That moment when you realize that you should have listen. Uh, Oh- That moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings. Uh, Oh – That moment when you realize that you are in Hell. Uh, Oh, [Luke 16:28].
Feasting on sin, giving yourself over to the present gratification, careless of the warnings of God’s Word, indifferent to the rebuke of conscience, saying to yourself: ‘There is no danger; I know the strength of my will, and before I near the rapids I shall fly away to safer habits and purer ways.’ But when the time comes, and the roar of impending judgment rings in your ear, you will find out that your will is paralyzed, that your affections and desires are so entangled in sin that you cannot escape. Uh, Oh – that moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings.
Change your ways today. Get off the broad way that leads to destruction and get on the narrow way that leads to life. Jesus is not playing games with us. You see, no one loves us more than Jesus does, and no one have warned us more of judgment and Hell than He did. He gave warning after warning and told parable after parable, practically shouting about judgment and the reality of Hell.
Don’t be bewitched by the fairy tale ending that everyone “lived happily ever after.” Just ask the rich man in hell… Meanwhile God is pleading, Come to me. Come to me before it is finally time to rise and close the door. You can’t go on living resistant and opposed to the Kingdom of God and its values, yet magically at death suddenly want to enter His Kingdom, which you have resisted your whole life.
Don’t choose the fleeting pleasures of sin and miss the Kingdom of God. Jesus says in [Mark 9:43-48], “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Why go to hell when you don’t have to?
Jesus scolded, begged, and pleaded with the Jews, to open their blind eyes and soften their hard hearts, to turn away from the broad way that leads to destruction, but to no avail. Jesus cried out in sorrowful desperation; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” [Matthew 23:37].
One of the saddest passages in Scripture is Jeremiah 6:16, “… they said, We will not walk in it.” Uh Oh!
ATLANTA, GA— During the weekend of June 10 to June 12, former community and entertainment journalist, Naomi K. Bonman, wrapped production on her first feature film, “Manifested Bliss”, in Atlanta, Georgia. Cast members flew in from Boston, Massachusetts and Houston, Texas to partake in the film. Other cast members that came into Atlanta drove in from Durham, North Carolina.
“I’m still in a state of awe,” Bonman states. “I couldn’t have been blessed with a more better cast crew. They are amazing. My cast. Not only came on set to and naturally transformed into their roles, but they all assisted in all areas of production from sound to staging to make-up and hair. I was truly blessed with the best.”
Naomi K. Bonman wrote, produced, and directed Manifested Bliss. Her cast members include Raisa D’Oyley (Ashlyn), Jeff Saint Dic (Nathen), Karen Elessie (Jade), JoJo Brooks (Brian), Aaliyah Reid (Briana), Kevin “Kaze” Thomas (Tyson), Marie France Louis (Stacey), Kori Poe (Rodney), Darryl Chambers (Jerome); and Cedric McKenzie (driver). In addition to a phenomenal and talented cast, the crew members that facilitated to make production a success were Kelsey Wilson (Director of Photography, Editor, Lighting Assembler) and Eric Clardy (Production Assistant).
“Manifested Bliss” is a romantic comedy about a Jezebel, who is now a soon to be wife, who has mastered the art of manifestation and attempts to get her friends husbands. The mission behind the film is to bring a light-hearted, narrative that people can relate to.
“With so much negativity within the Black community, it can real drag a person down,” Bonman explains. “After watching this film, I hope that the audience walks away with not just the desire to continue to find their soulmate, but to want to be the best version of themselves. “Manifested Bliss” is not just about love, but is also about self-awareness, growth, and finding yourself.”
The special thing about this film is that not only was this Bonman’s first feature film, but it was also most of the cast members first feature films and first film debuts.
“Just like that, my first film debut is a wrap!” Raisa stated. “I’m filled with such gratitude for the opportunity to do what I love with some amazing and talented people. I’ve been inspired in more ways than I can count.”
