Delta Sigma Theta Co-Founder Osceola Macarthy Adams To Receive Historical Marker In Her Hometown
The actress, teacher, and activist was one of 50 Black women who participated in the Women’s Suffrage Parade in 1913.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is honoring one of its founding members, Osceola Macarthy Adams, with a historical marker in her hometown of Albany, Georgia.
Macarthy Adams was born on June 13, 1890. She grew up on an estate on South Jackson Street and West Highland Avenue in the city until she moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University. While attending the HBCU, Macarthy Adams and 21 other women founded Delta Sigma Theta sorority on Jan. 13, 1913.
After graduating college, Macarthy Adams relocated to New York, where she became one of the first Black actresses to appear on Broadway.
“Osceola was a barrier breaker. She broke the color barrier on Broadway,” Pat Jackson, the journalist for the Delta Sigma Theta Albany alumnae chapter, told WALB News.
Macarthy Adams also served as the director of the Studio Theatre School at the American Negro Theatre, where she taught notable actors such as Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and Ruby Dee.
Macarthy Adams, also known by her stage name, Osceola Archer, starred in several popular stage productions, including The Crucible, The Emperor Jones, and Ring Around the Moon. Her directing credits include The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Diary of Ann Frank.
The trailblazer also fought for racial equality, particularly in theater. She was a member of Actors Equity, a labor union representing theater actors. The thespian served on the union’s Committee on Minority Affairs, advocating for actors of color.
In 1978, Delta Sigma Theta named an award after the actress. The sorority presents “The Osceola” to members who have made significant accomplishments in the arts.
More than 40 years after her passing, Delta Sigma Theta members are working to preserve her legacy for future generations.
The Delta Sigma Theta alumnae chapter hopes to erect the historic marker on the property where Macarthy Adams was born by June 2025.
Additionally, Bo Dorough, Mayor of Albany, declared Feb. 1 Osceola Macarthy Adams Day in the city.
An employee at the facility told TMZ that the former talk show host was initially placed on the third floor, where there are no restrictions on residents’ movements. However, during her stay, she allegedly visited the facility’s restaurant and bar on the top floor for lunch, where she became intoxicated.
Williams stayed at the restaurant for an extended period, and when supervisors discovered that the staff had served her alcohol, they were outraged. As a result, she was moved to the fifth-floor memory unit, where she wouldn’t have unrestricted access to the elevator, preventing her from going to the restaurant and drinking again.
The unit was so full that Williams had to wait for a room to become available. She remained on the third floor, where staff was ordered to stand outside her door to prevent her from wandering upstairs. She was eventually moved to the memory unit and has been there for months.
The reports of the alleged drinking incident that led to her placement in the memory unit come after Williams broke her silence about her guardianship in “IMPACT x Nightline: What’s Happening with Wendy Williams?” The former radio personality has rarely been seen since being placed under a conservatorship and diagnosed with dementia.
When asked about her diagnosis, Williams voiced her skepticism and shared frustrations about her current situation in the assisted living facility.
“No. That’s what I’ve been accused of, believe it or not. Frontotemporal dementia? Uh, how dare you? And I’m not saying you because I’ve been accused of having that,” Williams told “Nightline” co-anchor Byron Pitts.
“And how do you prove it by keeping me locked here so that you can’t–I can’t see, look. I can’t go out. You have to have keys to open the door, to hit the elevator, to go downstairs. Keys! I’m telling you, this is like, this is like being in prison.”
The staff member at the facility told TMZ that Williams’ memory is intact.
“Wendy doesn’t have good and bad days. She’s the same all the time,” they said. “You can tell her something today, and two weeks later, she’ll remember it. Her memory is fine.”
Charleston’s First Black Woman Police Captain Marks Nearly A Year Of Leadership
Captain Tonatte Mitchell made history last year as the first Black woman to lead the Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department. As she nears the first anniversary of her momentous promotion, the Charleston native reflects on her commitment to serving her community. Mitchell says her promotion has taught her humility, but there is still work to do.
“I’m glad to be a part of being here, to be a part of completing that work that needs to be done in the community and the police department,” Mitchell said in an interview with WCIV, Charleston. “We still need mentors here. I’m glad I’m here to do that for the new officers that are coming in. And we still need to have work to do in the community, and I’m still gonna be a part of that.”
