By Benjamin. F. Chavis Jr, NNPA President and CEO

The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet ended throughout the and across America. Yes, there has been considerable progress in the wake of increased vaccinations in every region of the United States. But for Black America, the pandemic is still disproportionately negatively impacting the quality of life in our families and communities.

The issue of vaccination hesitancy is serious. That is why the Black Press of America via the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will continue to be committed to inform Black America and others about the facts and truth concerning COVID-19 and the vaccinations that have been approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Over 60% of the United States’ population has now had at least one vaccination, in particular from, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson as approved by the FDA. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents age 12 to 15 as authorized by the FDA.

Those who are age 16 and older in the U.S. continue to increasingly receive vaccinations to protect themselves from the contagious and deadly COVID-19 virus.

While there remains some public and private debates about vaccinations, these debates should not be based on politics or social status or on racial stereotyping and profiling. The truth and facts about COVID-19 and the effectiveness of the approved vaccinations should not be relegated to partisan disagreement.

Truth does not discriminate. There is no such thing as an “alternative truth.” The absence of truth is a lie. Facts and the science that produces the facts are important to always consider in making decisions about public health issues.

Here are the facts and truth about the kids being vaccinated in the U.S. If you are a parent who wants to protect your child from COVID-19, or if you are a teenager who is interested in getting vaccinated, you can go directly to the official U.S. government website: www.vaccines.gov or you can text your ZIP code to 438829 to find places near you that have the Pfizer vaccine readily available in stock.

Millions of 12-to-17-year-olds have already received at least one COVID-19 vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has been through rigorous testing and thorough review by the FDA and CDC. Thousands of adolescents ages 12 to 15 were in the clinical trials, and among those who received it, the vaccine was 100% effective at preventing COVID-19.

When a nation puts a priority in protecting its children from harm, dangers and fatal disease, that is a nation that is protecting and ensuring its future health and progress.

Black American and all communities of color must stay alert, informed and committed to protect our children and all children in America from the dreaded COVID-19 virus. We are grateful that the Biden-Harris Administration is stiving to keep its promise to make America safe and healthy.

Washington, DC – The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from across the United States, have joined together with the nation’s leading Black and Hispanic law enforcement executives to oppose the Washington, DC City Council’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, a racially discriminatory law. The DC City Council is scheduled to vote June 15th on the proposed ban.

“The NNPA supports any effort that will improve the health and quality of life of Black Americans, as well as the health of all people regardless of race,” says Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO and a civil rights icon. “But we are profoundly aware that over 85% of Black Americans and Hispanic Americans who choose to smoke, prefer menthol cigarettes,” continued Chavis. In fact, the unintended consequences of such a racially discriminatory ban will set the stage for more negative and more likely counterproductive interactions between law enforcement and people of color.

“Banning menthol is not going to make the demand for menthol products go away. We know this because illegal drugs are used by people in every community in every state across this country,’ says Sgt. Anthony Miranda (Ret. NYPD), National Chairperson, National Latino Officers Association (NLOA). “When there is a high demand, an illegal market will fill the void, if a legal, regulated market does not. Bans and prohibitions don’t work.  They actually create crime,” stated Miranda. Crime always requires police resources to enforce, otherwise, a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes would be meaningless.

“Given pervasive negative interactions between police and people of color in the U.S., proponents of a menthol ban naively believe that just by including prohibitive language in the legislation, police officers will not utilize a menthol ban to interact with smokers and possessors,” said Commissioner Jiles H. Ship, past president, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). “Daily frivolous interactions between police and people of color demonstrate that a menthol ban would give police pretext to approach a smoker to find out where cigarettes were purchased to get to the seller,” continued Ship. In recent times, we have seen far too many cases of these encounters lead to verbal and physical altercations and often fatal results.

Overall smoking rates in the U.S., despite the tobacco industry’s promotional and advertising tactics in which our government allowed them to engage in until the recent master settlement agreement, is lowest it has ever been in public health history.