The team is currently in post-production and gearing up for their slated November premiere which will be held in Atlanta, GA. They are in a heavy marketing period, and all and any support is greatly appreciated.
To support the film and to learn more about it, please visit manifestedbliss.com.
By Aldon Thomas Stiles| California Black Media Partners
Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden signed a federal policing accountability executive order based on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 authored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37). That action supplements other criminal justice reforms affecting Californians that took place this year. Several other criminal justice reforms at the state level went into effect in January.
Here is a rundown highlighting four of those laws, detailing what they do, and recounting what California legislators have said about them.
Senate Bill (SB) 317 allows conduct credits to be earned while an individual who has been deemed mentally incompetent by the court is in a state hospital or other mental health treatment facility awaiting trial.
Authored by State Senator Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), SB 317 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October of last year and went into effect this past January.
“SB 317 provides pathways to appropriate mental health treatment for defendants charged with misdemeanors,” said Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-California), Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
SB 317 also changes some of the guidelines for trial competency.
“It is important to remember that not all options are available for every defendant, as those are dependent on the situation and mental health status of each defendant,” stated Jones-Sawyer. “This bill is a tailored approach that allows California to use existing tools to help defendants gain competency and avoid a cycle of incarceration.”
Assembly Bill (AB) 124 provides a petition process for an individual to request that an arrest or conviction for nonviolent offenses be vacated — if the booking or crime resulted from the person being a victim of intimate partner violence or sexual violence.
“This bill ensures that survivors of sexual violence are able to receive justice through our legal system, which typically overlooks the context of abuse when determining whether to arrest,” said Jones-Sawyer.
Newsom signed AB 124, which was authored by Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), in October last year. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
“Incarcerated survivors of trafficking & violence need a 2nd chance at holistic justice,” Kamlager tweeted last year before the bill passed. “We cannot continue to criminalize behavior born of desperation and liberation when our systems don’t benefit those who need it most.”
The law also allows a coercion defense to be used in the case of a serious felony or charge of human trafficking if the defendant is a victim of human trafficking and their offense was a direct result of that.
“Many trafficking survivors are incarcerated for crimes committed to protect themselves from further violence. AB 124 allows for more just outcomes moving forward,” stated Jones-Sawyer.
Senate Bill (SB) 73, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), ends mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses.
The legislation allows a court to suspend a sentence or grant probation for drug offenses such as possession or transportation of opiates or cannabis.
“Mass incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders hasn’t reduced drug use or addiction,” Wiener tweeted after the bill passed last year. “Time for a new approach.”
Gang enhancements are additional prison sentences prescribed to individuals who courts determine are associated with a gang.
Under the previous law enacted in 1988, individuals who are found to be affiliated or associated with a “criminal street gang” could receive gang enhancements for any felony even if it is not connected to gang activity.
“When 92% of gang enhancements are used against BIPOC – that’s a massive systemic problem,” said Kamlager.
Just six months into the year, it is not clear how effective these new laws have been but the push for criminal justice reform continues inside and outside of the California legislature even as more conservative opinions harden against them.
By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Recruit Jayden Avila, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy at the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
As a student at NATTC Avila is serving among sailors and Marines developing the skills needed to be successful naval aviation warfighters.
Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Avila joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Avila serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I always wanted a job where I can help people and the Navy is a great place to not only help people, but work toward becoming a fireman later on,” said Avila.
According to Avila, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.
“My hometown taught me to always set goals and keep working to achieve them, and to treat people the way you want to be treated,” said Avila. “These lessons have served me well in the Navy so far.”
Naval Air Technical Training Center’s mission is to provide world class professional aviation warriors to the Navy fleet supporting combat readiness anywhere on the globe, while taking good care of our people, families and being good neighbors and stewards in the city of Pensacola and the surrounding region.
NATTC’s leaders and experts develop, deliver and leverage technology to optimize performance of our Navy, Marine Corps and foreign national students. We provide the most up-to-date and relevant training available to our sailors and Marines ensuring Naval aviation’s success.