In her nearly 30-year career with the police department, Mitchell says she takes the most pride in helping establish community centers in the Charleston area.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have a place to go to, so I felt safe that I could have somebody help me with homework, play games, and interact with law enforcement. I didn’t have that,” she said.
Mitchell said she plans to open more community centers. She strives for the community to see her as a “friend “ and hopes to provide mentorship and advice.
Mitchell is not the only history-maker in her family. She follows in the footsteps of her grandfather, Harry B. Smith, one of the first Black police officers hired by the Charleston police department. She credits her grandfather with influencing her chosen career path.
Mitchell grew up in Robert Mills Manor, a public housing development in Charleston’s Harleston Village neighborhood. She attended Burke High School and graduated from Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., with a Bachelor’s in criminal justice. The captain also holds a Master’s in Human Resource Development and is a Delta Sigma Theta sorority member.
Eric Adams’ Close Associate, Kaz Daughtry, Tapped For Top Public Safety Gig
Let's hope things work out...
The New York Times reports that Kaz Daughtry, the deputy police commissioner and close friend of Mayor Eric Adams, has been named deputy mayor for public safety.
Known for his avid social media presence, Daughtry will replace former prosecutor Chauncey Parker. Parker resigned in mid-February along with three other deputy mayors after the Department of Justice announced plans to drop corruption charges against Adams.
Daughtry worked as a detective for the NYPD before Adams took over as mayor in 2022. Under his leadership, Daughtry soon rose to prominence in high-ranking positions despite lacking a background in policy, administration, or supervisory experience—unlike Parker. According to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Parker started in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office before being named the Deputy Commissioner for Collaborative Policing.
He led initiatives and partnered with fellow law enforcement departments and other agencies during his tenure.
Daughtry’s new position may prompt some backlash. On Jan. 28, a 44-page report highlighted how the accounts of NYPD executives violated city policies, raising concerns of “courtesy and civility,” including Daughtry and NYPD Chief of Department John Chell. The newly nominated deputy mayor was accused of giving mocking nicknames to journalists, alleging that they were spreading false information about the Adams administration’s accomplishments.
In a statement, DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said the city of New York deserves leaders who are more responsible. “New York City deserves public officials who use social media responsibly, to communicate accurate information and to prompt respectful dialogue on issues of importance to the community, and not as a means to ridicule those with whom they disagree,” Strauber said.
State and local leaders, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called on Adams to launch an investigation into the internet activity, but the mayor decided to stick beside his friend, calling NYPD “the kindest and the gentlest and the most loving police department on the globe.”
Instead, after an investigation was launched, the Adams administration pushed back, hoping for an additional look into the social media accounts of city council members, saying they hoped the investigation included City Council members as well. “It is clear that a small number of advocates and council members—who have gone unchallenged in using their social media to make disparaging comments against the hardworking public servants of our city—only support speech that is politically convenient for them,” a spokesperson once said.
Black History Month, a tradition in the United States since its formal establishment in 1976, honors the contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s history and culture. There was initial uncertainty about whether the Trump administration would observe the month, which began on Feb. 1.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration’s plans to acknowledge the observance. Prominent Black supporters of President Trump, including Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, criminal justice reform advocate Alice Johnson, Alveda King (the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), and former football star Herschel Walker, are expected to make appearances.
An anonymous government source also revealed a list of Black performers slated to perform. Among them are artists Kodak Black, Lil Boosie, and Rod Wave.
Despite the official acknowledgment, there had been concerns about whether the White House would observe Black History Month, especially given the administration’s controversial stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Some citizens expressed doubts, citing the administration’s past rhetoric and actions that have been perceived as undermining efforts to promote racial equality.
Initially, when asked about the administration’s position on the observance, Leavitt offered a vague response.
“We will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religious creed, or background, have made to our great country,” Leavitt stated.
This response left many wondering whether the administration would recognize Black History Month specifically or treat it more broadly as part of its larger celebration of American history. Grouping the unique contributions of Black Americans under the broad umbrella of “all Americans” seems dismissive to some.
