by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 18, 2025

Wayans Family Being Inducted Into NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame

The ceremony take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8:00 PM ET/PT

The NAACP has announced that the Wayans family will be the latest inductees into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and will receive their accolades at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.

The organization’s induction will take place on Feb. 22 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The honorees include Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr.

“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a written statement. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities. The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen.”

The Wayans family will join past inductees like New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth, Wind and Fire as the Hall of Fame Award is typically presented to individuals or groups who have made their mark in their respective fields. Their influence continues to shape their industry for generations.

“The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor. From In Living Color to blockbuster films, their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and redefining mainstream comedy,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “Their ability to push boundaries while resonating with diverse audiences has left an undeniable mark on the industry. We look forward to honoring their impact by inducting the Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame live on BET while celebrating their legacy in entertainment and culture.”

We were first introduced to the family when Keenen Ivory brought the comedy sketch show “In Living Color” to the Fox Network on April 15, 1990. His brothers and sister and a cast of future stars like Jennifer Lopez, David Alan Grier, Tommy Davidson, Jamie Foxx, Rosie Perez, Kim Coles, and Jim Carrey were featured. After writing and starring in “Hollywood Shuffle” and “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka,” Keenen’s stock rose, and his family started becoming involved in projects that made the rest of the family stars in their own rights.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

Morehouse College Receives $5M Endowment From Retired Walgreens CEO In Honor Of Mentor

The scholarship will go toward financially struggling Morehouse students majoring in business and STEM.

Morehouse College has received a $5 million endowment scholarship from L. Daniel Jorndt, retired Walgreens CEO, to honor his old mentor.

Jorndt wanted the endowment to pay tribute to Marion E. Williams, his first boss and beloved mentor. The scholarship will help many financially stricken students majoring in Business and Technology/STEM at the all-men’s HBCU.

Jorndt credited his career success to his first professional experience working at Williams’ pharmacy in Des Moines, Iowa. While Jorndt went on to become the first non-familial CEO of the drugstore chain, he never forgot the lessons and faith instilled in him by Williams.

“Marion was a remarkable individual who had the ability to bring out the best in people. He was a coalition builder who nurtured future leaders of different races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds and encouraged them to work together to improve the community,” Jorndt said in a press release.

While both men graduated from the Drake University School of Pharmacy, Jorndt decided to give back to Morehouse. His mentor was dedicated to public service and uplifting the Black community within and beyond the medical field.

Jorndt added, “It was Williams’ life of service that inspired me and my wife, Patricia, to give this gift to Morehouse College. Morehouse is an institution that is mission-driven to develop service-minded leaders.”

Williams’ family also expressed their appreciation to Jorndt for honoring their deceased loved one. While noting his “lifetime friendship” with and pride for the ex-CEO, the family emphasized Williams’ unyielding support of Black people’s economic upliftment.

“He firmly believed that Black economic advancement was a key pillar in building bridges of reconciliation and overcoming racial division, so this gift to support scholars in Business and Technology/STEM is a beautiful tribute in his honor,” shared Rev. Julie Williams Staples, J.D.

For Morehouse, the school thanked the Jordnt family for their monetary gift. The HBCU also explained how this crucial endowment will fulfill the dreams of men who want to obtain a Morehouse education.

“This $5 million scholarship from Dan and Patricia Jorndt will be a lifeline for students facing financial hardships who dream of earning a Morehouse degree but cannot afford tuition. Morehouse produces Black male excellence at scale and is the leading gateway to social mobility for Black men,” said David A. Thomas, Ph.D. president of Morehouse College. “Not only will this gift change the lives of our students, but it will also help Morehouse continue to produce a pipeline of men who lead and serve with distinction and strive to build bridges of unity and equity in the world.

by Daniel Johnson

February 18, 2025

The Trump Administration Wants The Supreme Court To Allow It To Fire Federal Watchdog Hampton Dellinger

The Trump administration sees the lower court's ruling as a barrier to installing their own leader of the office, framing it as an encroachment of executive power by the court.