Serving in the Navy means Avila is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we represent strength, honor and freedom around the world,” said Avila. “We’ll do anything we can to protect freedom.”
Avila and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“So far, I am most proud of becoming the athletic petty officer at bootcamp and earning my marksman ribbon,” said Avila.
As Avila and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to protect the nation’s freedoms and to protect those who can’t protect themselves,” added Avila.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.
You ever wonder as a child, “What am I going to do with my life?” No? Well, while most seven-year-olds would only be concerned about what stuffed animals they would bring to bed, I was wondering what song I should sing next. In my room, with the Mariah Carey cassette tape in my hand and a radio player close by, I couldn’t wait until I was able to sing on my imaginary stage, dressed in the most extravagant glittery dress and performing in front of a huge audience. As the years progressed, I grew more envious of the stage, ready to turn my pretending into a reality.
Growing up poor with both parents who had limited knowledge of the English language, I became the primary communicator at a very young age. As my responsibilities grew, so did my needs to express myself outside of being “responsible.” I wanted a way to express my inner child. I didn’t always want to be the straight “A” student. I also wanted to be more vocal with my singing and acting. I was shy, so singing was a productive way of expressing my internal feelings.
As time passed, my passion for singing became a passion for theater. I remember the elaborate Irish quilts I wore for Brigadoon and the corsets I had on for Romeo and Juliet. Now as an adult, I’m currently in film and television production for my work at Fayetteville Public Television and an actor for Actors Casting Agency. I’m working on my own televised series, Underground, and other sponsored projects in which I am writing, producing, directing, and editing; such a joy to get paid to do what I’m passionate for. So crazy, right? I am so humbled to even be given the opportunity to do such a thing.
So far, I’ve been featured on different broadcasting outlets including podcasts, radio, film, printed articles and various television series & films. My fondest memory is to sit right behind Anna Camp in a movie she filmed here in Arkansas! I admire her so much!
Seeing as I have been on movie sets, both in front and behind the camera lens, I have seen the “ins and outs” of different aspects. Some of which I feel like could inspire and change the way we look at TV and Film. As a producer for different TV series, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase and diversify. I love valuing talent and sometimes I’ll intentionally cast and hire, not only talented individuals, but people who are diverse. I hope to normalize what the “new normal” should look like. Lets face it, not everyone can look like all the famous tanned celebrities out there. So, why not? Why now cast people who otherwise don’t normally get cast. Those of us with unique qualities.
Call me an idealist, but I love turning on the tv and seeing someone like myself being represented. I didn’t have a toy that looked like me. I didn’t have very many characters who looked like me and now that I have the opportunity to write and create television & movies, you better believe that I’ll be using this to my advantage.
This year has been great! I’ve had articles published about my progress and that was a shock. I was on a few podcasts and that was wild too. I’ve produced multiple projects and stepped on set with a few big names, as you can imagine… I’m pretty much pinching myself about this. A shy little girl? No more. The adult version of me wants to prove to her that she can literally be anyone she wants to be. Just create it. Another question “Should I assist in creating diversifying film & tv?” The answer is, there’s nothing that can hold me back.
Although many blessings have come from being a filmmaker, actor and singer, it wasn’t always easy. As much of success that came from that, there also seems to be the reciprocated level of unfortunate events. I remember walking to work in customer service with my uniform in my backpack with the soles of my shoes torn up, avoiding rain puddles left from the night before. I had to walk because my car was at the shop. I was defeated but I kept walking.
Earlier that month a local radio DJ friend asked me to sing at a showcase he was hosting and at this point I needed to sing my soul out because reality was harsh. I needed that sense of soul searching that only singing could provide for me. Fortunately, while my car was in the shop, I managed to rent a room with a coworker. She had no idea that months before I was homeless and living in my car while having three jobs.
I hid it well. Working at a local gym, I worked out in the morning and showered there. Next I would walk over to the reception job during the week and on the weekend I weeded a rich ladies garden. Life was tough but I knew I would get through this. Singing helped. Singing kept my mind occupied as my reality set in. My hair was falling out in clumps and I was hemorrhaging for months. The nurse practitioner that took care of me said that all tests were good, later I found out that it was the stress from living in my car and having three jobs was the cause.
Needless to say, the love from the performing arts is what really saved me. It gave me purpose.
My work for Fayetteville Public Television as the social media coordinator, producing & directing. Over the last few years, I’ve had to put on many hats. My favorite new endeavor is writing scripts and television series episodes. I have always been conducting interview questions but I never had the courage to create scripts of my own.
I am locally known for my work as an actor and filmmaker but I would like to emphasize on acting and production. I know this is going to be a difficult challenge but I think that will be something to try my hand at.
Currently, I am working on the televised series Interform & NWA Fashion Week, Underground, The Lonely Echos Saga (featured on Plex, Tubi & other streaming services) and The Summer Concert Series.
Working during covid has been hard, Producing content was difficult during covid, guests and talent weren’t able to come to the television station for recordings. So, we did interviews through zoom and then we had to edit accordingly.
The aesthetics were not as visually appealing and marketing for these segments was difficult but now we’re in full swing.
Throughout Bible history, God has repeatedly provided man with more than “ample warning” of His impending judgments. His purpose for warning man is to motivate him to repent and come back to Him [Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 8; Revelation 9]. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Repent while it is still daybreak.
You see, prior to Jeremiah, God had sent Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, and Nahum to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He had also sent Jonah to the empire of Assyria. All of them warned of tragedy and disaster if the people did not turn to God. Such warnings reach all the way back to Moses, who recorded the “Blessings and Curses” of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, detailing what God will do to a people who reject Him.
Christ, through Noah, preached God’s Word to the people living in Noah’s day warning them of certain judgment through the impending flood [Genesis 6:13; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:18-20]. They did not listen. They did not repent and heed God’s warning and perished in the flood. Only eight souls heeded God’s “ample warning” and were saved [Genesis 7:7; 1 Peter 3:20]. Genesis 3:6 says, God’s claim on mankind is illustrated by His dealing with Adam and Eve and their response. I tell you, the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Note the example given of disobedient Israel by the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 3:5-19. The disobedient did not “enter into his rest” [Numbers 14:29-30; Hebrews 3:18] because they didn’t repent and heed God’s warning through the testimony of Moses [Hebrews 3:5].
You’ve been warned over and over again to repent. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Jesus spoke about a world-wide tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” [Matthew24:21]. The warnings given before the judgment are about to come true. Take heed.
As the Prophet Hosea warned in [Hosea 13:15-16] “An east wind from the LORD will come, blowing in from the desert. The people of Samaria must bear their guilt because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open.” The warning signs were there, but Israel refused to heed the warnings of God.
Heed the warnings of God. Be humble, be teachable, and be wise. You’ve been warned over and over again to repent before it is too late! Repent while it is still daybreak!
Now they sin more and more; they make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!” Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, like smoke escaping through a window.
“Because I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. So, I will be like a lion to them, like a leopard I will lurk by the path. Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open; like a lion I will devour them— a wild animal will tear them apart. You are destroyed, because you are against me, against your helper. I will have no compassion. An east wind from the Lord will come, blowing in from the desert; The people of Samaria must bear their guilt, because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open.” [Hosea 13:1-16 – Excerpts taken].
I Tell You, the Way of a Fool is Right in His Own Eyes, But A Wise Man Listens to Advice!
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his May Revise of the state budget. Included in the whopping $300.6 billion budget proposal are generous allocations to fund initiatives in health, higher education, public safety, and other areas.
However, California-based domestic and sexual violence prevention organizations say they are “disappointed” that Newsom did not honor their request for $40.5 million in funding for domestic and sexual violence prevention.
