis sued for $24 million, alleging assault, battery, and emotional distress, citing medical costs for a facial scratch. However, the court ultimately rejected her claims.
“The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to countersue,” Cardi B said after the verdict. “And I’m going to make you pay. Because this is not OK. I think people have these misinterpretations of celebrities. Like it’s that, ‘Oh, well, we could ask for this and they’re going to settle.’ You don’t work at home, and you don’t work all day, and you don’t work for your money to give out your money. So don’t ever think that I’m just going to give you my money that I work hard for.”
Ellis, however, slammed Cardi B’s courtroom behavior as “totally unprofessional,” telling reporters that the rapper’s “body language, body gestures, facial expressions, and disrespect for the court speak to who she is.”
Houston Man Charged With Murder Following ‘Ding Dong Ditch’ Prank Involving 11-Year-Old Boy
Police departments around the country have issued warnings to the public about such pranks not being funny but dangerous and young Julian’s death proves it.
A Houston resident is facing murder charges after the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy who rang his doorbell and ran in a classic “ding dong ditch” prank, Associated Press reports.
Gonzalo Leon Jr., 42, was taken into custody on Sept. 2 and booked into the Harris County Jail after matching the name of the owner of the home where the prank occurred. The incident took place Aug. 30 after the victim, Julian Guzman, and his cousin “became bored” while attending a birthday party.
The duo decided to ring doorbells, playing the “ding dong ditch” game, where kids ring a doorbell or knock on a door and take off before someone has a chance to open the door. While an initial statement from police claims the person who rang the doorbell was the cousin, the cousin told investigators that he and Guzman knocked on Leon’s door several times before running away.
It was at the final knock that Leon appeared with a pistol and fired once at the ground. According to the affidavit, he then raised the firearm and fired at the minor victims. Guzman’s cousin told police that the victim “cried out in pain that he had been shot,” and as he tried to drag the boy away, Leon walked back into his home slowly.
Houston Police Sgt. Michael Cass said, “Our witness says the suspect came out of the door, ran out into the street, and was firing down the road.”
After being shot in the back, the child succumbed to his injuries and died Aug. 31, according to ABC 13 Houston.
Law enforcement found close to 20 firearms, including AR-style rifles, shotguns, and medium caliber pistols, in Leon’s home just about half a block from where Guzman collapsed. The spot has been transformed into a memorial, featuring a cross, prayer candles, flowers, and photos of the boy.
“I miss you, Julian. I still wish you were here, but I will always love you 4ever,” one sign at the memorial said.
Police departments around the country have issued warnings to the public about such pranks not being funny but dangerous, and young Julian’s death proves it. A Facebook post from the Georgetown, Kentucky, Police Department states that homeowners have no way of knowing it’s “just a prank,” as several state laws give homeowners the right to protect their property.
A white man in Florida was investigated for threatening to shoot a nine-year-old Black girl who was selling candy door-to-door, claiming he thought the child was trying to break in. In Southern California, a man was convicted of first-degree murder in 2023 for intentionally killing three teenage boys by ramming into their car following a doorbell prank.
Some states, including Texas, have a version of the “castle doctrine,” which states that residents don’t have to retreat when they feel threatened in their homes; however, they can respond with physical force. The law in the Lone Star State gives people a broad range to protect themselves, others, and property, but there must be a reasonable belief that force is necessary in the given situation.
Houston attorney Seth Kretzer said if the shooting took place as police allege, there is a minimal chance that Leon has a strong case for self-defense under state law. “You just can’t shoot a kid in the street dead because he knocks on your doorbell and declare you felt threatened by him,” Ketzer said.
“I mean, it’s a little hard to believe a grown male with a gun felt threatened by an unarmed 11-year-old child running away on the street.”
U.S. Defends Nigerian Visa Revocations, Citing Security Concerns
An embassy spokesperson said that while the revocations have been issued on a “scale never seen before,” the actions by the U.S. are aimed at securing America’s borders.
Following reports that visas for Nigerian travelers have been revoked, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja is defending the decision to revoke visas.
An embassy spokesperson saidthat while the revocations have been issued on a “scale never seen before,” the actions by the U.S. are aimed at securing America’s borders. Citing Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the spokesperson noted that both the Secretary of State and consular officers are empowered to revoke visas at any time if there is an “indication of a potential ineligibility.”
“The Trump Administration is protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,” the Embassy stated. “Prohibiting entry to the United States by those who may pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety is key to protecting U.S. citizens at home.”
Who Is Impacted By Nigerian Visa Revocations
Students, professionals, and entrepreneurs are among those who are affected.
The Trump administration announced a proposed rule on Wednesday that, if finalized, would limit the length of time certain visa holders –- including international students -– are allowed to stay in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the rule would curb visa abuse and enhance the agency’s ability to properly vet and oversee these individuals.
Under President Donald Trump’s proposed rule, the federal government would set the authorized admission and extension periods for international students and exchange visitors up to the duration of the program they are participating in, not to exceed four years.