It overlooks the historical and systemic barriers faced by the Black community, which have been essential to understanding their struggle and triumphs. The contributions of Black visionaries who overcame these obstacles were not simply additions to American history—they helped shape the nation in ways that were transformative for all. Acknowledging these specific contributions highlights not just the value but also the resilience and perseverance that have played a key role in enriching the American experience.
The announcement of planned events, including appearances by well-known Black figures and performances, now suggests a more direct acknowledgment of the month.
Black Men Smile Creator Carlton Mackey Stands Against DEI Deniers
Black Men Smile asserts "They Pulled Back. We Push Forward.," in response to DEI rollbacks.
Carlton Mackey of Black Men Smile is continuing the mission of uplifting while standing against DEI erasure.
The director of the “Ethics & the Arts” program at Emory University, Mackey believes his success does not overshadow the larger movement. In 2024, Mackey collaborated with Target to release Black Men Smile apparel in stores. Working with a large retailer brought attention to Mackey’s mission of “inspiring innovative thought through creative expression.”
The collaboration ended before Target decided to forgo its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. The move by Target sparked widespread protest within the Black community. Mackey said he is unlikely to work with the retailer.
“I wouldn’t choose to essentially condone that behavior by putting my brand in [Target] at this critical time,” he said in an interview with NBC News.
The ethics director is focused on serving the common good. He commented that the Black community’s position outweighs Black Men Smile’s individual gain.
“I’m basing my decision on a principled argument of being in solidarity with the larger body, the larger movement, of Black people who are making conscious decisions about where to spend their money,” he said.
Black Men Smile’s work has been a boon to the community. The organization facilitates multiple campaigns that integrate Black joy, social justice, ethics, and art.
The inspiration behind Black Men Smile stemmed from Mackey’s exposure to violent images of Black victims of police brutality. Amidst the pervasive imagery of Black death, Mackey chose to embrace joy. Or, in his words, “radical expressions of self-love as a form of resistance.”
What started as a hashtag, #BlackMenSmile, sought to juxtapose images of violence with images of jubilance. By 2024, the organization had amassed over 100,000 followers. The org has archived more than 115,000 community-sourced images.
Mackey continues his mission despite the ongoing attempts to dismiss marginalized communities from the broader consciousness.
Supporters can engage with several campaigns launched by Mackey and his team, including Beautiful in Every Shade, Black Men Smile, and Ethics in the Arts.
Creation Of Black Heritage Trail Will Hopefully Boost Albany’s Economy
The Black Heritage Trail will be located in Albany, Georgia.
Clennon L. King, the owner of AugustineMonica Films, is spearheading the creation of a Black Heritage Trail in Albany, Georgia, WALB reported.
The filmmaker aims to highlight the deep cultural roots of the city’s Black community. King, a filmmaker, believes that the significant Black history in Albany is often overlooked and wants to showcase the rich heritage that has shaped the city.
“Albany is not just any city. It’s the blackest major city in the state. It’s blacker than Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Macon, and Athens. And so, there is a question of how we became so Black. It’s a question of how we got here. That is what we aim to look at,” King said.
Working alongside the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners, King is planning an expansive walking tour that will include 20 stops, each offering a glimpse into the area’s past. The project will feature historical landmarks, regional Black artwork, and photographs. The experience offers participants a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and history.
“We are going to look at slavery, emancipation, reconstruction, and Jim Crow. We are going to look at it all to help us identify what our fuller, more authentic narrative is,” King added, underscoring the importance of examining the full spectrum of Albany’s history to understand its Black heritage.
Gloria Gaines, a Dougherty County Commissioner, strongly believes that history can be a valuable economic asset. She sees the Black Heritage Trail as an opportunity to attract visitors and promote Albany as a destination for those interested in history.
“There are history buffs who spend money. We believe that this project has an economic nexus. We believe this project will bring people to this community to spend money,” Gaines said.
Albany is not alone in its efforts to restore and promote historical areas. Similar projects across Georgia aim to turn history into an economic and cultural asset for local communities.
In December 2024, the Sweet Auburn Grand Initiative announced plans to restore 229 Auburn Avenue. The building is a historical landmark that housed the first Black-owned bank, Atlanta State Savings Bank.
Similarly, the initiative would like to preserve the entire block. Multiple Black institutions have occupied the neighborhood, including Morris Brown College, WERD Atlanta, and Bethel AME church.
