Robert Traynham, President and Chief Executive Officer, faith & politics

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 28, 2025

Meta Alum Robert Traynham Appointed President And Chief Executive Officer Of The Faith & Politics Institute

Political and communications expert Robert Traynham will now lead the Faith and Politics Institute as President and CEO.

Meta’s former global spokesperson, Robert Traynham, will now serve as the president and chief executive officer of the Faith & Politics Institute (FPI).

FPI revealed that its board of directors made the decision on Jan. 27, with Traynham starting on Feb. 17, 2025.

Traynham, a political veteran and communications specialist, will help the organization advance its mission of fostering mutual respect and promoting open dialogue among political leaders.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the organization, as Traynham will oversee the planning and execution of FPI’s annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama. This year’s pilgrimage will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, in March.

“I had the privilege of working on the 50th anniversary of the Pilgrimage, and it is only fitting that I return to the organization as we begin to celebrate and reflect on the 60th anniversary,” Traynham said in a press release. “With a new administration and a new Congress, I am honored to be at the helm of an organization driving increased understanding through nonpartisan work, and I am motivated by FPI’s unwavering commitment to creating opportunities to advance productive discourse and constructive collaboration for our democracy.”

Traynham, a professor at Georgetown University and a Georgetown University Fellow, boasts an acclaimed list of previous roles in politics and media. He was global spokesperson for Meta, and head of external affairs and head of global public affairs for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.

He has also served as an MSNBC political analyst, moderator for the public affairs program Newsmakers, and co-host of the election and campaign-focused radio talk show, The Flacks. In politics, Traynham held senior roles, including chief of staff and communications director for the Senate Republican Conference. He also was a longtime senior aide and press secretary to Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).

“Robert is the best person to help lead us to where we need to go,” said David Marventano, FPI board chair. “We are looking forward to embarking on this new chapter under his guidance.”

by Daniel Johnson

January 28, 2025

Haiti’s Transitional Council President Says Trump’s Immigration Policy Will Devastate The Country

Leslie Voltaire says Trump will not offer any assistance to Haiti given his past comments about the island nation.

Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, said the Trump administration’s decision to end funding for aid programs, deport migrants, and block refugees represents a nightmare for the island nation.

Voltaire talked with the Associated Press following his Jan. 25 meeting with Pope Francis at The Vatican.

“I’m knocking on the doors of people who love Haiti. The pope loves Haiti, and he is eager to help,” Voltaire told reporters.

Half of Haiti’s 11.6 million residents are going hungry. Freezing humanitarian aid will only push those numbers up further, and Voltaire does not believe President Trump will offer any assistance to Haiti.

“Trump said that Haiti is a ‘sh*thole,’ so I don’t think he will care about Haiti,” Voltaire said. The new policies of the United States, he added, likely ensures that “the situation will be catastrophic.”

Voltaire also referenced the Trump administration’s plans to expel the 1.5 million Haitians who are living in the United States, saying that the country, already dealing with a morass of problems stemming from the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, cannot handle the influx of people.

According to the AP, a report from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claims the gangs in Haiti could completely break down the country’s current governmental capabilities unless there is international support for the country’s police force.

“This could allow the gangs to overrun the entire metropolitan area, resulting in a complete breakdown of state authority and rendering international operations, including those to support communities in need, in the country untenable,” Guterres said. “We must urgently do everything in our power to prevent such an outcome.”

Voltaire remains confident that if security in Haiti is bolstered through a multi-national peacekeeping force, the country can hold elections in November.

“We have to do a referendum on a new constitution and also the election at the end of November. I say that we can do the elections because we have like eight departments, like 80% of the country. We can do the election,” Voltaire said.

Guterres’ prognosis is less optimistic, however, especially since progress on the transition in Haiti has been much slower than anticipated.

“Simply put, the goal of restoring democratic institutions by February 2026 is in jeopardy. Disagreements among authorities and stakeholders on power-sharing and ways to strengthen transitional governance have hindered progress. Ongoing allegations of corruption risk further eroding public trust in the political transition,” Guterres said.

According to The Miami Herald, Dorothy Camille Shea, the United States representative on Haiti’s Security Council, pushed for the transitional government to end its political in-fighting and focus on gaining the trust of the Haitian people.

