IN MEMORIAM: Michael K. Williams, star of ‘The Wire’ dead at 54

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor The internet is buzzing with news iconic actor Michael K. Williams has died. Multiple media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter are reporting the celebrated actor who played some of the most interesting and complicated characters on television including Omar on The Wire (HBO), Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Montrose Freeman on Lovecraft […]
Martin Luther King III and wife talk voting rights, abolishing filibuster

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia In 1963, more than 250,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., for jobs and freedom with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nearly 60 years later, Martin Luther King III helped lead a massive march on the nation’s capital. This time the objective focused on voting rights. […]
White House says $44 billion still available to avoid evictions

House and Senate Democrats are looking to the White House to immediately act to stop evictions after the federal moratorium expired on July 31. But President Joe Biden said a recent Supreme Court ruling means the administration cannot unilaterally extend the moratorium.
Congress Members Urge Vaccination During Black Press Week

“Protect your children and your grandchildren, protect those who you come in contact with,” Congressman Clyburn stated during the annual National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund’s (NNPAF) Black Press Week. “Take the shot. It’s safe to do,” the congressman declared during an interview with Real Times Media President and CEO Hiram Jackson.
Houston-based Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Partners with Beats By Dre to Help Kids

Now Jarren Small and Douglas Johnson are partnering with the iconic Beats By Dre, allowing the men an opportunity to provide quality resources for a new RWAR Digital program set to rollout this Fall. “We are looking at doing a free beta phase of the program this summer in up to seven cities,” Small, who has formed relationships with mayors, members of Congress, school districts, and others, stated.
Wife of Marvin Hagler Pushes Back on Rumors Fighter’s Death was COVID Vaccine-Related

“I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen. For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usual smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense,” Hagler’s wife continued on Facebook.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A Day of Remembrance

“It is important to recognize the International Decade for People of African Descent as an international corrective to combat the systematic indoctrination of the lie of African inferiority,” said Dr. Kevin Cokley, the director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis. “Passing H.R. 40 would count as the most significant legislative achievement to impact the victims of the transatlantic slave trade.”
The American Rescue Plan Provides Relief for Small Businesses

The American Rescue Plan will “devote $1 trillion toward building a bridge to economic recovery for working families, including those who work for small businesses; and provide critical support to communities that are struggling in the wake of the pandemic.”
COMMENTARY: Knicks Getting Last Laugh in Revelatory NBA Season

Knick fans vividly remember how loud The Garden was when Ewing dominated the paint, when Oakley crashed the boards, coming away with just about every rebound, and when a John Starks or an Allan Houston would drain a 25-foot three-pointer. With momentum building toward a playoff berth, Knick fans are anxiously awaiting the full re-opening of The Garden to crowds (the team is currently allowed 2,000 in attendance).
Jury Selection Continues in the Case of the Officer Who Caused Death of George Floyd

NNPA NEWSWIRE — To convict Chauvin of second-degree murder, Ellison and his team must prove the former officer caused Floyd’s death by creating an unreasonable risk and that he consciously caused severe harm. Prosecutors must also prove that Chauvin’s use of force was unlawful.