'American African' identity is explored by U.S. artist with Ghanaian/Nigerian roots
Navigating cultural identity can be complex, especially when straddling two distinct cultures, as seen in the author's experiences.
New on Netflix: June 2020
Da 5 Bloods trailer provides insight into the story of African-American Vets searching for treasure and their fallen leader in a changed Vietnam.
Opinion: It's code red for six of San Jose's largest school districts
The data are alarming, code red!In 2022 according to the California Department of Education 33% of California's students met math standards and 47% met English Language Arts standards.And in San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley, our students score significantly below the state average.Here are the facts, just the facts, most education leaders do not want you to know.
Judge green lights amended predatory lending suit against Wells Fargo
A federal judge in Georgia has given the green light for an amended "predatory lending" lawsuit to proceed against Wells Fargo.The lawsuit was filed under the Fair Housing Act by three counties in Georgia.The counties initially filed the lawsuit in April 2021, claiming that Wells Fargo and some of its related entities engaged in a broad predatory lending scheme that targeted minority residents in Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties.
An HBCU alumna has become Vanderbilt's first Black woman neurosurgery resident
After close to a century, Vanderbilt University's neurosurgery residency program will have its first Black woman resident.Tamia Potter is the first Black woman to accept a spot in the neurosurgery position at the university's medical center in Nashville, Tennessee.The 26-year-old received the news on March 17 better known to medical students as National Match Day, when thousands of graduate medical students learn where they will do their residency training for the next several years.
Advocates raise concerns about lead exposure in Ohio community after metal factory explosion last month
Health advocates are urging Ohio state environmental officials to test for lead contamination in a community near the site of a metal factory explosion last month.A maintenance worker was killed and 12 other people were injured in the February 20 explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. facility near Oakwood Village, outside of Cleveland, officials said at the time.
This black lesbian became a giant in her field no matter what her critics threw at her
A black woman and a lesbian, Octavia Butler stood out in a field dominated by white men, but her talent as an author made her famous.Almost from the beginning, Butler stood out.Born in Pasadena, California, she would stand 6 feet tall by age 15.Her father died while she was an infant, and she was raised by her grandmother and her mother, who worked as a maid.
Why DC Chefs Are Forming Alliances With International Embassies
Chef Ryan Ratino is always looking for extraordinary ingredients to help his Logan Circle tasting room, Jônt, stand out.Recently, he was eyeing Japanese strawberries.The small-batch fruit rarely makes it to the US, and it can cost $30 a berry.When his usual in-the-know ingredients dealers couldn't help, he turned to another source: the Japanese Embassy.
Gerrie Coetzee, 67, Afrikaner Boxing Champ Who Fought Apartheid, Dies
Gerrie Coetzee, a South African heavyweight boxing champion who rejected the epithet great white hope and criticized apartheid, earning the respect of Nelson Mandela, died on Jan. 12 at his home in Bloubergstrand, a suburb of Cape Town.He was 67.The cause was lung cancer, his longtime manager, Thinus Strydom, said.
Stephen Burks presents prototypes "for global crises" at High Museum of Art
Designer Stephen Burks has unveiled five lockdown prototypes, including podiums for digital devices and a chair that screens you from your surroundings, in a retrospective exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia.Developed by Burks at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the Shelter in Place Project is a series of designs that explore new ways of interacting with the home at times of global crises.
An HBCU alumna has become Vanderbilt's first Black woman neurosurgery resident
After close to a century, Vanderbilt University's neurosurgery residency program will have its first Black woman resident.Tamia Potter is the first Black woman to accept a spot in the neurosurgery position at the university's medical center in Nashville, Tennessee.The 26-year-old received the news on March 17 better known to medical students as National Match Day, when thousands of graduate medical students learn where they will do their residency training for the next several years.
Advocates raise concerns about lead exposure in Ohio community after metal factory explosion last month
Health advocates are urging Ohio state environmental officials to test for lead contamination in a community near the site of a metal factory explosion last month.A maintenance worker was killed and 12 other people were injured in the February 20 explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. facility near Oakwood Village, outside of Cleveland, officials said at the time.