“We strongly encourage Haitian efforts aimed at addressing corruption allegations and promoting transparency and accountability,” she added. “These measures are essential for the transition government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people.”

by Mitti Hicks

January 28, 2025

Here Are The 7 Democrats Who Confirmed Noem To Lead The Department Of Homeland Security

Seven Democratic senators voted to confirm former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem will lead the agency that's a priority for President Trump who promised to crack down on illegal immigration.

President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks have received a lot of backlash. In some cases, the reaction to some nominees was nothing short of shock. However, Kristi Noem, his Department of Homeland Security pick, may be his best yet for bipartisan support—although not by much.

According to the Hill, seven Democratic senators voted to confirm former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem will lead the agency, a priority for President Trump, who promised to crack down on illegal immigration.

Noem’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security was approved with a 59-34 vote, positioning her as the best pick yet across party lines compared to Trump’s other nominees. Vice President J.D. Vance had to cast a tiebreaking vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Vance’s vote reflects a deep division across party lines. Three Republican senators, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins, joined Independents and Democrats in voting against the nominee. Hegseth sparked concerns over sexual misconduct claims against him, financial mismanagement, and his strong opposition toward women in combat roles.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz fell from grace and withdrew himself for consideration as Attorney General following an investigation by the House Ethics Committee on allegations of sexual misconduct, which included a minor.

However, Noem faced less pushback.

The seven Democratic senators who voted for Noem include:

Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.)
Sen. Maggie Hassan (N.H.)
Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.)
Sen. Andy Kim (N.J.)
Sen. Gary Peters (Mich.)
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.)
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.)

Sen. Kim said that while he disagrees “strongly” with Noem on many issues, he is confident he could work with the former governor.

“I had several direct conversations with Governor Noem. While we disagreed strongly on a number of key points of Trump’s agenda, we both agreed that we could more effectively raise and try to address the pressing needs and concerns of communities and families in New Jersey if we communicate and engage directly with one another,” Kim said on X.

Senator Kim Statement on the Confirmation of Governor Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. pic.twitter.com/e5d7myTMhu
— Senator Andy Kim’s Office (@SenatorAndyKim) January 25, 2025

Sen. Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said he supports Noem’s nomination because she pledged to take a bipartisan approach.

“Given her openness to working on a bipartisan basis to address these and other threats to our homeland security, I voted to advance her nomination out of committee and send it to the Senate floor for consideration,” said Peters.

Seven senators did not vote, including Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, New Jersey, Senate

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 28, 2025

Cory Booker And Other Senators Reintroduce Bill To Recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day

The bill would spread awareness on the ongoing need for better pre and post-natal care for mothers.

Sen. Cory Booker and fellow senators have reintroduced a resolution that would designate Jan. 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day.

The federally recognized day would raise public awareness and information about maternal health issues and disparities that impact mothers across the United States. Sen. Booker released a statement on reintroducing the potential legislation, calling out the country’s disproportionate maternal mortality rate.

“The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, but we still have the highest rate of maternal mortality among our peer countries,” said Sen. Booker in a press release. “It’s disheartening that Congress has failed to pass comprehensive federal legislation to protect mothers and their babies and ensure moms receive the essential care they need throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys.“

The New Jersey congressman added that the bipartisan effort would hopefully lead to new healthcare policies that would aid mothers in receiving proper pre- and post-natal care.

He added, “I remain committed to working across the aisle to create and implement effective policies that address the maternal mortality crisis and promote equitable maternal healthcare across our nation.”

The United States has a disproportionally high maternal mortality rate compared to other high-income countries. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the government had 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2022. These numbers significantly increase for certain race groups as well. Black women faced the highest rates at 49.5, a figure that more than doubles their white counterparts.

The issue remains especially prevalent in Booker’s home state. The KFF confirmed that New Jersey had a rate of 25.7 deaths per 100,000 live births from 2018 to 2021, higher than the national average. Black women in the state also have a maternal mortality rate that is four times higher than white women as well.

“In a country of such great wealth and power, it is heartbreaking that we continue to let down expecting mothers who deserve to feel safe and supported,” said fellow New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim. “The pain of our country’s maternal mortality crisis is felt harshly in New Jersey, disproportionately hurting Black women and devastating too many families. With this resolution, I don’t just stand for awareness but call on my colleagues in Congress to see this urgency, understand the vast majority of maternal deaths are preventable, and help push forward on tangible action to protect lives and be there for growing families.”

While addressing maternal mortality remains a top priority in New Jersey, Booker and supporting senators across the aisle continue to advocate for better care and knowledge nationwide.

