The Equality Act, a historic bill that supports the fair and equal treatment of LGBTQ individuals (based on both sexual orientation and gender identity) in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, credit and jury service passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 25. Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, who…
Good News
Tarana Burke, Founder of #MeToo Movement, Starts New Initiative for Black Survivors
When activist Tarana Burke coined the #MeToo movement, she knew it would start a culture-shifting conversation about sexual violence. But three years after that movement began, she believes that change hasn’t been as far-reaching as she’d hoped, especially for Black women who’ve faced some aspect of sexual abuse or violence. …
Thasunda Brown Duckett Named CEO of TIAA; Second Black Woman Recently Named to Lead Fortune 500 Company
TIAA — Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America — has announced that Thasunda Brown Duckett will become the company’s new CEO, succeeding Roger W. Ferguson Jr. who announced in November 2020 his plans to retire. With her appointment, Duckett will join newly named Walgreen’s CEO Rosalind Brewer as one…
1 in 6 People Between the Ages of 18 and 23 Identify as LGBTQ, New Study Finds
As stigma against LGBTQ individuals has decreased in recent years, more and more individuals of all ages are becoming comfortable acknowledging they identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. And that data is showing up in big ways in academic fields. In a new Gallup report, researchers found…
Cable News Expands to Include More Black Voices with Black News Channel
As the world of cable TV news becomes increasingly fragmented, BNC (Black News Channel) is promising to deliver an alternative news source that looks at breaking news stories through the eyes of Black Americans when it relaunches in March 2021. In a Wall Street Journal exclusive, reporter Lillian Rizzo writes…
Virginia to Become First Southern State to Abolish Death Penalty
A bill to abolish the death penalty is winding its way through the Virginia state legislature. The bill has passed the senate and is expected to soon be signed by Gov. Ralph Northam. Once approved, it would make Virginia the 23rd state in the country to ban the death penalty,…
A Look Inside Acclinate, a Techstars Startup Company Working to Fight Racial Disparities in Healthcare
Disparities in healthcare are one of the biggest problems facing America’s Black and Brown population today, from soaring costs to lack of adequate medical coverage. This is especially true within the realm of medical research, where a vast majority of the testing for new pharmaceuticals and experimental therapies is focused…
Tokyo’s Olympic Committee Names New President After Scandal Over Sexist Comments From Previous Leader
Following a scandal over sexist remarks made by its former chair, the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee has named a new president: Japanese athlete-turned-politician Seiko Hashimoto. A former cyclist and speed skater who competed in seven Summer and Winter Olympics, Hashimoto steps into a highly volatile role as Tokyo Olympic Organizing…
Nike Launches New Hands-Free Sneaker for Individuals with Special Needs
Nike has created a new lace-less, hands-free sneaker ideal for people with a variety of special needs. According to the company, the Nike GO FlyEase uses a newly developed “smooth motion bi-stable hinge” that allows you to easily slide your foot in and out of the shoe without ever needing…
First Black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to be Subject of a New Biopic Produced by and Starring Regina King
Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. In 1972, she became the first African American candidate from a major party to run for President of the United States, as well as the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination….