NNPA NEWSWIRE — “America is messy. It is still in its early development of all that we can become. And I have to recognize that in the poem. I cannot ignore that or erase it. And so, I crafted an inaugural poem that recognizes these scars and these wounds. Hopefully, it will move us toward healing them,” said Amanda Gorman.
African American Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman Performs at Inauguration
ABC’s ‘The Rookie’ Star Talks Show, Music with The Black Press
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Titus Makin told the Black Press that the new season’s approach to tackling racism was refreshing. He noted that in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, he wanted the show to tackle the issue that led to protests around the globe. “I can’t go play a cop on a show and not talk about the fact that I’m a Black cop,” Makin remarked.
The Rise of Vice President Kamala Harris
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The daughter of a Jamaican immigrant father who taught at Stanford University, Vice President Harris’ mother, a cancer researcher, was the daughter of an Indian diplomat. And, the new Vice President has never forgotten her roots, nor has she forgotten those who helped her achieve the American dream.
‘A Sorority of Pain’ Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor Family Push for New Laws
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Jacob Blake Sr., son Jacob Jr. was shot seven times in the back in a residential area of Kenosha by police officer Rusten Sheskey. The shooting left the younger Blake, whose three young children witnessed the incident, was left partially paralyzed as a result. Blake Sr., his brother Justin, and Bianca Austin (the aunt of Breonna Taylor), traveled to Washington, D.C., during the week of the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The three told NNPA Newswire that they were there to finalize a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “We hope that there will be federal charges against the officer,” Blake Sr. interjected.
President Biden Issues Executive Orders on Racial Equity
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The 46th president had pledged to do his part in the fight against systemic racism in America.
The President said he wants all federal agencies to review equity in their programs and actions. With the executive order, President Biden demanded that the Office of Management and Budget analyze whether federal dollars are equitably distributed in communities of color.
A New America Dawns with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
NNPA NEWSWIRE — After Chief Justice John Roberts swore him in, President Biden spoke about the importance of a unified America after four years of an administration that orchestrated perhaps the most profound divide in modern history.
The Chavis Chronicles Kicks Off the New Year
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Chavis Chronicles is a thought-provoking television series featuring interviews with leaders, health professionals, politicians, scientist, cultural figures, influencers and celebrities from around the globe. Hosted by civil rights icon Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the series goes beyond the headlines to offer profound insights on matters that impact the public, and provides a unique perspective from a renowned living legend of the African American community. Produced by Clara Wilkerson of CRW Worldwide, The Chavis Chronicles is presented and distributed nationally by American Public Television.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett Reveals New Details of Trump’s Insurrection Role
NNPA NEWSWIRE — While the violent mob of insurrectionists were storming the U.S. Capitol, leaving death and destruction in their wake, President Donald Trump telephoned several Congress members urging them to illegally overturn the election so that he can remain in office, Congresswoman Plaskett pronounced. The disgraced, two-time impeached President refused to call off his mob of supporters as they rummaged through the offices of Senate and House members, defaced the Capitol, and caused the death of a federal police officer and four others.
FBI Vetting Troops Before Inauguration
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches. “We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration.
API Outlines Affordable and Accessible Energy in State of American Energy Report
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “A government that’s focused on recovery for all should reject policies that could drive up energy costs and hurt those who can least afford them,” Sommers said. “That is the case we’re making, and we are working with President Joe Biden and his administration. Our country has a lot of economic ground to make up, millions of more jobs to recover, and when the business at hand is the economic revival, no industry can help more than this one. The pandemic offered reminders of just how crucial the natural gas and oil industry is to everyday life.”