Hidden figures, congressional Gold medal, Nasa

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 28, 2025

First Woman To Lead NASA Ends DEI Program Despite Organization’s Lack Of Diversity

The first woman to lead NASA is ending the agency's short-lived DEI efforts.

NASA’s interim Trump-appointed leader, Janet Petro, sent a stern email to agency staff on Wednesday, abruptly halting diversity and inclusion programs.

While Petro is the first woman to lead the world-renowned space agency since its founding in 1958, and a 2024 report highlighted “little progress” in advancing DEI efforts at NASA, Petro is aligning with the Trump administration’s rapid dismantling of DEI-related roles and initiatives in public sector organizations.

“These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination,” Petro’s email stated.

Petro’s letter implies that some NASA civil servants, concerned about potential anti-DEI measures under a future Trump administration, attempted to conceal DEI programs by renaming them. However, Petro warned that such efforts would be uncovered, and those responsible would face “adverse consequences.”

“We are aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language,” she noted. “If you are aware of a change in any contract description or personnel position description since November 5, 2024, to obscure the connection between the contract and DEIA or similar ideologies, please report all facts and circumstances.”

The letter continued, “There will be no adverse consequences for timely reporting this information,” Petro explained, adding, “However, failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences.”

NASA’s brief DEI efforts were initiated following a 2010 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report, which revealed that among the agency’s 17,000 employees at the time, only 35% were women, fewer than 6% identified as Latino, just over 6% as Asian, and only 11.8% as African American.

In 2024, the NASA Office of Inspector General noted that “despite support from Agency leaders and multiple initiatives to increase diversity,” NASA had “made little progress in increasing the representation of women and minorities in its civilian workforce or leadership ranks. Specifically, over the past decade, NASA’s overall workforce demographics have stayed roughly the same.”

Since Petro’s email was issued, the NASA Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity website now redirects to a 404 error page, indicating missing content.

“The cosmic object you were looking for has disappeared beyond the event horizon,” it reads.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2025

Kobe Bryant’s Impact On Women’s Basketball Not Lost On 5th Anniversary Of His Death

Players remember Kobe's contributions to the sport.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was a very strong proponent of professional women’s basketball, and the popularity of the WNBA and the recent launch of the Unrivaled League could be attributed to Kobe’s interest in seeing women’s basketball be elevated. Some players who benefitted spoke of his dedication and interest in seeing them thrive.

As the world remembers the fifth anniversary of his death, The Athletic discussed with several women the impact that the NBA Hall of Famer has had in advancing the sport while he was alive. Reportedly, one of the last times he was seen was in December 2019 at Staple Center. He attended a Lakers game against the Dallas Mavericks. While sitting courtside, he had on an orange WNBA hoodie while sitting with his basketball-playing daughter, Gianna, who died with him in the helicopter crash that took their lives along with seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

Seattle Storm superstar Skylar Diggins-Smith feels that if he were alive today, he would be proud of the WNBA’s advancement.

“I think him seeing where it is right now, he’d be so proud,” Skylar Diggins-Smith said. “He was always a supporter of our league and the people in our league. And really making sure that he stood up as an advocate when it came to resources and came to supporting. … He made sure he positioned himself to hold space for all of us and our sport. … His fingerprints are all over our game today.”

Napheesa Collier, who co-founded Unrivaled, also gave her thoughts on the Laker legend. Her husband, Alex Bazzell, a basketball trainer, worked with girls at Kobe’s Mamba Academy.

shark tank, Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond, John, deal, stalker, grants, Black entrepreneurs

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2025

Daymond John Pushes ‘Loud Quitting’ As A Great Way To Fight Against Horrible Bosses

Do you think 'loud quitting' is a good way to be heard?

Fubu co-founder and Shark Tank star Daymond John says if you want your voice to be heard “loud quitting” is one way to go.

The trend is being highlighted on reels across social media platforms, with employees expressing their frustrations of not feeling seen or heard in the workplace. On TikTok on Instagram, those really fed up have gone as far as calling out their toxic boss or human resources department by name for lacking understanding.

By definition, according to CNBC, loud quitting involves an employee becoming actively disengaged from work, sidelining deadlines, displaying a negative attitude, and all around dissing their job responsibilities.