A recent 700-page report from the U.S. Surgeon General on smoking cessation examines the health impact of bans in the context of smoking cessation. One of the report’s less-publicized conclusions is that there is not enough evidence to conclude that banning menthol cigarettes would cause more people to quit smoking.[1] “The evidence is suggestive but not sufficient to infer that restricting the sale of certain types of tobacco products, such as menthol or other flavored products, increases smoking cessation, especially among certain populations,” says the report.

The more fundamental issue that should be addressed is social determinants of health. Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has reduced tobacco consumption overall across this country by about 40 percent. And we did not do that with bans and prohibitions or the criminal justice community. We did that with education, counseling and treatment from both a health and educational perspective. We should continue with that strategy. “We should fund targeted education and behavioral health support before implementing a problematic, unenforceable ban. It is time to deal with root causes of health disparities, not the resulting behaviors,” concluded Chavis.

LEAP (Law Enforcement Action Partnership)

NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives)

NBS (Newark Bronze Shields)

NABCJ (National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice)

NABLEO (National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers)

NLOA (National Latino Officers Association)

GCGNY (Grand Council of Guardians New York)

NORST (National Organization of Retired State Troopers)

[1] https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2020-cessation-sgr-full-report.pdf

By rolling out

Kevin Hart‘s house is “too loud” for him to want more kids.

The “Fatherhood” actor — who has Heaven, 16, and Hendrix, 13, with ex-wife Torrei, and Kenzo, 3, and Kaori, 8 months, with spouse Eniko — thinks he has the “perfect household” with four children and confirmed he has no plans to bring any more babies into the world.

He told “Entertainment Tonight”: “Is the house not loud enough? I think it is, right? I think it’s loud enough around here.

“It’s good. We’re in a good place, a family of six and a couple of dogs, it’s a lot going on right now. I say that jokingly but, you know, look, if it’s what the universe calls for and it’s what we’ve decided, then it is what it is.

“We’re in love with being parents, we’re in love with all the little ones that we have now. I mean, we got teenagers and two toddlers, man. It’s the perfect separation of age. It’s the perfect household. It’s everything that you would think it is plus more.”

The 41-year-old star takes on a more serious role in “Fatherhood,” in which he plays a single dad who is coping with the sudden loss of his wife and he’s proud to be depicting a Black father in a “positive light.”

He said: “I’m getting to play a Black father in a positive light. And I’m not a crackhead, I’m not in jail, I’m not a deadbeat. He’s not a criminal. It’s like a guy that’s really trying to find new purpose and reason to live and value.”

Hart thinks the movie is a “celebration” of Black fathers that he hopes can help stamp out stereotypes.

He added: “It’s going to be a celebration, in my opinion of Black fathers, and I think fathers will be able to tag along to this celebration in general, but there is such a positive, strong impact in seeing this character be played by a man of color and played with a narrative of good attached to it.

“Think about it, it’s not something that you see often. There’s a stereotypical attachment that always comes with the Black man attached as a father in film. And this is an opportunity to break that, change the narrative.”

Check out the trailer for Hart’s new Netflix movie, “Fatherhood,” below.

The post ‘Fatherhood’ star Kevin Hart explains why he has no plans to have more kids appeared first on Rolling Out.

By Lapacazo Sandoval, Contributing Writer

Chido Nwokoch (Nwokocha reprises his role as Gary on cable’s top-rated “Sistas” (photo courtesy of Shannon Williams) Photo)

There is something about Chido Nwokocha —it’s that “it” factor, the unexplainable quality that attracts people, like bees to flowers. If you’ve seen him in action in Tyler Perry’s dramedy series, “Sistas,” — as the smooth-operating, charismatic CEO of a Fortune 500 company then you will understand exactly what I mean. ://www.bet.com/shows/tyler-perrys-sistas.html

“Sistas” follows a group of single African-American females as they navigate their complicated love life, careers, and friendships through the ups-n-downs of living in the age of social media and unrealistic relationship goals.

Let’s begin, at the beginning. Nwokocha was born and raised in Sacramento to Nigerian immigrant parents, and like his siblings, he excelled at athletics and flourished under their supportive eye.