This black lesbian became a giant in her field no matter what her critics threw at her
A black woman and a lesbian, Octavia Butler stood out in a field dominated by white men, but her talent as an author made her famous.Almost from the beginning, Butler stood out.Born in Pasadena, California, she would stand 6 feet tall by age 15.Her father died while she was an infant, and she was raised by her grandmother and her mother, who worked as a maid.
Why DC Chefs Are Forming Alliances With International Embassies
Chef Ryan Ratino is always looking for extraordinary ingredients to help his Logan Circle tasting room, Jônt, stand out.Recently, he was eyeing Japanese strawberries.The small-batch fruit rarely makes it to the US, and it can cost $30 a berry.When his usual in-the-know ingredients dealers couldn't help, he turned to another source: the Japanese Embassy.
Gerrie Coetzee, 67, Afrikaner Boxing Champ Who Fought Apartheid, Dies
Gerrie Coetzee, a South African heavyweight boxing champion who rejected the epithet great white hope and criticized apartheid, earning the respect of Nelson Mandela, died on Jan. 12 at his home in Bloubergstrand, a suburb of Cape Town.He was 67.The cause was lung cancer, his longtime manager, Thinus Strydom, said.
Stephen Burks presents prototypes "for global crises" at High Museum of Art
Designer Stephen Burks has unveiled five lockdown prototypes, including podiums for digital devices and a chair that screens you from your surroundings, in a retrospective exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia.Developed by Burks at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the Shelter in Place Project is a series of designs that explore new ways of interacting with the home at times of global crises.
NEW ICE CREAM QUEEN, EXECUTIVE CHEF LIZ ROGERS CELEBRATES EXPANSION, WITH SUCCESS OF SOLD-OUT NEW CREAMALICIOUS COFFEE CREAMERS
- the Founder, President, and Executive Chef of renowned artisan ice cream brand CEO Liz Rogers Creamalicious Ice Creams - continues to be a trailblazer in the food/beverage industry, bringing the comforts of Southern desserts direct-to-consumers in unexpected ways.Delivering new innovations in food retail with her creative recipes, fresh-tasting treats, and business acumen, Executive Chef Liz Rogers has led her latest venture, Creamalicious Coffee Creamers, to sold-out success.
Springfield native Ruth E. Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars
Entertainment Carter, who grew up in Massachusetts, took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the "Black Panther" films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.
Dr. Dre, Missy, Lil Wayne to be honored at pre-Grammy event | amNewYork
Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott and Lil Wayne will be honored at the Recording Academy's second annual Black Music Collective event during Grammy week next month.The academy announced Wednesday that the three Grammy winners and executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Global Impact Award for their personal achievements in the music industry.
Review | 'Babylon' is a lavish yet unfocused valentine to Hollywood's heyday
Margot Robbie, center, in "Babylon."(Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures) StarOutline StarOutline (1.5 stars) Say this much for Damien Chazelle: He shows his audience exactly what he's giving them within the first few minutes of "Babylon," his bruised, black-eyed valentine to Hollywood's sybaritic heyday.
10 Baby Names That Will Set Your Kid On A Course For Adventure
Choosing the perfect baby name can be an adventure.And with so many choices, it can be overwhelming.But lest we drown you with options, consider this brief list of baby names inspired by adventurers and explorers.Some are unique.Some are more traditional.But because of who they are attached to, all of the names on this list are aspirational and may inspire your family to become more adventurous.
Springfield native Ruth E. Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars
Entertainment Carter, who grew up in Massachusetts, took home best costume design Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the "Black Panther" films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.
Dr. Dre, Missy, Lil Wayne to be honored at pre-Grammy event | amNewYork
Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott and Lil Wayne will be honored at the Recording Academy's second annual Black Music Collective event during Grammy week next month.The academy announced Wednesday that the three Grammy winners and executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Global Impact Award for their personal achievements in the music industry.
Review | 'Babylon' is a lavish yet unfocused valentine to Hollywood's heyday
Margot Robbie, center, in "Babylon."(Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures) StarOutline StarOutline (1.5 stars) Say this much for Damien Chazelle: He shows his audience exactly what he's giving them within the first few minutes of "Babylon," his bruised, black-eyed valentine to Hollywood's sybaritic heyday.