How Entrepreneurs Can Build Immunity To Rejection, AKA ‘No’
It’s easy to thrive as an entrepreneur when the economy is booming, and customers are eager to buy. For example, before the 2008 financial crisis, the early 2000s saw rapid economic expansion. Between 2001 and 2007, the U.S. GDP grew at an average annual rate of 2.9%, and home values soared due to easy access to credit. Entrepreneurs and small business owners benefited from strong consumer spending, readily available loans, and optimism in the marketplace.
However, everything changed when the housing bubble burst and the economy crashed. Consumers tightened their wallets, businesses shuttered, and only those who had built resilience and adaptability survived. The same principle applies today: the real test of entrepreneurs is not how they perform when sales come quickly but how they thrive when faced with rejection and economic downturns.
The Reality of “No” in Business
Rejection is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that a “no” isn’t a definitive refusal; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper, understand objections, and refine your approach. Every rejection brings you closer to the next “yes.”
To build resilience against rejection, here are five strategies for entrepreneurs to follow:
1. Decide to Take Control
Shift Your Mindset: Recognize that you have the power to influence outcomes. Instead of viewing “no” as a setback, see it as a challenge.
Proactive Approach: Anticipate objections and prepare responses in advance. This preparation not only boosts confidence but also demonstrates professionalism to potential clients.
2. Refuse to Accept “No” as the Final Answer
Probe Deeper: Often, “no” is a reflexive response. Engage the prospect with questions to uncover the real reasons behind their hesitation.
Educate and Inform: Sometimes, a “no”stems from a lack of understanding. Provide additional information or case studies that highlight the value of your offering.
3. Separate Refusal from Rejection
It’s Not Personal: Understand that a refusal does not reflect your worth or abilities.
Maintain the Relationship: Keep the lines of communication open. A prospect who says “no” today may say “yes” when circumstances change.
4. Be More Interested in the Result Than Your Feelings
Focus on the Goal: Prioritize achieving your objectives over protecting your ego.
Embrace Feedback: Use rejection as a learning tool. Analyze each “no” to identify areas for improvement.
5. Only Respond to Real Objections
Identify Genuine Concerns: Distinguish between surface-level excuses and actual objections.
Address Specific Issues: Once genuine concerns are identified, could you provide clear and concise solutions to ease them?
Reframing Rejection: The Key to ResilienceFor Entrepreneurs
Every sales conversation has five fundamental obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, and no trust. By identifying which of these obstacles you’re facing, you can tailor your approach to overcome them effectively.
Example 1: Overcoming “No Need”
A small business owner selling social media marketing services hears, “We don’t need marketing right now.” Instead of walking away, they dig deeper. Response:“I understand. Many of my clients initially felt the same way. However, after seeing how our strategies helped them increase leads by 40%, they realized they did need more visibility. Are you currently satisfied with the number of new customers coming in?”
Example 2: Overcoming “No Money”
A wellness coach pitching a $2,000 program hears, “I don’t have the budget for this.” Response:“I get it—investing in yourself can feel like a big step. We offer a payment plan that breaks this into manageable monthly amounts. Would that make it easier for you to start seeing results?”
Example 3: Overcoming “No Hurry”
A skincare clinic promoting laser treatments hears, “I’ll think about it.” Response:“Totally understandable. But I wanted to mention that we’re running a limited-time promotion that includes a free aftercare kit. If you wait, you might miss out on the savings. Want to lock in the offer now and schedule later?”
Example 4: Overcoming “No Desire”
A real estate agent showing a house hears, “I don’t think I’m ready to buy.” Response:“That makes sense. But just out of curiosity, what would happen for you to feel ready? Sometimes, understanding your concerns now can help us find the perfect home at the right time.”
Example 5: Overcoming “No Trust”
A financial advisor offering wealth-building strategies hears, “I don’t know if this is right for me.” Response:“That’s completely fair. Would it help if I shared testimonials from clients in a similar situation? They were also skeptical initially, but now they’re seeing real financial growth.”
Final Thoughts
Rejection is not a dead end; it’s a detour toward a better approach for entrepreneurs. By strengthening your immunity to “no” and learning to navigate objections effectively, you prepare yourself for ongoing success. The key lies in persistence, adaptation, and a relentless focus on results. Embrace each “no” as an opportunity to refine your pitch, enhance your strategy, and convert more refusals into revenue.