John doesn’t see a problem with the trend, given the right circumstances. In his own TikTok video, he said it’s necessary for employers to pay attention to the needs of their employees.gf

“I think it’s great when there’s a toxic boss [or] toxic environment,” John said. “You see a bunch of people loud quitting, you better pay attention to what’s going on with your staff because you [evoke] so much emotion that these people have collectively started saying ‘I don’t care what happens to me…This place sucks.’ And I think that’s absolutely amazing.”

@thesharkdaymond
Based on @cnbc , 1 in 5 employees are #loudquitting Here are some thoughts to consider from an employee and employer perspective. Which do you agree with? Employee POV: – Feeling unheard or unappreciated. – Burnout from toxic environments. – No growth opportunities or unfair treatment. – Frustration reaches a breaking point. Employer POV: – Poor leadership or unclear expectations. – Ignored concerns snowballing over time. – Toxic work culture driving public exits.
♬ original sound – Daymond John

For employers, John said, there is a cost with low employee engagement. Data from Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report revealed low engagement costs the global economy roughly $8.9 trillion, which is 9% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, close to one in five employees around the world already showed work habits that could be labeled as loud quitting. However, there could be some consequences behind the trend.

Not all employers are going to hear disgruntled employees out, especially those that call them out on social media. The serial entrepreneur said loud quitters risk backlash like “loud replies” from strangers and former colleagues. Dramatic exits or claims could receive side eyes from potential managers or hiring managers, resulting in fewer opportunities for future employment. John encourages those who are considering loud quitting to think about how the message will be conveyed on the internet.

“If you do it too much, and you get too much attention over it, and it’s not a bad place to work, I think you hurt yourself in the process,” he said.

There are ways for employers to fight back against the trend. Human resources and payroll company Paycor encourages employers to start building stronger relationships with their teams and take action when they promote employee feedback.

Regularly communicating the company’s vision, mission, and strategic goals also helps keep employees happy. The company also lists simply recognizing and rewarding hard work as a way to heighten company morale. It could be through a formal reward program, public acknowledgment, or a simple thank-you note, but highlighting effort reinforces positive behavior.

by Daniel Johnson

January 27, 2025

Former Pro Soccer Player Opens Doors For Artists With New Coffee Shop

Kyra Watkins, whose art is featured at L'Atelier Yaffe, said that she feels a sense of community at the coffee shop.

George Ivan Fochive, a former MLS player and league champion with the Portland Timbers, has deepened his roots in the city he adopted during his playing days by opening a coffee shop here, L’Atelier Yaffe.

According to KATU, Fochive is collaborating with TED Portland, which allows him to give local artists in the city a platform to display their artwork.

The coffee shop’s name is a combination of French and Hebrew terms that guide the shop’s principles. L’Atelier, which translates to “the studio” in French, and Yaffe, a Hebrew word that means “beautiful.”

“L’Atelier Yaffe seeks to transcend the ordinary by crafting an environment that unites art and a celebration of diverse talents over a good drink or food pairing,” Fochive told What Now Portland ahead of the shop’s 2024 opening. “Originally, I was contemplating opening a different type of establishment, but that evolved to opening a space set to embrace the power of the art of shaping perspectives and fostering connections after inspiration from my travels.”

Recently, Fochive told KATU, that his upbringing deeply—”Where I grew up,” he said, “art was strongly emphasized in school”—shaped his love of art.

Kyra Watkins, whose art is featured at L’Atelier Yaffe, said that she feels a sense of community and appreciates the exposure Fochive creates for her work.

“It feels good to have my work in a storefront, in the window, somewhere public where people can see it,” she said. “I’m always honored when the community supports me in ways that help amplify art’s role in our lives.”

According to the shop’s website, the mission of the space is to create an environment where patrons feel comfortable creating meaningful conversations and connections among the denizens of Portland.

“We aim to create an environment that nurtures community and creativity and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration,” the website states. “We are dedicated to showcasing the diverse and innovative works of established and emerging artists while connecting individuals through the transformative power of visual arts.”

by Mitti Hicks

January 27, 2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Proposes His Administration To Oversee Rikers Island Jails

Mayor Adams believes Lynelle Maginley-Liddie is the best person to oversee Rikers' jails. Maginley-Liddie is the current Department of Correction Commissioner.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams proposed that his administration oversee Rikers Island jails.

His proposal comes after a federal judge found the city in contempt of a 2015 deal agreed upon in the Nunez v. City of New York lawsuit. At least a dozen plaintiffs, who were current and former inmates at the time of the lawsuit, sued the city’s Department of Correction for excessive force and abuse at Rikers Island.