10 Baby Names That Will Set Your Kid On A Course For Adventure
Choosing the perfect baby name can be an adventure.And with so many choices, it can be overwhelming.But lest we drown you with options, consider this brief list of baby names inspired by adventurers and explorers.Some are unique.Some are more traditional.But because of who they are attached to, all of the names on this list are aspirational and may inspire your family to become more adventurous.
Queer Comedians of the Past and Present - San Francisco Bay Times
By Jewelle Gomez- I have wanted to write about Queer comedians for a while, especially since, early in my career, I made the mistake of saying in print that white feminists didn't have a sense of humor.I am still paying for that!In 1979, I was on a chartered bus to the first LGBT March on Washington.
3 men found guilty in Ahmaud Arbery's murder file appeals of hate crime convictions
This combination photo shows Travis McMichael (from left), William Bryan and Gregory McMichael during their trial at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga.The three men have filed appeals of their federal hate crime convictions.AP The three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery have filed appeals of their federal hate crime convictions.
Opinion: Refusal to close Oakland schools threatens progress
Oakland Unified finds itself at a dangerous crossroads.Since moving into state receivership in 2003, the school district has improved fiscal responsibility while serving the needs of our diverse student population.But that progress is threatened by the rigid stance from some vocal advocates that we should not close any schools, even when they are too small to adequately support their students.
Marketing industry diversity improving, but still lags for senior positions | MarTech
While marketing organizations' ethnic diversity continues to improve overall, it shrinks as you go up the org chart, according to a new survey by the ANA.Why we care.Diversity at all levels of a company is a major indicator of company success and productivity.The benefits of diversity and inclusion can be seen in stock and revenue performance, hiring and retention and customer acquisition and loyalty.
This map shows the boundaries of each of San Francisco's 10 'cultural districts'
Benjamin Fanjoy, Freelance / Special to The Chronicle On November 15, San Francisco formed its 10th cultural district to support the city's Pacific Islander community.The district, located in the Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale neighborhoods, is part of San Francisco's cultural districts program, created in 2018 to "preserve, strengthen and promote cultural communities," according to the program's website.
Alabama's Capital Removes Confederate Names From Two High Schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala.Two high schools in Alabama's capital, a hub of the civil rights movement, will no longer bear the names of Confederate leaders.The Montgomery County Board of Education on Thursday voted for new names for Jefferson Davis High School and Robert E Lee High School, news outlets reported.
Queer Comedians of the Past and Present - San Francisco Bay Times
By Jewelle Gomez- I have wanted to write about Queer comedians for a while, especially since, early in my career, I made the mistake of saying in print that white feminists didn't have a sense of humor.I am still paying for that!In 1979, I was on a chartered bus to the first LGBT March on Washington.
3 men found guilty in Ahmaud Arbery's murder file appeals of hate crime convictions
This combination photo shows Travis McMichael (from left), William Bryan and Gregory McMichael during their trial at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga.The three men have filed appeals of their federal hate crime convictions.AP The three men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery have filed appeals of their federal hate crime convictions.
Opinion: Refusal to close Oakland schools threatens progress
Oakland Unified finds itself at a dangerous crossroads.Since moving into state receivership in 2003, the school district has improved fiscal responsibility while serving the needs of our diverse student population.But that progress is threatened by the rigid stance from some vocal advocates that we should not close any schools, even when they are too small to adequately support their students.
Marketing industry diversity improving, but still lags for senior positions | MarTech
While marketing organizations' ethnic diversity continues to improve overall, it shrinks as you go up the org chart, according to a new survey by the ANA.Why we care.Diversity at all levels of a company is a major indicator of company success and productivity.The benefits of diversity and inclusion can be seen in stock and revenue performance, hiring and retention and customer acquisition and loyalty.
This map shows the boundaries of each of San Francisco's 10 'cultural districts'
Benjamin Fanjoy, Freelance / Special to The Chronicle On November 15, San Francisco formed its 10th cultural district to support the city's Pacific Islander community.The district, located in the Visitacion Valley and Sunnydale neighborhoods, is part of San Francisco's cultural districts program, created in 2018 to "preserve, strengthen and promote cultural communities," according to the program's website.