The revocations of Nigerian visas come just months after the Trump administration announced it would begin cracking down on citizens who wish to travel to the United States in the non-immigrant and non-diplomat categories. The Trump administration also warned international students that their visas could be revoked if they failed to attend classes or dropped out of school.
In its previous announcement, the Trump administration stated that the U.S. would issue a single-entry visa valid for three months, reversing the last five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians had previously enjoyed. Before that announcement, Trump signed a directive banning citizens from 12 countries, regardless of their reasons for travel. All of the countries are made up of citizens of color.
NBA YoungBoy Donates $50K To 2 Dallas Nonprofits In Middle Of Nationwide Tour
Urban Specialists and Manifest Freedom benefitted from the rapper's generosity as he started his 'Make America Slime Again' Tour.
NBA YoungBoy, in the middle of his “Make America Slime Again (MASA)” tour, donated $50,000 to two nonprofit organizations.
According to WFAA, the “Bandit” rapper donated $25,000 each to Urban Specialists and Manifest Freedom, during his first tour stop in Dallas. Urban Specialists works to reduce violence in communities; Manifest Freedom invests in entrepreneurs and creatives who the criminal justice system has impacted.
The young rapper performed two shows at American Airlines Center.
“I just want to start this tour on something real,” said YoungBoy in a written statement. “This is bigger than music—it’s about peace, growth, and giving people a real chance to change their lives.”
“This charitable donation will help our organization continue in the work of assisting schools and families who fall victim to senseless acts of violence,” a spokesperson for Urban Specialists said.
Manifest Freedom said in a statement that the donation will help support entrepreneurs like Fort Worth brothers Edward and Joe Sotelo, WFAA reported, who were incarcerated on drug-related charges before their sentences were commuted by President Donald Trump earlier this year.
The brother’s run their family restaurant, Tia’s on the Bluff, in Fort Worth.
NBA Youngboy, 25, pleaded guilty late last year to possessing weapons as a felon and was sentenced to 23 months in prison on gun charges he received in Louisiana. He was also sentenced to five years of probation and fined $200,000 for a gun charge in a separate Utah case.
The Associated Press reported that Youngboy was released from federal prison in March. After receiving credit for time served, he was given home confinement, which was completed in April. Thanks to a pardon from Trump, he won’t have to complete the terms of his probation.
The MASA Tour, which started in Dallas on Sept. 1, is scheduled to end Nov. 12 in Seattle.
Meet Tameka Jackson-Dyer: The Champion For Black Breastfeeding Mamas In Metro Detroit
Tameka Jackson-Dyer pioneers community-based lactation support for Black mothers, ensuring culturally-informed care and empowerment in Metro Detroit.
For many new mothers, the breastfeeding journey can be filled with challenges and questions. However, in Metro Detroit, Black mothers have a champion in Tameka Jackson-Dyer, a lactation consultant whose pioneering work is helping to create a brighter future for families.
Her approach isn’t just about providing medical advice; it’s about building community and restoring a sense of power and knowledge that is often lost.
In a departure from conventional hospital-based care, Jackson-Dyer, affectionately known as “The Crazy Milk Lady,” and her organization are pioneering a new model of culturally informed, community-based support for Black mothers in the metro Detroit and Flint areas.
Jackson-Dyer, also the owner of Crazymilklady Lactation Support Services and co-founder of Southeast Michigan IBCLCs of Color (SEMI), is working to fill critical gaps in care that occur both in the hospital and after discharge. She spoke exclusively with Black Enterprise about the importance of her labor and how her work leverages the expertise of community-based doulas and lactation consultants to ensure families receive support that is both accessible and culturally congruent.
SEMI was formed to provide mentorship and support to its colleagues. Jackson-Dyer says the organization was created “to provide support and mentorship for our colleagues and ensure culturally congruent care for the families in our community.”
Many of the organization’s members are also doulas and have experience working within hospitals, which provides them with first-hand knowledge of the disparities that exist in the healthcare system. This work is supported by partnerships, including the Warm Referral Network (WRN), a collaborative effort between hospitals and community leaders that aims to infuse equity into baby-friendly practices by matching families with doulas, lactation support, and other resources.
Beyond direct support, Jackson-Dyer is focused on the role of technology in fostering peer-to-peer networks.
Social media groups, particularly on platforms like Facebook, have become vital spaces for Black mothers to connect and share experiences. National pages like “Breastfeeding Support Group for Black Moms” and “Black Women Do Breastfeed” provide platforms focused on socio-cultural issues. While these groups offer a vital lifeline, Jackson-Dyer notes that the public nature of social media can present privacy concerns.
A core part of this work involves de-stigmatizing breastfeeding within Black communities. Jackson-Dyer highlights how framing breastfeeding as a lifestyle choice, rather than a public health issue, has contributed to the stigma.
The lactation consultant argues for reclaiming breastfeeding as a historical birthright, stating, “Knowing the history and reclaiming our Birthright of being able to provide the perfect first food to our babies rather than being forced to provide it to others is something that many of us in the field have been working on for a long time.”
Changing this requires normalizing breastfeeding through visibility, with events like Black Breastfeeding Week and public photo shoots helping to make the act more visible and accepted. The message, she concludes, is simple: “Babies got to eat, anytime, anyplace.”