On Feb. 16, news outlets obtained documents that outline President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is seeking the assistance of the Supreme Court so that the Trump administration’s plan to fire Hampton Dellinger, the leader of the independent Office of the Special Counsel, an office charged with protecting federal employees who become whistleblowers for issues within the government, can proceed.

According to The Hill, lower courts have ruled to block the Trump administration from firing Dellinger, resulting in his reinstatement. This is the first time that the Trump administration has appealed directly to the Supreme Court. The politician was initially appointed to his office and intended to serve a five-year term by President Joe Biden in March 2024.

Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris’s argument in the application to the nation’s highest court states that the Trump administration sees the lower court’s ruling as a barrier to installing its own leader of the office, framing it as an encroachment of executive power by the courts.

“This case involves an unprecedented assault on the separation of powers that warrants immediate relief,” Harris wrote.

The Justice Department offered a similar argument in their application to the Supreme Court.

“Until now, as far as we are aware, no court in American history has wielded an injunction to force the President to retain an agency head whom the President believes should not be entrusted with executive power and to prevent the President from relying on his preferred replacement,” the Justice Department wrote.

The subtext of their argument seems clear: The Trump administration wants to replace former President Biden’s nominee with someone more pliable to their wishes.

However, according to CBS News, Dellinger has previously argued that federal law only exposes him to being fired if there are problems with his job performance, which were not cited in the email that terminated him from the position.

The Trump administration’s petition to the Supreme Court came a few hours after an appeals court determined it could not lift the order reinstating Dellinger on procedural grounds. As such, the order remains in effect until Feb. 26.

According to Dellinger, his office’s work is “needed now more than ever” due to the “unprecedented” number and nature of firings by the Trump administration since his inauguration, often without cause, of federal employees who have civil service protections.

As NPR reported, Dellinger’s lawsuit challenged the legality of his firing in federal court on Feb. 10, after he received the email informing him he had been fired on Feb. 14.

“That email made no attempt to comply with the Special Counsel’s for-cause removal protection,” Dellinger’s suit argued. “It stated simply: ‘On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Special Counsel of the US Office of Special Counsel is terminated, effective immediately.’ “

According to their reporting, many of the moves made by the Trump administration go well beyond routine turnover that comes with a new administration and seem to be instead a series of flagrant tests of the bounds of what a president is allowed to do by federal law.

According to Newsweek, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson reinstated Dellinger on Feb. 12. He argued in her ruling that although the White House attempted to make a case that his reinstatement would disrupt the agency, she said any disruption was actually caused by the White House, using a colorful metaphor in the process.

“Defendants imply that it would be too disruptive to the business of the agency to have Special Counsel Dellinger resume his work. But any disruption to the work of the agency was occasioned by the White House. It’s as if the bull in the china shop looked back over his shoulder and said, ‘What a mess!'”

Jackson continued, “Moreover, any disruption caused by the proposed temporary restraining order would be minimal; the plaintiff served as Special Counsel from March 6, 2024, through the end of the workday on Friday, February 7, 2025.”

In the next hearing in Dellinger’s case, scheduled for Feb. 26, Jackson will likely decide whether to impose a preliminary injunction prohibiting the Trump administration from firing Dellenger. If Jackson issues a preliminary injunction, the ruling is expected to be appealed to a higher court.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 18, 2025

Donating Hand Grenades To Goodwill Isn’t Exactly Goodwill

The discovery led to the store being evacuated

A donation made to a Goodwill store in Maine led to its evacuation when several hand grenades were discovered hidden in a donation box.

According to The New York Post, a box left outside a Goodwill store in Augusta had some military-grade hand grenades inside. The explosives, which were not active when discovered, were seemingly donated and discovered when employees arrived at the store on Tuesday, Feb. 11. When the dangerous items were found, Maine police officers were summoned to the scene. When the Maine State Police Bomb Squad arrived, the store was evacuated and closed.