Alabama's Capital Removes Confederate Names From Two High Schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala.Two high schools in Alabama's capital, a hub of the civil rights movement, will no longer bear the names of Confederate leaders.The Montgomery County Board of Education on Thursday voted for new names for Jefferson Davis High School and Robert E Lee High School, news outlets reported.
Gail Ceasar to mix spirituality, blues and bluegrass at the National Gallery
Musician Gail Ceasar.(Music Maker Foundation)Most of the songs on Gail Ceasar's debut album fit its title, "Guitar Woman Blues."But alongside such blues standards as "Sweet Home Chicago" is a version of "Rocky Top," a tune usually performed by country and bluegrass players.
7 fantastic Bay Area things to do this weekend, Feb. 24-26
We've got all the, ahem, bear essentials you need for a phenomenal weekend, from crazy-fun movies to great live shows to mouthwatering mac and cheese.So let's get to it, shall we?As with everything these days, be sure to double check websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines.Meanwhile, if you'd like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters
Clarence Page: Chicago politics still 'ain't beanbag,' but try to keep it civil
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a pre-election interview with The New Yorker that, "I am a Black woman, let's not forget.Certain folks frankly don't support us in leadership roles."Sad, but true.Yet that doesn't explain why she swept all 50 of the city's wards a mere four years ago to become the city's first Black lesbian mayor.
Who is Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency?
The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, has brought fresh attention to the US Environmental Protection Agency and its leader, Michael Regan.Regan has traveled back and forth to East Palestine in recent weeks, meeting with residents and local and state officials, as federal efforts ramp up to address the wreck that unleashed plumes of black smoke and contaminated the soil at the crash site and some waterways.
Laura Washington: Democrats' meddling in primary races notched wins. Was it dirty politics?
Politics are about gaming the system.Politicians slip and slide and duck and dodge for every advantage.A sleight of hand, a shave of the truth, anything to win.This midterm election season ushered in a new form of gamesmanship and potent weapon in campaign arsenals: meddling.The critics are crying foul.
7 fantastic Bay Area things to do this weekend, Feb. 24-26
We've got all the, ahem, bear essentials you need for a phenomenal weekend, from crazy-fun movies to great live shows to mouthwatering mac and cheese.So let's get to it, shall we?As with everything these days, be sure to double check websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines.Meanwhile, if you'd like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters
Clarence Page: Chicago politics still 'ain't beanbag,' but try to keep it civil
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a pre-election interview with The New Yorker that, "I am a Black woman, let's not forget.Certain folks frankly don't support us in leadership roles."Sad, but true.Yet that doesn't explain why she swept all 50 of the city's wards a mere four years ago to become the city's first Black lesbian mayor.
Who is Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency?
The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, has brought fresh attention to the US Environmental Protection Agency and its leader, Michael Regan.Regan has traveled back and forth to East Palestine in recent weeks, meeting with residents and local and state officials, as federal efforts ramp up to address the wreck that unleashed plumes of black smoke and contaminated the soil at the crash site and some waterways.
Laura Washington: Democrats' meddling in primary races notched wins. Was it dirty politics?
Politics are about gaming the system.Politicians slip and slide and duck and dodge for every advantage.A sleight of hand, a shave of the truth, anything to win.This midterm election season ushered in a new form of gamesmanship and potent weapon in campaign arsenals: meddling.The critics are crying foul.
Florida blocks high school African American studies class
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African-American studies from being taught in high schools.AP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies from being taught in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate.
Connecticut Lawmaker Killed in Head-on Collision After Inaugural Ball
A Connecticut state representative on his way home from an inaugural ball to kick off the new term was killed when a wrong-way driver hit him head-on early Thursday, state police said.Officials from across the state mourned the loss of State Representative Quentin Williams of Middletown, a city about a 20-minute drive south of the capital, Hartford.