Trump Administration Changes Mind About Ending Free COVID Test Program
The Trump administration quickly reversed its decision to dispose of billions of dollars worth of free COVID tests.
The Donald Trump administration has had a change of heart about ending the government’s free COVID test program.
On Feb. 19, just 12 minutes before COVIDtests.gov was set to go offline, the White House announced plans to extend the government’s free COVID test program. This announcement came shortly after The Washington Postreported that officials were preparing to shut down the program and potentially dispose of tens of millions of unused tests valued at over half a billion dollars.
“With COVID-19 infections decreasing after a winter peak, we are in the process of regular discussions on closing this round of the COVID-19 test ordering program,” said Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “At this point, the program is still open, and we will share additional updates as needed.”
Internal documents revealed that HHS officials were weighing the decision to either dispose of more than 160 million COVID tests stockpiled by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) or continue distributing them to U.S. households. According to Dawn O’Connell, an ASPR chief under the Biden administration, only a small fraction of the tests had expired, while tens of thousands were still being ordered daily.
“It’s expensive to stockpile these tests,” O’Connell said. “Destruction costs a significant amount of money, but hanging on to them costs a significant amount of money.”
Given the Trump administration’s firm stance against financial waste, discarding tests worth over half a billion dollars would contradict the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to curb excessive government spending. In his first days back in office, Trump revoked several of former President Joe Biden’s COVID-related executive orders, including one designed to expand the national testing strategy.
The decision sparked concerns among public health experts, who warned that eliminating the initiative could hinder efforts to manage flu season and future COVID surges.
Discarding the tests “feels like an act of self-destruction here. It’s going to be expensive. And it takes away a tool that the administration would want to use in the scenario that we get a highly immune-evasive variant,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, who led the White House COVID response from March 2022 to April 2023 under Biden and is now the dean of Brown University School of Public Health.
Although COVID cases have declined since the winter peak, experts emphasize that free testing remains essential for managing and preventing future outbreaks.
“Destroying an asset that was paid for by the American people, that doesn’t make any sense,” said Dr. Tom Inglesby, who was White House national coordinator for COVID testing under Biden and is now the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
In the event of a resurgence, “we need to be able to figure out who is sick, who is not sick, who needs medicine, who is, in fact, contagious, who may be someone who’s vulnerable,” Inglesby added. “These diagnostics really help you make really good decisions, help families make good decisions about how to stay healthy.”
Andrew Lester Dies After Admitting Guilt In Shooting Of Black Teenager Ralph Yarl
Andrew Lester shot a 16-year-old honor student in 2023. One day after pleading guilty Lester died.
Andrew Lester pled guilty to shooting a Missouri teen, Ralph Yarl, who had knocked on his door by accident. One day later, Lester died, AP reports.
The 86-year-old man was arrested in April 2023 after shooting Yarl, a 16-year-old honor student. After two years of court motions, Lester chose not to fight the charges. Instead, he signed a plea deal, admitting to second-degree assault, a lesser charge than the original first-degree assault.
In a statement, Yarl’s family expressed their disappointment at the length of time it took to reach closure. According to the family, Lester successfully delayed his prosecution, meaning Ralph will never see his assailant face justice.
“Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system,” the family said. “While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling.”
Though Lester has passed away, this may not be the end of the saga. BLACKENTERPRISE reported on the Yarl family’s civil suit against Lester’s family.
On April 29, 2024, Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, released a statement:
“Today, on behalf of my son Ralph Yarl, we stand before you to announce a significant step towards justice and accountability… This incident not only shattered our family but also exposed a critical gap in our societal fabric, where the safety of our children is jeopardized by reckless actions.”
The suit alleges “negligence” on Lester’s part. The shooter claimed he mistakenly shot Yarl because he assumed the teen was a thief. This assumption is being challenged by the family’s attorney, Lee Merritt.
“The suit is based on what [Lester] said,” Merritt said. “If he’s saying, ‘I mistakenly thought this person was a robber,’ we’re saying that’s negligence. You weren’t paying close enough attention. Everybody who rings your doorbell can’t be a robber.”
The family is also suing the neighborhood’s homeowner’s association. The civil case is still ongoing.