Now, as the Governor’s office and Legislature hammer out details of the final budget, The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (The Partnership) sent out a press release critical of Newsom’s budget plan.
“Domestic and sexual violence are not inevitable and can be prevented with long-term initiatives that educate and equip Californians to change unacceptable social norms and systems that perpetuate violence,” The Partnership’s statement read.
The domestic violence advocates say their plan includes $15 million that would go towards ongoing funding for prevention programs and an additional $25.5 million for “under-resourced and over-represented communities to support culturally specific responses, innovations, and holistic approaches to end violence for future generations.”
The advocates are now calling on leadership and members of the Legislature to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence and domestic violence is included in the final budget that will be released June 15.
Eric Morrison-Smith, Executive Director of the ‘Alliance for Boys and Men of Color,’ is part of a network of organizations coming together to fight for funding to keep preventative programming initiatives alive.
“Everyone deserves healthy and safe relationships and that builds healthy and safe communities,” said Morison-Smith. “We believe it is necessary to move towards restorative justice, community-based healing and accountability when it comes to cases of sexual and domestic violence. Funding organizations that represent the communities these individuals come from helps end the cycle of abuse that often stems from what they’ve seen hat home into their adult lives.”
A recent study conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that over one million Californians have committed either physical or sexual violence (or both) against an intimate partner within the last year. CDC data also shows that more than 1 in every 20 California adults are victims of these violent acts perpetrated by an intimate partner each year.
According to The Partnership, 55 new prevention initiatives have been created in California this year and existing funding has fueled their progress in aiding communities.
Carolyn Russell, Executive Director of ‘A Safe Place’ in Oakland, heads an organization that would benefit from the funding The Partnership and other advocates are proposing.
Russell says ‘A Safe Place’ works with teenaged youth to “understand, overcome and prevent” intimate partner abuse among their peer group.
“Through our mental health program, we provide therapy for teens,” she said. “We recognize that outreach is great, but until you see intervention with direct services, you’re missing the mark with teens. We’re trying to re-educate youth and provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy to reshape their behaviors. This funding is crucial to educate potential perpetrators to unlearn behaviors that lead to this type of violence.”
The Partnership is also highlighting that the cost of sexual violence to the state of California far outweighs the amount of funding they are asking for to help prevent it.
Sexual violence costs California $140 billion annually, and the running tally of the economic burden of domestic violence is nearly $400 billion, according to The American Journal of Preventative Medicine.
The Legislature has until June 15 to propose amendments to the budget and vote on its approval.
“Prevention programs establish new belief systems and behaviors that promote emotional healing and mental well-being. Without ongoing funding to galvanize communities to offer healthy and safe alternatives, cycles of violence will persist throughout the state,” The Partnership emphasized in its reaction to the state budget.
Judge Trina L. Thompson of the Superior Court of Alameda County, who is African American, was confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
The United States Senate voted 51-44 to confirm Thompson, who President Biden nominated.
Appointed under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, federal district court judges serve lifetime appointments upon good behavior.
“All of us in the Northern District are grateful and excited to have Judge Thompson join us,” said Chief Judge Richard Seeborg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
“She brings a wealth of experience as a highly regarded trial judge, which will be most welcome on our very busy Court,” he said.
Since taking office, the Biden Administration has made it a priority to diversify federal courts.
“Our current federal bench is not representative of the diversity of our democracy,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) in remarks on the floor last week. “We have a lot of work to do to rebuild a judiciary that deserves the faith of the American people.”
More than 70% of President Biden’s 92 district and appellate court picks have been women, and a vast majority have been people of color.
Prior to her appointment, Judge Thompson served as a juvenile court commissioner, a criminal defense attorney in private practice for nearly a decade, and as an assistant public defender as well. Thompson holds the distinction of being the first African American woman elected to the Superior Court of Alameda County.
In addition to her work on the bench, she serves as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1983, and her juris doctor from the university’s School of Law in 1986.