Rikers is the country’s second-largest jail system. The agreement required the New York City Department of Correction to develop and implement myriad new practices, systems, policies, and procedures designed to reduce violence in the jails and ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.

Mayor Eric Adams Says His Administration Is Most Suitable To Oversee Rikers Jails

According to the Gothamist, Mayor Adams believes Lynelle Maginley-Liddi, the current Department of Correction Commissioner, is the best person to oversee Rikerr.

In 2023, Adams reportedly replaced Louis Molina, the head of the Department in Correction, with Maginley-Liddie. Critics argued Molina failed to improve conditions at Rikers. The court ordered the city to improve conditions in the deal ahead of the jails’ anticipated closure in 2027.

“The Commissioner’s good faith attempts to meet the Nunez requirements and abilities as an administrator have not been questioned by the Court or the Monitor,” city lawyers reportedly wrote in paperwork filed to the federal court. “Her willingness to pursue transformational change is reflected in her accomplishments in just her first year of service.”

With the federal court’s ruling, the court could appoint a receiver, finding the city in contempt. The city argues, however, that a federal court-appointed receiver would “unnecessarily multiply bureaucracy, burden and expense.”

The city says that if it appointed Maginley-Liddie, she would “receive only the salary and benefits of a Commissioner.”

However, criminal justice reform advocates are against the city’s proposal to have Maginley-Liddie oversee the jail.

“The City’s proposal is untenable and patently inadequate to address the Court’s finding that Defendants are in contempt of 18 separate Court order provisions that relate directly to safety and the excessive violence in the jails,” plaintiffs’ lawyers wrote in court filings. “The City’s proposal does little more than preserve the status quo when, as this Court has recognized, the Department of Correction needs transformational change.”

makeup, cosmetic, environmental, toxic, beauty products, e.l.f. Beauty

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2025

e.l.f. Beauty Stands Firm On Diversity Stance Amongst Companies Eliminating DEI

Way to take a stance, e.l.f!

One of the beauty industry’s giants, e.l.f. Beauty is making a bold statement in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion with campaigns like “So Many Dicks” while other companies dial back on DEI initiatives, CNN reported.

As one of two publicly traded companies hosting a board of more than 78% women and 44% people of color, e.l.f. launched a provocative campaign in 2024 highlighting that there were close to as many men named Richard, Rick or Dick serving on public U.S. company boards as women altogether. Standing for “eye, lip, face”, the company is exposing the business narratives of diversity efforts as DEI initiatives are under attack. “There’s nothing wrong with being Richard, Rick, or Dick, but we wanted to shine a light on ‘let’s give other people a chance’ because we’ve seen the benefits in our own business,” CEO Tarang Amin said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by e.l.f. Cosmetics and Skincare (@elfcosmetics)

The statistics surrounding the 36,957 existing board members throughout 4,429 publicly traded U.S. companies are eye-opening. According to Businesswire, 566 men named Richard, Rick, or Dick (Dicks) have served or are serving on public company boards. Only 806 Black Women outnumber those men. There are 19 times more men with the name Dick than the 29 women of Middle Eastern descent that sit on these boards.

The Oakland, California company is standing behind DEI due to the company’s employee base and loyal following of younger – and diverse customers – who support their efforts. While companies like Meta, Amazon, and Target – where e.l.f. products are sold – have announced dial-back tactics on DEI due to demands by the Trump-Vance administration, e.l.f has been able to reap the benefits of standing firm. In early 2024, Bud Light’s parent company, A-B InBev, lost approximately $1.4 billion in sales as a result of backlash to a brief partnership with a transgender influencer.

However, it has been the opposite for the beauty brand, having its stock increased by over 700% since 2020 — all without having a DEI team on staff. Amin says the company’s success is based on bringing in different perspectives. The company employs close to 500 employees, with 75% being women and 40% persons of color. e.l.f. also features transgender and non-binary models as part of its diversity and inclusion strategy. “Diverse voices actually help us because they’re bringing different perspectives,” Amin said.

“Companies that abandon their diversity efforts risk losing out on incredible talent that has different points of view and that add perspective to a company.”

The comments on the Instagram post reflect how proud their customer base is. @havocbeautyandbrains celebrated the brand’s “…approach…The tenacity. The accuracy.” “Just amazing,” she wrote.