Right before 1 p.m., the Facebook account of Goodwill Northern New England informed customers about the temporary closing.

“Our Augusta, ME store is temporarily closed. A hand grenade was donated, and we have evacuated the building as we wait for the bomb squad to assess the situation.

“Please do not donate weaponry. Even if you know it is antique and safe, our store employees do not, and we need to take the necessary precautions we have today. You can find a list of acceptable donations on our website at https://goodwillnne.org/donate/acceptable-donations/.

“We will update this page and GoodwillNNE.org/Locations when the store is safe and open again. Thank you for your understanding!”

WMTW reported that a spokesperson stated that it’s not uncommon for people to donate weapons, although they don’t accept any.

“Unfortunately, this is oddly common,” Morgan Sewall, a spokesperson for Goodwill Northern New England, said in a written statement. “Many New Englanders collect antique weapons in their homes. We ask that people do not donate weaponry. Even if they know it is antique and safe, our store employees do not, and we need to take the precautions we have today.”

Police added that they don’t believe there was ill intent from the person who donated to Goodwill.

After the bomb squad gave the clearance, Goodwill Northern New England reassured customers that all was OK and the store reopened.

“Our Augusta, ME store has been given the all-clear and is open again. Thank you for your patience and understanding!”

by Daniel Johnson

February 18, 2025

Prosecutor Takes Umbrage With Rihanna, RZA And Riot Supporting A$AP Rocky Trial

District Attorney John Lewin asked the jury to refrain from allowing themselves to be swayed by the appearances of A$AP Rocky's partner, Rihanna, and their young children.

As the trial of A$AP Rocky continues to wind down, the prosecution team used the rapper’s family’s appearance in court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 13 to try to gain sympathy from the jury.

According to People Magazine, District Attorney John Lewin requested on Feb. 14 during his closing argument that the jury refrain from allowing themselves to be swayed by the appearances of his partner, Rihanna, and their young children, two-year-old RZA and 18-month-old Riot in court the previous day.

Rihanna just walked into the courtroom here in Los Angeles during the prosecution's closing argument in A$AP Rocky's gun assault trial, and she's with her and Rocky's two young sons.

One has a pacifier in his mouth.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) February 13, 2025

Remarkable that prosecutors' closing is focused so heavily on secret recordings of Relli that they would never have if Rocky's lawyers hadn't given them to prosecutors because they wanted to play small snippets out of order.

Those recordings are not good for the defense.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) February 13, 2025

“This is not something you’re allowed to consider. We are all responsible for what we do. I want to make sure that no matter how famous his [partner] is, no matter how cute his kids are, no matter how much they giggle during closing arguments… he needs to be treated like any other person. Because in the end that’s what he’s entitled to,” Lewin told the jury.

According to reports, after Lewin made his statement, both Rihanna and A$AP Rocky shifted nervously in their seats and appeared upset.

A$AP Rocky stands accused of firing a semi-automatic handgun at his former friend and associate, A$AP Relli, in November 2021. The pair were formerly part of a rap crew, A$AP Mob.

After a brief recess, the judge addressed Lewin’s comments to the jury, instructing the court that he would accept no more mentions of either Rihanna or the children.

“From here on out, there should be no mention of Rihanna being in the courtroom or the babies being in the courtroom,” Judge Mark Arnold cautioned.

He continued, “The manner in which you did it -– I don’t think it was improper. But you cannot mention again Rihanna being in the courtroom, or the kids being in the courtroom.”

A$AP Rocky could have taken a plea deal but instead opted to enter a not-guilty plea and faces up to 24 years in prison if found guilty.

His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, described the gun his client was carrying as a “prop gun” to ward off would-be threats in his opening statements and alleged that A$AP Relli is concocting a false narrative so he can get paid.

“For Relli, it was never about justice… it’s about a man seeking a profit from a fabricated narrative. Rocky has nothing to hide here,” Tacopina told the jury.

According to The Guardian, Tacopina’s line of argument during the trial, like his closing argument, has largely centered on proving that A$AP Relli is an unreliable witness.