Thompson has contributed to educating the public and her peers about equity and equal rights under the law. Her work contrasted the tenets of American law with the history and contemporary realities of discrimination when she participated in the ‘Continuing the Dialogue’ series for the Center for Judicial Education and Research Division (CJER) of the Judicial Council of California. She discussed the history of housing discrimination in California effected through illegal racial covenants, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She has also presented a CJER lecture on wrongful convictions and the learnings judicial officers can adapt to prevent them.
Thompson is a member of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc., (AAACJO). The organization was established in 2017 to address the professional interests of Black state and federal judicial officers presiding in the California. The membership includes Superior Court Judges and Commissioners, Appellate Court Justices, Administrative Law Judges and State Bar Court Judges.
“Given her body of work and her dedication to the community, it is clear Judge Thompson will be an invaluable asset in her new role as District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California,” the AAACJO said in a statement congratulating Thompson.
A multimillion-dollar scholarship program focused on tackling the under-representation of African American students in physics and astronomy over the next five years has been unveiled.
The TEAM-UP Together Scholarship Program will provide financial assistance to those students to help them achieve their bachelor’s degrees.
These awards of up to $10,000 per student per school year aim to reduce the financial barriers preventing many Black students from completing their undergraduate degree programs in physics and astronomy.
Students of North Carolina Central University wait in a long line during a countywide clinch in the Board of Elections’ computer system on November 8, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina.(Photo by Sara D. Davis/Getty Images)
TEAM-UP Together is a collective impact initiative led by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), American Association of Physics Teachers, American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society, and Society of Physics Students to support the scientific community to take the next bold step in doubling the number of African American students earning physics and astronomy bachelor’s degrees annually by 2030. To learn more, check out teamuptogether.org.
Michael Moloney, CEO of AIP, said: “The American Institute of Physics is partnering with the American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Astronomical Society, the American Physical Society, and the Society of Physics Students to build a program of support for undergraduate physics and astronomy students and departments as part of realizing the TEAM-UP goal of doubling the number of African American bachelor’s degree graduates in these fields by 2030.”
The scholarship initiative will help Black students in need with expenses that assist the students in continuing or completing their undergraduate education. The money could be used for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an educational institution, or for fees, books, equipment, or other related expenses required for courses or internships.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology undergrad Gary Atkins marches with other students and activists during a rally supporting affirmative action held at the MIT student center March 18, 2003 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Photo by Douglas McFadd/Getty Images)
“This scholarship program provides a real opportunity to support African American students in completing their degrees by easing the stresses that many have as a result of financial challenges,” said Arlene Modeste Knowles, TEAM-UP Together project manager. “It will hopefully create some mental space for them to engage more fully and thrive in their educational programs.”
During the first year of the scholarship program, students must be attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Predominantly Black Institutions to be eligible for the scholarship, but over time, these awards will be expanded to African American students at all institutions across the United States. The scholarships will be administered by AIP’s Society of Physics Students, on behalf of the TEAM-UP Together partner societies.
Students must complete their scholarship application by Nov. 15, 2022. Full details on what is required for application, the criteria for selection, and other information can be found at https://www.teamuptogether.org.
The percentage of African Americans earning degrees in physics and astronomy has been persistently low for more than two decades. According to a survey from AIP’s Statistical Research Center, just 3 percent of physics bachelor’s degrees were earned by African Americans for the class of 2018.
For comparison, African Americans earned 10 percent of all bachelor’s degrees awarded for the 2017-18 school year. Personal support, including financial support, was one of the five factors identified in the TEAM-UP study as contributing to the persistence of underrepresentation.
Some of the 11 students of the first, and last, graduating class of Livingston High School attend their commencement June 3, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
“With the completion of the two-year TEAM-UP study released in 2020, we understand better the factors that have led to the persistent and egregious underrepresentation of African Americans in these fields,” Moloney said.