Education was valued in his household and after graduating with a degree in Health Administration from Ohio University, Nwokocha moved south to Los Angeles where a succession of roles soon followed. Determined he started booking, appearing an arc on Steven Bochco’s acclaimed “Murder in the First,” as well as guested on such series as “The Resident,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Scorpion,” “Shooter,” “The Night Shift,” and “The Rookie.” Film credits include “Destroyer” with Nicole Kidman, and the anticipated and long-awaited “Top Gun: Maverick” with Maverick himself, Tom Cruise (November 19th).

Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” star Chido Nwokocha photographed by Shannon Williams in Hollywood

In his spare time, Chido parlays his natural athleticism into a consistent workout regimen that helps maintain his ripped physique.

Here is what Chido Nwokocha had to share about working after the COVID-19 lock-down, and more.

Chido Nwokocha sheds his suited up “Sistas” business attire for a more casual look while being photographed by Shannon Williams in Hollywood.

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL: How have you been finding life professionally as an actor in the pandemic?

CHIDO NWOKOCHA: I’ve been very fortunate. It’s true, we were pushed back. But we were the first production, in Hollywood, to go back. Tyler Perry created a COVID-19 bubble.

LAS: Mr. Tyler Perry, the genius, created a bubble? I’m laughing.

CN: (laughing)

It’s different. Again, a lot of the protocols for safety are in place. Safety is key. You have to be safe in quarantine, be cautious of what areas you’re going around. Trying not to be in public spaces too much.

LAS: How did you get the lead role?

CN: It was a crazy process. I went out for one of his other shows and it didn’t work out. I remember just coming home, and some time passed. I started this new job – a bartending job. The very day I started, I get a call from my manager that they wanted to see me for the show [Sistas]. I was like: “Okay, cool.” I thought it was an audition here in LA and they were like: “No, we’re going fly you out.” I just started this new job… that little process as an actor of chasing your dreams. Trying to support yourself at the same time so you can stay out here to chase that dream if that makes sense.

LAS: I love stories like this. It’s always really about something, much bigger.

CN: You just take that leap of faith. I flew out to Atlanta, tested for the role, lost that bartending job… that following week, I get a call saying I got the role. I was so excited – calling my people, friends, and family. That was an interesting week and a half, for sure.

LAS: I would describe “Sistas” as a dramedy. Is comedy your jam?

CN: Our show has some comedic elements to it. I enjoy dramas. I enjoy more… I gravitate more to drama. All the shows I generally watch, there are a few comedies in there to sprinkle in, I gravitate to drama, mystery, things that have to make me follow along to find out what’s going to happen in the end.

LAS: I will not lie. There is something about you, Chido Nwokocha. Whose careers’ do you admire?

CN: To be honest, there are figures that I’ve watched. You see Will Smith, Denzel [Washington], Idris [Elba]. It was always… I watched them and I was like: “That’s what I want to do.” I’ve just taken bits and pieces from a lot of people. It was a desire burning from within to get out, perform and tell stories.

LAS: Of the younger actors, whom do you admire?

CN: Gotcha. I enjoy following guys around my demographic – John Boyega, the late great Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Mahershala Ali – watching them do their work is incredible. They’re around my demographic, you’re just watching those guys and you’re like: “Okay, I got work to do. It’s possible and I can do it.”

LAS: Now that the world is getting back to “normal” — for lack of a better word, what’s on your agenda?

CN: Working. Keeping myself busy, taking care of myself physically, working on my mental. Just trusting that everything is going to work out for the better, in the long run.

IG: yea_imchido

Twitter: yea_imchido

FB: Chido Nwokocha

#SistasonBET

@sistasonbet

#BET #TYLERPERRY #BlackExcellence

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The post Chido Nwokocha —a Nigerian on the move in Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ on BET — has the “IT” factor appeared first on Los Angeles Sentinel.

By rtmadminadw

CBA Candidate Forum Poses Key Questions to Atlanta’s Mayoral, Council Candidates

Forum presents first opportunity for citizens to hear from the group

that wants to lead Atlanta

ATLANTA (June 8, 2021) – Candidates vying to be the next Mayor of Atlanta, City Council President, and City Council members today took the stage for the 2021 political season’s inaugural candidate forum.