“Their witness lied to them, lied to police and deleted the messages,” Tacopina told the court. “He destroyed evidence.”

He produced evidence, a transcript of a moment during Relli’s testimony when Tacopina confronted Reilly about the text messages between himself and Rocky.

“At first he said: ‘I don’t recall.’ Then I showed him the messages,” Tacopina said. “What did he say next? His go-to line: ‘It’s fake! It’s fake!’ Anything that crushed him was fake. That was in front of you. Imagine what he’s like in the street.”

Lewin, meanwhile, has made his argument as simple as possible despite neither side producing a gun, which is at the center of the entire court case.

His argument, quite simply, is that once the jury decides the gun isn’t a prop gun, the case is over at that point. “If it is a prop gun, there is no self-defense.”

According to Lewin, the jurors could spend minimal time deliberating Rocky’s guilt or innocence; he told them it could even be “a five-minute verdict.”

Lewin added, “Once you decide it’s not a prop gun – and it’s not a prop gun, the case is over.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

Memphis Woman Banned From All Walmart Locations Over Serial Self-Checkout Scams

The woman was caught trying to buy over $100 worth of items for only $1.

A Memphis woman has been banned from all Walmart locations over her long-term self-checkout scams.

Ashley Cross can no longer shop at any Walmart after police caught her trying to scam the self-checkout. The 37-year-old woman attempted to buy over $137 worth of items for only $1 by using the barcode of an old watch battery. The Neighborhood Talk reposted footage of the news.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

On Feb. 10, Cross tried to take home her groceries and clothing, such as 11 packs of ramen noodles, a pair of women’s boots, blue jeans, and a T-shirt. Instead, she faced arrest. Camera footage caught her and another woman scanning the cheap battery for all the items she took at the register.

Upon officers arriving at Walmart to investigate the shoplifting call, they found the alleged serial thief. According to WREG, she was charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise less than $1,000.

As for her partner in crime, the woman received a misdemeanor citation for theft of property. She attempted to steal a backpack, two bras, a lash kit, and a car accessory, totaling over $57.

Police have arrested Cross before for her prior shoplifting habits. However, this latest occurrence has yielded a newer result.

While a police report also deemed her a “well-known shoplifter,” her ongoing thefts led to her placement on Walmart’s authorization of agency list.

Her designation on the list has resulted in a ban from all Walmarts throughout America. Although Walmart refused to comment on its latest ban, it did issue a statement on persons “no longer welcome” at the shopping“hub.

“We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience,” wrote the retailer. “Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”

Cross remains detained in jail. Her court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 19. Her bond has been set at $7,500.

by Mitti Hicks

February 18, 2025

Department of Education To All Schools: Eliminate DEI Programs Or Lose Funding

The Department of Education is advising educational institutions to ensure their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights laws in order to maintain federal funding.

The United States Department of Education warns schools to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) programs within the next two weeks or lose funding. Ultimately, the letter’s directive officially outlaws scholarships designed to help Black students.

In a four-page letter dated Feb. 14, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor explained the Department of Education’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which struck down affirmative action in education and school programming.

As The Daily Pennsylvanian reports, Trainor’s letter to educational institutions explains that the Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmative action policies are unconstitutional did not solely apply to using race in admissions. It also applies to the use of race-based considerations in all aspects. Trainor warned schools, including preschools and elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions, that they have 14 days to comply with the new requirements to continue to receive federal funding.

Board of Education Gives Schools 14 Days To Eliminate DEI Programs

Trainor advises educational institutions to ensure their policies and actions comply with existing civil rights laws.

“If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than it treats another person because of that person’s race, the educational institution violates the law,” the letter states. “Put simply; educational institutions may neither separate nor segregate students based on race nor distribute benefits or burdens based on race.”

The letter from the Department of Education also criticized universities that promote “racial segregation” and other DEI programming at graduation ceremonies. Trainor called them a “shameful echo of a darker period in this country’s history.”