“We are compelled as a community to take action. Our partners at the Simons Foundation and Simons Foundation International have fueled the effort with a $12.5 million grant, enabling the launch of these transformational initiatives that will drive systemic change and affect students’ lived experiences.”
In addition to student scholarships, TEAM-UP Together will soon offer grants to undergraduate physics and astronomy departments committed to implementing the TEAM-UP report recommendations at their institutions.
Deontay Wilder is known as “The Bronze Bomber” for winning a bronze medal in 2008 Olympics.
And now he’s been immortalized in bronze.
Last month, Wilder was honored as a black man with a 7-foot tall statue “right down the street from where they used to sell slaves,” he says.
A former heavyweight champion born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Wilder unveiled his bronze statue on May 25 during a confetti-festooned ceremony before hundreds of fans outside the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports building.
The 6-foot-7 Wilder kissed the 7-foot, 830-pound statue resembling the hammer-fisted fighter with its chiseled upper torso and sinewy arms.
“God has truly blessed me. It’s amazing and the perfect timing for me to be immortalized with a bronze statue that looks just like me,” said Wilder. “I’m a black man living in the heart of Dixie, and my likeness is positioned in a place right down the street from where they used to sell slaves back in the day.”
Deontay Wilder (right) scored a 10th-round knockout over previously unbeaten Cuban southpaw Luis Ortiz (left) in March 2018 and came from behind to win their November 2019 rematch by seventh-round knockout. (Premier Boxing Champions)
The symbolism is not lost on Wilder, whose honor came a year to the day from the Memorial Day murder of George Floyd. Floyd was suffocated to death on May 25, 2020, by white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who in June 2021 was convicted of murder for kneeling on the Houston native’s neck for nearly 10 minutes.
Wilder was lionized nearly two years after the removal on June 2, 2020, of the 115-year-old Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument from Linn Park. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin did so following a week of post-Floyd unrest among citizens of the majority-black city located an hour from Tuscaloosa.
“There are some of the confederate statues being taken down nearby, but there are still certain areas where historical memorials still are standing as representations of racism from the times of slavery and segregation,” said Wilder, a 36-year-old father of five girls and three boys between the ages of 4 and 17.
“For all the sacrifices I’ve made and the time I’ve put into my career and into the community, what a miracle for a black man who is still alive, young, handsome, wealthy and happy to be recognized in public by the local citizens. … I’m continuing to make history.”
“The Bronze Bomber” with the statue of him. (Courtesy of Deontay Wilder)
“The Bronze Bomber’s” career is one of overcoming injuries given his relatively late start in the sport as well as being mostly out-weighed and undersized.
Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) is 10-2-1 (9 KOs) in title fights and 9-0-1 (9 KOs) in ten consecutive defenses. The ten defenses tie Wilder with Muhammad Ali for fifth all-time among heavyweights.
Wilder had recorded seven straight knockouts before going 0-2-1 in his past three fights with the 6-foot-9 Tyson Fury, twice being knocked out and dethroned as WBC champion.
Fury was twice floored by Wilder during their draw in December 2018 before winning by seventh- and 11th-round stoppages in February 2020 and October 2021.
A comeback is not out of the question for Wilder if it means a fourth bout with Fury or challenging undefeated two-division title winner Oleksandr Usyk, who dominated and dethroned IBF/WBA/WBO champion Anthony Joshua in September.
“I’m considering the resumption of my career if any man out there has the courage to fight me. On the other hand, I’ve worked hard to have the lifestyle I have and the free time to spend with my family,” Wilder said.
“I had a vision from early in my career and was able to establish a foundation, doing the right things to be in the position that I’m in. I’ve got the love of my family and the love of the people in my community.”
Wilder claims to have been “prophesied” to dethrone Bermane Stiverne as WBC champion by unanimous decision on January 17, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, doing so on the 73rd birthday of the late Muhammad Ali and two days after that of Martin Luther King’s on January 15.