To address the economic barriers that often prevent Black mothers from accessing professional lactation support, SEMI utilizes innovative funding models, including grants, to support this effort. Jackson-Dyer points to the proven benefits of basic minimum income, which has been shown to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration by giving mothers the ability to take adequate maternity leave. However, she notes that these programs are not widespread, making grant funding a critical tool for her organization to provide care to those who cannot afford it.
Partnerships with local organizations and businesses also play a crucial role. Jackson-Dyer mentions the Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBFN) and its award programs, which recognize breastfeeding-friendly healthcare providers and workplaces. The creation of lactation rooms at Detroit Metro Airport, spearheaded by a former co-chair of the Metro Detroit/Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition, is another example of how advocacy can create safe, physical spaces that normalize breastfeeding in public.
Looking toward the future, Jackson-Dyer believes that a truly equitable system begins with prenatal education and inpatient support provided to all mothers, free from implicit biases.
The proud “lactivist” stresses that the success of such a system should be measured not just in breastfeeding rates but in the overall mental, emotional, and economic well-being of Black mothers and their infants.
Breastfeeding, she concludes, is a win for society as a whole, boosting physical health, reducing the risk of mental health challenges associated with postpartum, and strengthening the bond between mother and child.
“When Black women can reclaim our Birthright as the sustainers of life, it will be a win for society as a whole.”
ELEVATE YOUR EXCELLENCE: Raychel Proudie Is A Dedicated Public Servant Shaping A Brighter Future for Missouri
Proudie has consistently delivered on her promises, earning a reputation as a compassionate and effective legislator who not only talks about change but actively implements it.
Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from North St. Louis County, is a driving force behind policies and investments that directly impact her community. As a certified teacher and school counselor, Proudie draws on her professional background to inform her work in the Missouri House of Representatives, where she has been a vocal advocate for policies affecting students, families, and marginalized communities.
One of Proudie’s most significant legislative achievements is her work on the Missouri CROWN Act (HB 1900). This bipartisan legislation, which she carried, prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race.
“We must be much more interested in what we are putting in a student’s head than what’s going out of it,” Proudie, D-Ferguson, stated, emphasizing the bill’s focus on ensuring students can learn without facing prejudice. She added that the issue affects “anyone who deserves access to public spaces, including schools, without facing bullying or discrimination.”
The bill, which passed with broad bipartisan support, was a direct response to years of testimony highlighting the psychological impact of such discrimination on young people. House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, also voiced his support, affirming, “This legislation is one more way that we can stand up and let all students know they are welcome and valued.”
Proudie’s commitment to social and racial justice extends beyond her state lines. She has publicly expressed solidarity with Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier, a Black lawmaker who stood her ground in a legislative chamber.
Proudie remarked, “It is not lost on me that yet again a Black woman is putting her body and freedom on the line in defense of, or to save the masses.” She further noted that “thoughts in ‘solidarity’ ain’t enough for what you’re doing for us all right now,” highlighting her belief in the need for active support for those on the front lines of justice.
Beyond the CROWN Act, Proudie has been a key player in budget and public safety initiatives. As a member of the powerful House Budget Committee, she has been instrumental in securing historic investments for her constituents, including millions for Kinloch, Missouri’s first Black municipality, and Lambert International Airport. She also helped secure $100 million in tornado relief for St. Louis, advocating for those impacted by severe storms.
On the issue of public safety, Proudie has secured significant funding for her community. She worked to obtain $27 million for a state-of-the-art police facility in St. Louis County, which includes a childcare center for officers and staff. She also secured $1 million for the Kathy J. Weinman Shelter, the only temporary residential domestic violence center in St. Louis County, ensuring survivors have a safe haven.
Proudie also initiated legislation to establish a Juvenile Justice Task Force focused on prevention and rehabilitation.
Often taking a feet-to-the-street approach with her politics, Proudie recently hosted a town hall with her counterpart, Rep. Brian Williams, at a church in Ferguson. “On Saturday, Senator Williams and I were honored to join community members for the well-attended and informative Community Town Hall at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson. We extend our sincere thanks to Bishop and Lady Larry Jones and the Greater Grace family for hosting, the volunteers who gave their time, and to our presenters — Mayor Ella Jones, Councilwoman Rita Heard-Days, and the Ferguson-Florissant School District Superintendent Dr. Howard Fields, III.”
Proudie continued. “We are especially grateful for the well over 100 citizens from around our region who participated in this important conversation. Your engagement and commitment are what move our communities forward!”
Proudie’s work is deeply personal. The middle child of a late Army veteran and a state employee dedicated to mental healthcare, she is also a proud parent to her nephew, a student at M.S. Berkeley High School in Ferguson. Her commitment to community is evident in her hands-on engagement, from delivering meals to seniors to mentoring students.
A member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for Developmental Education and the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Proudie’s expertise is grounded in her academic pursuits. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, and is a doctoral candidate at Grambling State University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Proudie has consistently delivered on her promises, earning a reputation as a compassionate and effective legislator who not only talks about change but actively implements it.