“The Department will no longer tolerate the overt and covert racial discrimination that has become widespread in this Nation’s educational institutions. The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent,” the letter continues.

Sugary food, food stamps, President Trump

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 18, 2025

‘Bad Food and Sugary Drinks’ Could Be Banned From Food Stamp Purchases Under Trump’s USDA

Let's see how this goes....

Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a potential ban on “bad food and sugary drinks” for food stamp holders, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting thousands of Black consumers.

Rollins says she is excited to work with fellow newly appointed cabinet member Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to switch food-stamp benefits to healthier food options.

“I look forward to working with Bobby Kennedy as we figure out, ‘Do we have the healthiest choices?’ So when a taxpayer is putting money into SNAP, are we OK with us using their tax dollars to feed really bad food and sugary drinks to children who perhaps need something more nutritious?” she said in a White House driveway interview.

She took the opportunity to criticize former President Joe Biden, alluding that funds for the program may have been disproportionately spent.

“Truly, this program has grown so large, especially in the last administration. Under Biden, I think [the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] grew almost 30% more than before,” Rollins said.

“We really need to look at where that money is going, what it’s being spent on.”

Over 42 million Americans received SNAP benefits during 2023’s fiscal year. In that same year, data showed close to 27% of recipients were Black children and adults, according to the Pew Research Center. Several Black families, even with government assistance, face food insecurity, leaving them with limited resources for healthy food options. In cities like Philadelphia, more than 28% of Black families faced food insecurity in 2022. Sixty-seven percent of residents in the area live under the 200% threshold for SNAP benefits.

Limiting the number of food products that can be purchased through SNAP could increase food insecurities among the demographic of people who use them the most.

The legislature supports Rollins’ ideology on Capitol Hill. In January 2025, Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) introduced the Healthy SNAP Act, which would ban SNAP benefits from purchasing items like “soft drinks, candy, ice cream, prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products.”

Brecheen feels that if someone wants to buy junk food, it should be “on their own dime.“

“But what we’re saying is, don’t ask the taxpayer to pay for it and then also expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for the resulting health consequences,” the congressman said.

Healthy food has been a hot topic among lawmakers. During former President Barack Obama’s White House administration, first lady Michelle Obama formed the “Let’s Move” initiative to combat childhood obesity, which Republican lawmakers openly shut down. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker worked with Brecheen in 2024 on a bill that would authorize a study of SNAP purchases that would “add improving nutrition security and diet quality to Congress’ declaration of policy for SNAP.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

MAGA Is Mad About Being Mocked In Black Jeopardy Skit

MAGA supporters bas the sketch comedy show for its stereotypical depiction of the average Trump voter

MAGA supporters were offended by the return of a Tom Hanks character mocking them on a Saturday Night Live skit.

The popular “Black Jeopardy” skit made a comeback during SNL’s 50th anniversary special Feb. 15. While it first debuted in 2014, its rendition two years later saw Tom Hanks in the role of a MAGA supporter named Doug. During his version, Doug refused to shake the hands of the host, another character played by SNL cast member Kenan Thompson.

Black Jeopardy! #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/QFKKTRWeer
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025

“How ya doing Darnell,” began Hanks in a signature southern accent for the role.

After guessing the square under “Live From New York” correctly, Doug proceeded to speak on why more people should have attended church to prevent the country’s current state.

“Speaking of church, can I say something? If more folks went to church, we wouldn’t be in this mess were in now,” asserted Hanks as the character.

After agreeing with him, Thompson’s character offered once again to shake Doug’s hand. However, just as the MAGA lover did before, he hesitated and backed away out of initial fear of doing so.

“Thank you my brother,” said a scared Doug after finally giving in to the handshake. “Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on and maybe we’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy.'”

Thompson’s character quickly responded, “We don’t need it.”

While Hanks’ character’s return fared well with SNL’s left-leaning viewers, many conservative commentators felt offended by the actor’s depiction of MAGA supporters. Link Lauren, a conservative and former advisor to RFK Jr., posted on X about the “tired trope” that Doug displays.