A fuller view of former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (far left) with his family on May 25 for the unveiling of his 7-foot, 830-pound replica statue on the campus of the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports building. (Courtesy of Deontay Wilder)
Wilder became America’s first heavyweight titleholder since Shannon Briggs in 2007, fulfilling a vow made to his daughter, Naieya, who was born on March 20, 2005 with the congenital disorder, spina bifida, and told she might never walk.
Wilder said his grandmother, Evelyn Loggins, a minister, repeatedly told him as a child he was “special, anointed and ordained” before her death in 2010 at the age of 76.
A 19-year-old Wilder dropped out of Shelton State Community College to support Naieya, taking one job driving a truck and another at a restaurant. Wilder turned to boxing at a friend’s urging and won an Olympic bronze medal in 2008.
In October 2012, Wilder spent his 27th birthday as the primary sparring partner for Wladimir Klitschko before the then-unified heavyweight champion’s unanimous decision win over Mariusz Wach that November.
Wilder had been invited to Klitschko’s camp by trainer Emanuel Steward, who named Wilder as Klitschko’s successor, calling him “The No. 1 best American prospect for winning the heavyweight title.”
Steward was 68 when he died of cancer on Oct. 25, 2012, three days after Wilder’s birthday.
“I became the world champion just like Emanuel Steward said,” Wilder said. “I am anointed like my grandmother said.”
Wilder is the second-most popular sports figure in his hometown behind the 18-time national champion University of Alabama football team, having fought nine times in his home state, with four of those battles being sold-out title defenses.
Wilder financially supports the Skyy South recreation and boxing facility, which is free for kids in Coffeeville, Ala..
“Deontay’s local influence is so powerful. Deontay’s inspired people across the board, whether you’re black, white, Hispanic or Asian,” said Wilder’s career-long manager and trainer Jay Deas.
“Joe Louis, Evander Holyfield, Earnie Shavers, Frankie Randall and Tracy Harris Patterson were all Alabama-born fighters, but Deontay is really the first fighter born locally and to accomplish everything while staying home.”
Wilder was at the White House in May 2018 when then-President Donald Trump posthumously pardoned Jack Johnson, America’s first black heavyweight champion. The pardon came nearly 100 years after Johnson was convicted of violating the Mann Act in 1913 for transporting a white woman across state lines “for immoral purposes.”
Johnson endured racial epithets and death threats while dominating white opponents and living an opulent lifestyle outside the ring. Johnson served nearly a year in and was 68 when he died in a car crash in North Carolina in 1946.
“Jack Johnson certainly had it a lot worse than I, but as a black athlete like Johnson, I want to inspire as a positive role model and motivator,” said Wilder. “It’s my mission to be a hero to my people. That was the mission of people like Muhammad Ali and some of our greatest black innovators and inventors.”
Wilder has had several injuries to his arms and fists throughout his career dating back to a 90-second TKO of Travis Allen in his seventh professional fight in August 2009, yet has knocked down or stopped every man he has faced as a professional.
Deontay Wilder (left) dropped Bermane Stiverne (right) three times in a first-round knockout victory to retain his WBC heavyweight title in their November 2017 rematch. Wilder dethroned Stiverne by unanimous decision in January 2015. (Premier Boxing Champions)
“The Bronze Bomber” required surgery and therapy after suffering a torn left biceps during his initial loss to Fury and underwent a 90-minute surgery nine days after the fight to repair the hand’s metacarpal bone after breaking it in the fourth round even as he twice dropped Fury in that round.
“I’ve always said that my No. 1 goal was to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, but if I return to boxing, it has to be really worth my while, and it’ll be because I want to and not because I have to,” Wilder said.
“Over 90 percent of retired fighters don’t have their faculties or anything to show for their careers after the game is over, but I’ve invested wisely, so I’m blessed to be able to say that I don’t have to ever get into the ring again for the rest of my life. I’ll return to the ring if the money is right.”
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