Toasting Black History
Amina, the celebrated 70-seat Old City restaurant which opened last May by first-time restaurateur Felicia Wilson, is launching a special "Fried Chicken & Prosecco" Wednesday night fundraiser at the restaurant located at 104 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood.The special, which is available now through the end of March 2023, features $5 glasses of prosecco available with the restaurant's Fried Chicken Basket entree, which comes with hand-cut fries, soul slaw and sweet n' sassy sauce and is priced at $26. 100% of the proceeds from prosecco sales will benefit the African American Museum of Philadelphia through the end of March.
A TikToker's Guide to 5 Hidden Museums in the DC Area
Looking to get out of the house?Try exploring an off-the-beaten-path museum.TikToker Noelle Harada (@noellemargaret8) set out on a mission to visit every museum in town, going beyond the Smithsonian.She recommends five hidden gems.716 Monroe St., NE @noellemargaret8 Stop 73/83✅ American Poetry Museum #dctok #dmvtiktok #musuemtok #dcmuseum #americanpoetry ♬ Summer Background Jazz - Jazz Background Vibes The Brookland museum doesn't just showcase the works and personal histories of American poets-most of the exhibits have a visual-art component to highlight a given poem's themes.
Five afrofuturist chairs by Jomo Tariku featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Ethiopian-American designer Jomo Tariku has five afrofuturist chairs in the latest Black Panther film.Here he explains the thinking behind each piece.Tariku, whose chairs feature in the $250 million (£210 million) movie, told Dezeen that showcasing his work on the hit film was an opportunity to "become part of the design canon".
Young actor with 'natural talent' among 3 killed following shooting and fatal crash
Family members said Xavier Lofton, of Bellwood, sorted mail on the graveyard shift so that he could chase his dreams during the day.Good with his hands, the postal worker, who had an associate degree in business, filled the daytime hours fixing cars, hoisting drywall and, in recent years, followed his father into real estate.
'Shameless act of cowardic and hate' halts construction at Obama Presidential Center: officials
Foundation officials are condemning a "hate" incident at the construction site of former President Barack Obama's presidential center in Jackson Park.In a statement, the foundation confirmed that there was a "shameless act of cowardice and hate" at the site."Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce.
Young actor with 'natural talent' among 3 killed following shooting and fatal crash
Family members said Xavier Lofton, of Bellwood, sorted mail on the graveyard shift so that he could chase his dreams during the day.Good with his hands, the postal worker, who had an associate degree in business, filled the daytime hours fixing cars, hoisting drywall and, in recent years, followed his father into real estate.
'Shameless act of cowardic and hate' halts construction at Obama Presidential Center: officials
Foundation officials are condemning a "hate" incident at the construction site of former President Barack Obama's presidential center in Jackson Park.In a statement, the foundation confirmed that there was a "shameless act of cowardice and hate" at the site."Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce.
Big Freedia, Ina Garten, Tiny Chef Joins Other Celebrities To Design Products to Help End Childhood Hunger this Holiday Season with Gifts that Give Back
Williams Sonoma has Teamed Up with No Kid Hungry to release their new celebrity designed limited-edition specialty spatulas and products, to help fight childhood hunger as part of their "Tools For Change" Campaign.Big Freedia is among the ten celebrity designers for the new limited-edition product collection that includes spatulas, sweet treats, soaps, lotions and tea towels.
Justice Dept. begins probe of Worcester Police Department
Local "Based on information provided to the Justice Department, we find significant justification to investigate whether the Worcester Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of racially discriminatory and gender-biased policing, and uses excessive force."BOSTON (AP) - Federal prosecutors on Tuesday announced an investigation into whether the police department in Massachusetts' second-largest city routinely uses excessive force or discriminates against residents based on race or gender.
New movies to stream this week: 'Is That Black Enough for You?'
Critic Elvis Mitchell is the writer, director and narrator of "Is That Black Enough For You?" (Hannah Kozak/Netflix) Former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell is the writer and director of " Is This Black Enough for You?," a highly personal yet deeply informed documentary essay that argues that the 1970s - the heyday of blaxploitation and beyond - was a golden age for Black film: "Why did these movies stop getting made?" he laments rhetorically, referring to stories showcasing the new kind of raw, swaggering confidence of such films as "Shaft."
ESPN's Jay Williams Has No Issue With Lakers Drafting LeBron James' Son: I Wish We Had More Instances of Black Nepotism'