Tom Hanks just came out on SNL in a MAGA hat for a bit where he acted like he didn’t want to shake a black man’s hand.

This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show… pic.twitter.com/PlSc7gmiJ0
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) February 17, 2025

“This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter,” shared Lauren.

“Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites. The current Republican Party is a big tent coalition compromised of many former Democrats. Good riddance, SNL!”

Lauren continued on his rant over the “Black Jeopardy” skit which featured Hanks for less than a minute. Lauren went on Fox News to further explain his thoughts on the character.

SNL hasn’t been funny in years. And that Tom Hanks sketch showed exactly what liberal elites think of hardworking Americans.

Thanks for having me @tracegallagher! https://t.co/VhHxvGcRIH pic.twitter.com/77bShKzr6C
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) February 18, 2025

He added, ” SNL hasn’t been funny in years. And that Tom Hanks sketch showed exactly what liberal elites think of hardworking Americans.”

Another conservative X user, identified as the Texan Constitutionalist, spoke about the “disgrace” of excluding those who aligned with MAGA.

It didn’t take @nbc long to insult Trump voters by putting Tom Hanks on with an all black cast acting dumb and racist in a MAGA hat. It was rather disgusting. What a tool. What a disgrace @nbcsnl to decide to exclude an audience of millions who grew up watching your programming. pic.twitter.com/uEmG4aEm0Y
— texanconstitutionalist (@texanconstitut1) February 17, 2025

“It didn’t take @nbc long to insult Trump voters by putting Tom Hanks on with an all black cast acting dumb and racist in a MAGA hat,” detailed the post. “It was rather disgusting. What a tool. What a disgrace @nbcsnl to decide to exclude an audience of millions who grew up watching your programming.”

Fellow MAGA supporters continued bashing the sketch comedy show for its stereotypical depiction of the average Trump voter. As others deemed that “no one laughed” or that “nobody watches” SNL, it remains evident that Doug’s inclusion struck a particular nerve with the MAGA base.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 18, 2025

Hawaii Proclaims ‘One Love Day’ In Celebration Of Bob Marley

musicians from the island created a subgenre of music known as Jawaiian

To celebrate the 80th birthday of Jamaican legend Bob Marley, the governor of Hawaii proclaimed Feb. 14 as “One Love Day.”

According to Spectrum News, Gov. Josh Green made the proclamation to honor Marley, who was born on Feb. 6, 1945. It was signed at the Hawaii State Capitol, with two of Marley’s sons, Julian and Ky-Mani, present, along with other members of the Marley family.

“I, Josh Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi, do hereby proclaim February 14, 2025 as “ONE LOVE DAY” in the State of Hawai‘i, in honor of Bob Marley’s incredible musical legacy and his 80th birthday, and encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the values of love, unity, and peace that his music embodies, and to celebrate his life and contributions through music, art, and acts of kindness.

Done at the State Capitol in the Executive Chambers, Honolulu, State of Hawai‘i, this fourteenth day of February 2025.”

Governor of Hawaii Josh Green has proclaimed February 14 to be ‘One Love Day’ in Hawaii to honour the late Bob Marley

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“For years, I’ve known Hawaii to be a home for our family,” said Julian Marley. “From that time to this time, we still feel the love and the strength. We are overjoyed to celebrate our father and the ‘One Love’ message.”

While mentioning three of Marley’s most popular songs, “One Love,” “The Redemption Song,” and “Three Little Birds,” Green stated that Marley’s message of peace, love, unity, and social justice lives on through the legacy of his music.

“Bob Marley was a pioneer and a visionary,” said Green. “He brought Jamaican music and culture to a global audience, but he did something even far bigger than that; he brought a certain kind of vision and love for people out of a time that was difficult.”

Through the appreciation of Marley’s music decades ago, musicians from the island created a subgenre known as Jawaiian, which still plays a part of the culture today.