Health

NNPA NEWSWIRE — So, for me, 2021 is about hope and about working for a better life for all and a better nation together as we rise from the terrible test that 2020 has been. It is about recommitting to one another and to good works to help our brothers and sisters in need. And even before we voted for inclusion, we were already making good trouble. White, Black and Brown nationwide took to the streets this past spring and summer to ask our nation — to demand of our nation — that we address the systematic racism that has plagued this country since its founding. That has torn the very fabric of our country and created so much pain and loss. With one voice, all were saying: ‘Please, at long last, fix this.’” — Ray Curry, Secretary-Treasurer, UAW

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Why did Publix neglect the counties with the most COVID-19 cases and deaths in the entire state? What executive made the decision on which stores would dispense the vaccine? What data did they use? Who thinks it is logical to omit sending vaccines to a county with more than 350,000 cases and 4,000 deaths for one with less than 5,000 cases and 40 deaths?

NNPA NEWSWIRE — I don’t think that more than 400,000 people dead is normal. The inability to formally mourn our departed loved ones isn’t normal. Crazy white people storming the Capitol surely isn’t normal. And conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Green is so far away from normal that she is on the insanity spectrum.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Nationally, more than 140 million poor and low-income people live in the United States, or 43% of the country’s population, and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, with organizing committees in 45 states, is building a moral fusion movement to address the five interlocking injustices of systemic racism, systemic poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy and militarism and a distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. Our demands are reflected in our Jubilee Platform. We also have listed 14 policy priorities for the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration and the new Congress.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — With the theme: “Black Press of America: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Opportunities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic,” the conference was backed by NNPA partners and sponsors including: General Motors, Pfizer Rare Disease, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Reynolds American (RAI). Conference sponsors included AARP, Wells Fargo, American Petroleum Institute (API), Facebook, Zillow, Nissan, UAW and Zenger News.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “We believe this effort to prevent housing scams is particularly important during a time when far too many families, including people of color impacted by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, are facing financial challenges,” said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The order prevents federal agencies from providing local police with military-grade equipment, which was used by Ferguson, Missouri, officers after police shot and killed an unarmed Michael Brown.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The importance of the position is underscored by Covid-19 statistics, which show that African Americans are disproportionately affected by the virus. Data also show that access to the vaccine is eluding the Black community.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded,” said President Biden. What a beautiful day and a beautiful speech. America is at a crossroads and there is a tremendous amount of work to be done. But the new president is ready to do the work, and all around the country and the world people are smiling.

DAYTONA TIMES — The Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKAs) is sponsoring a billboard on the corner of International Speedway and Fentress boulevards to encourage residents to wear masks to fight the spread of COVID-19. The billboard sponsored by the Daytona Beach organization will run through Jan. 24. The “Wear A Mask for Community Health’’ campaign was launched on Monday as part of the chapter’s MLK Day of Service activities.