Hosted by Committee for a Better Atlanta (CBA), a business coalition that includes Atlanta’s top business and civic organizations, candidates addressed critical issues in CBA’s policy platform: Public Safety, Economic Development and Recovery, Affordable Housing, Transportation, City Leadership, and Sustainability.

“Today served as a great way to educate candidates and voters on the issues that are most important to the business and civic community,” said Kyle Waide, 2021 CBA Co-Chair and President and CEO of Atlanta Community Food Bank. “This forum was just the first step in that process.”

The day-long forum featured candidates for Mayor, City Council President, and At-Large and District council members. Key candidates that attended included Mayoral candidates Antonio Brown, Andre Dickens, Sharon Gay, Walter Reeves and Felicia Moore; plus Council President candidates Natalyn Archibong, Courtney English, Mike Russell, and Doug Shipman.

The forum was the first opportunity for citizens to hear collectively from those who will be on the Nov. 2, 2021, ballot for Atlanta’s leadership positions.

“Atlanta’s business and civic community wants to know where candidates stand on issues critical to our future,” said Denise Quarles, 2021 CBA Co-Chair and Chief City Executive at Siemens. “We’ll continue to inform voters throughout the CBA process. It is our mission to empower and inspire Atlanta voters as they consider their choices at the ballot box.”

The post Atlanta’s Mayoral and Council Candidates Take Center Stage appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

By Sara Sneath, Contributing Writer

(lailluminator.com) — Like more than 300 water systems across the state, the system that provides water for Sulphur resident Cindy Robertson contains more iron than what’s recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. The elevated level of iron makes the water coming out of Roberton’s tap the color of iced tea.

“I had white towels when I moved here, and now I have tan towels,” she said. “I’ve got brown stains all over my water filter. I have to scrub my sink to get the brown stains out. It’s just. It’s disgusting.”

The state of Sulphur’s water grabbed the attention of environmental activist Erin Brockovich, who posted photos of the brown water on her Facebook page. “Looks like another Flint on the horizon,” she wrote.

Because the mineral is not considered to be a health risk, the Louisiana Department of Health doesn’t regulate iron levels or mandate that drinking water be tested for it. While the Environmental Protection Agency has a recommended upper limit for iron of 0.3 mg/L, the guideline is non-enforceable. At levels of iron above 0.3 mg/L, the mineral can be tasted and it can stain laundry. For years now experts have pointed out that the presence of iron could also be a symptom of a bigger problem.

The presence of iron in drinking water is not a health concern itself. Iron is naturally occurring in plants, animals and groundwater. However, elevated levels of iron could be an indicator of corrosive water, which can cause metals from the water distribution pipes, including lead, to leach into treated water, said Dr. Adrienne Katner, an assistant professor at LSU’s Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Drinking water systems are typically tested for lead every three years.

Elevated levels of iron can also neutralize disinfectants, encouraging bacteria like legionella to grow, Katner said. Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. “It’s hard to say what the state should or shouldn’t be doing,” she said.

Rep. Matthew Willard (D-New Orleans) hoped to address this issue at the Louisiana Legislature this session with House Bill 481. But he voluntarily deferred the bill in the House Committee on Health and Welfare last month in response to concerns about the cost of water testing. “There was too much opposition, but I hope in the near future we can move forward with this type of legislation in Louisiana,” Willard in an email message last month.

The bill would have mandated iron testing in drinking water systems in single-family homes that contain copper pipes with lead solder installed after 1982, contain lead pipes or have a lead service line. Willard said he hoped federal infrastructure funds could help pay for the testing.

But rural water systems, with fewer customers to pay for a way to remove iron from the water, have a harder time dealing with this issue. These systems also have more frequent water disruptions, as detailed in an analysis of boil water notices by the Illuminator and WWNO/WRKF. “Some states do enforce those secondary contaminants,” Katner said. “I think there’s a desire to move toward that so they don’t have to drink this dirty looking water.”

Louisiana Illuminator (www.lailluminator.com) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization.

This article originally appeared in The Louisiana Weekly.