A large study of African American brains has identified the ADAMTS2 gene as significantly linked to Alzheimer's disease, with higher activity levels observed in affected individuals, suggesting a shared biological pathway across populations and potential for targeted therapies.
In Charleston, S.C., a project to collect DNA from Black residents has evolved into a search for living descendants of 36 enslaved people whose bones were discovered by a construction crew. Despite initial skepticism due to historical exploitation, participants like Edward Lee have been swabbed for DNA, hoping to uncover clues about their ancestry and history. The project aims to provide Black residents with new insights into their heritage and connections to the region's history of slavery.
Raven-Symoné clarifies her 2014 comment about not considering herself "African American," explaining that she doesn't align with the label but acknowledges her Blackness and heritage. She revisited the issue on her podcast, Tea Time With Raven and Miranda, with her wife, Miranda Maday, emphasizing that she understands her history and the sacrifices of her ancestors. The former Disney star expressed frustration with being labeled and emphasized her identity as an American, while also acknowledging her roots in Louisiana.
Urban One Founder Cathy Hughes discusses various topics related to the casino referendum in Richmond, including the involvement of the church, challenges faced by the black middle class, the importance of voting, and potential relocation if the referendum faces setbacks. Hughes also questions Senator Tim Kaine's intentions and criticizes activist Chelsea Higgs-Wise and Allan Charles Chipman.
Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for his role in the 1971 film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's manager confirmed the news and praised his impact on the industry as a turning point for African American leading men in film. With a career spanning 50 years and over 150 screen credits, Roundtree's work extended beyond "Shaft" to include notable television and film roles. Tributes from actress Gabrielle Union and co-star Samuel L. Jackson have poured in, highlighting Roundtree's legacy.
Harry Porterfield, a longtime WLS-TV personality, has passed away at the age of 95 after a short illness. Known for his decades-long segment called "Someone You Should Know," Porterfield made a remarkable impact on Chicagoland and beyond. He started his broadcast career in Michigan before joining WBBM and later returning to WLS-TV. His departure from WBBM sparked a boycott and brought attention to the lack of diversity in newsrooms. Porterfield, who also had degrees in chemistry and law, received numerous awards for his journalism and was an accomplished violinist.
Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who endorsed Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid, has announced his candidacy to become the first African American speaker of the House. This comes after Republicans voted out Jim Jordan as their House speaker nominee. Donalds' office confirmed his candidacy and stated that his focus would be on securing the border, funding the government responsibly, advancing a conservative vision, and expanding the Republican majority. The House has been without a speaker for 17 days, and multiple Republicans, including Tom Emmer, Kevin Hern, Austin Scott, Jack Bergman, Mike Johnson, and Pete Sessions, have expressed their intention to run for the position.
Ruth Simmons, a groundbreaking educator and the first African American woman to head an Ivy League university, recounts her remarkable journey from a deeply segregated and impoverished upbringing in Texas to becoming a distinguished educator in her new memoir, "Up Home: One Girl's Journey." Simmons reflects on her childhood experiences, the impact of community centers like Hester House, and the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping her life. She highlights the importance of reaching out to others and the significance of language and literature in her personal growth.
Voting rights groups and plaintiffs are suing in state court to reinstate a congressional district in Florida where African American voters make up a significant portion of the population. They argue that the current district map, signed into law by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, violates the state constitution's protection of minority-access districts. The outcome of the legal battle could impact the balance of power in the U.S. House after the 2024 elections. The case is currently before the Leon County Circuit Court, with a ruling expected soon.
The Bud Billiken Parade, the oldest African-American parade in the US, took place in Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, celebrating and showcasing the city's youth. Considered the second largest parade in the country, it promotes education and empowerment as Chicago Public Schools prepares for the new school year. This year's theme was "Parading in Peace Block by Block," and the event, organized by the Sengstacke family for four generations, featured a two-mile route along Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, culminating in a post-celebration in Washington Park.
A recent study examined the effects of the Mediterranean Diet (Med Diet) and intentional weight loss (IWL) on the gut microbiome and cognitive function in African American obese adults. The study found that adopting a Med diet, with or without calorie restriction, can benefit the gut microbiome and cognitive performance. The Med diet interventions positively affected cognitive performance, particularly in mental abilities such as attention, executive function, and learning and memory. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and support the implementation of dietary interventions in clinical settings.
The Whitehead family, an African American family in Baltimore, discusses race and the legacy of slavery, including their views on affirmative action. While some family members support affirmative action as a necessary policy to address racial disparities, others, like Amir, believe that admissions should be based solely on merit. The Supreme Court's recent ruling to end race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities has sparked conversations among African Americans nationwide about how to deal with the legacy of slavery. The family's discussions reflect the broader debate on issues such as reparations and racial equity in America.
Juneteenth celebrations have begun in Albuquerque, commemorating the day when slaves in Texas learned they were free two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The event is a time for African Americans to come together and share their culture with the world, while also reflecting on the fight for equality. Although only 3% of New Mexicans are African American, their voice is mighty, and everyone is welcome to celebrate their culture, food, music, and people.
"The Blackening" is a horror satire film directed by Tim Story, featuring a group of college friends reuniting at a woodland cabin. When one of the couple hosting the party turns up dead, the friends must play the Blackening to save the other mate. The film is a Fubu satire smack in the sweet spot between "Get Out" and "Scary Movie," best seen in a theater with a Black audience. It releases in US cinemas on June 16 and in the UK on August 25, pegged to Juneteenth.
Sen. Tim Scott criticized the hosts of "The View" for their "offensive, disgusting message" about him being the "exception" to systemic racism in the U.S. He argued that progress in America is measured in generations and that yesterday's exception is today's rule. Scott also emphasized that both sides of the aisle can do a better job on the issue of race. The hosts of "The View" have previously compared Scott to African-American Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and said he doesn't understand systemic racism.