African American Community

Michelle Matthews-Alexander of General Motors Earns NNPA 2020 National Leadership Award

In partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Matthews-Alexander and Chevrolet have invested heavily in the future of Black journalism while simultaneously supporting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Matthews-Alexander will receive the NNPA 2020 National Leadership Award.

Black News Channel’s Kelly Wright Interviews President Trump

It not only marked Trump’s first time on the network but also his initial interview with any African American-owned media. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of 230 Black-owned newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America, has repeatedly requested interviews with the president throughout his nearly four years in office.

Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG) Hosts Discussions with Nation’s Automakers Over Lack of Inclusion

The BAMG feels that addressing these pillars is crucial to reversing decades of exclusion that Black automotive journalists have faced. As a result of the letter, all manufacturers responded, and a series of video calls were executed. The conversations were informative and sometimes uncomfortable, and souls on both sides of the discussions were bared. “We need to be an adequate part of the solution,” said one automaker. “We need a strategic corporate reset,” said another.

AARP and NNPA Join Forces for Riveting Webinar on Saving Black Lives During COVID-19 Pandemic

“People are stressed and worried, not only about caring for themselves but protecting and caring for someone in the home or someone long distance,” Choula stated. 

“It’s very important that there is increased conversation with nursing facilities through virtual visitation and phone calls, which is what AARP is advocating.” 

COVID-19 and Black People

At present the CDC has noted that those with chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, those immunocompromised including cancer treatment, severely obese, diabetic, with renal failure, or liver disease are at higher risk for severe illness. That warning should be clearly heard by the African American community. We are 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes, 20% more likely to have high blood pressure, and 30% more likely to be obese. The incidence of COPD (lung disease) in our women is 34% higher than in White women. Bottom line, if we acquire the virus, bad things are more likely to happen. That’s pass number one.

Black Press of America Celebrates 193 Years of Freedom-Fighting Journalism

“As we deal with some of the most challenging times in modern history, it is important that we understand the significance of the Black Press in reporting on and recording our history,” said National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Chair, and publisher of the Houston Forward Times, Karen Carter Richards. The NNPA is the national trade association representing America’s Black Press.

NNPA EXCLUSIVE — Biden Says, ‘The Black Vote Will Determine the Nominee’

“I got started in the African American community. I got involved in the Civil Rights Movement when I was a kid. I helped de-segregate a movie theater, that kind of thing,” Biden noted. “I was the only guy who worked in the projects on the East Side who was White. That’s how I got started, and the Black community is the community that, as we say, brung me to the dance. That’s how I got elected.”

Ray B. Shackelford Elected as 10th National President of National Urban League Young Professionals

“Just like I didn’t get here on my own, moving forward the same will be true,” said Shackelford. “In the coming months my team and I look forward to meeting with the members across the country and hearing their ideas of how we can work together to advance the movement. It will take all of us to create the impact that we want to see, and our communities desperately need.”

Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement Announces its 2nd Annual CEEM Weekend at the LA County Fair: A Tribute to Black Influence in Popular Culture

The 2nd Annual CEEM Weekend at the LA County Fair will feature a “Tribute to Black Influence in Pop Culture!” Come celebrate the incredible impact of African-American contributions to this year’s fair theme: Pop Culture! The CEEM Weekend is sponsored by McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Campaign. McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden campaign celebrates a new movement to uplift communities and empower excellence through education, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Empire Star Taraji Henson Speaks on Suicide and Mental Health on Capitol Hill

“It breaks my heart to know that 5-year-old children are contemplating life and death, I just…I’m sorry. That one is tough for me. So, I’m here to appeal to you, because this is a national crisis. When I hear of kids going into bathrooms, cutting themselves, you’re supposed to feel safe in school,” Henson told the members of Congress and those in the audience in a hearing room on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Chicago Defender Newspaper Moves to Digital Only with its July 11 Edition

After 114 years of using ink on paper to deliver news that informs, educates and empowers the African American community throughout the Windy City, Real Times Media, parent company of the Chicago Defender, has announced that the Chicago Defender will move to a digital-only format with its July 11 edition. The final printed edition will be delivered Wednesday, July 10.