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EXCLUSIVE: President Trump to Deliver Keynote at Benedict College Criminal Justice Reform Event

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The Trump Administration’s support for HBCUs in South Carolina and across the Nation has been unprecedented and makes states more economically competitive,” a White House official told NNPA Newswire.

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President Trump has said he’s working to ensure that Americans have opportunities to get training while they are incarcerated and to succeed when they leave prison.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

President Donald Trump will travel to Columbia, S.C., on Friday, October 25, to deliver the keynote address at the 2019 Second Step Presidential Justice Forum, NNPA Newswire has learned exclusively.

Hosted by the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, a nonprofit founded by a bipartisan group of African American leaders from across the country who advocate for criminal justice reform, the event will be held at Benedict College, one of South Carolina’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which is located in an opportunity zone.

“The Trump Administration’s support for HBCUs in South Carolina and across the Nation has been unprecedented and makes states more economically competitive,” a White House official told NNPA Newswire.

“President Trump championed and then signed the most significant bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation in a generation – the First Step Act of 2018 – with support of police, prosecutors, and prominent civic and religious organizations,” the official said.

“This landmark legislation enacted commonsense criminal justice reform that is helping prisoners gain a new lease on life while making America safer,” the official said.

“The positive effects of this revolutionary legislation will be long-lasting. President Trump remains committed to building on this tremendous success and continuing the great work achieved by this legislation, and his remarks at the forum will offer a glimpse into his vision for the second step of criminal justice reform his Administration will support.”

The historic First Step Act is providing prisoners with a second chance through rehabilitative programs, fair sentencing, and smart confinement.

President Trump has said he’s working to ensure that Americans have opportunities to get training while they are incarcerated and to succeed when they leave prison.

The White House said departments and agencies across the federal government are taking action to help in this effort.

Among the efforts:

The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has launched its new “Ready to Work” initiative to connect employers directly to inmates, many of whom have been trained in skilled trades such as carpentry and plumbing, to improve reentry outcomes.

  • The Department of Labor has awarded over $2 million to states for “fidelity bonds” that underwrite companies that hire individuals with criminal records.
  • The Department of Education has expanded an experiment that allows Pell Grants to help individuals who are in prison (prohibited under the 1994 Crime Bill).
  • The Department of Energy launched a six-city roadshow on jobs in the energy sector, including opportunities to hire individuals with criminal records.
  • The Department of Housing & Urban Development is investigating options to address prohibitions on residents with criminal backgrounds in Section 8 housing.
  • The Office of Personnel Management is working to make USAJOBS available to those in federal prison.

A Little About Me: I'm the co-author of Blind Faith: The Miraculous Journey of Lula Hardaway and her son, Stevie Wonder (Simon & Schuster) and Michael Jackson: The Man Behind The Mask, An Insider's Account of the King of Pop (Select Books Publishing, Inc.) My work can often be found in the Washington Informer, Baltimore Times, Philadelphia Tribune, Pocono Record, the New York Post, and Black Press USA.

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Black History

HISTORY MADE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor in American History

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — History has been made in Georgia. Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, has been elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman in American history to win the highest executive office in any state.

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Keisha Lance Bottoms during her 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary victory speech. Photo: Sikis2021 / Wikimedia Commons.
Keisha Lance Bottoms during her 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary victory speech. Photo: Sikis2021 / Wikimedia Commons.

History has been made in Georgia. Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, has been elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman in American history to win the highest executive office in any state.

Bottoms’ victory over Republican businessman Rick Jackson represents a defining moment in American politics, breaking a barrier that has stood since the nation’s founding and placing Georgia at the center of a historic political transformation.

For generations, Black women have played a critical role in American democracy, organizing communities, leading movements, mobilizing voters and shaping public policy. Yet despite their contributions, no Black woman had ever been elected governor of a U.S. state.

Until now.

Bottoms’ election also makes her the first woman and first Black person elected governor of Georgia, a state whose political history has been deeply shaped by slavery, segregation, the civil rights movement and the long struggle for equal representation.

Her victory carries particular significance in a state where Black women have been among the most influential forces in voter registration, political organizing and Democratic electoral success.

A fifth-generation Georgian, Bottoms previously served as Atlanta’s 60th mayor from 2018 to 2022. During her administration, she led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide protests over racial injustice and a period of significant economic and population growth.

Following her time as mayor, Bottoms served as a senior adviser in President Joe Biden’s administration before returning to Georgia politics to pursue the governorship.

Her campaign focused on expanding access to health care, strengthening public education, increasing wages and addressing the rising cost of living. She also advocated for expanding Medicaid, raising Georgia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and increasing compensation for teachers and other public employees.

Bottoms faced Jackson, a wealthy health care executive who invested heavily in his campaign and positioned himself as a political outsider. The contest drew national attention as Democrats sought to reclaim the Georgia governor’s office after more than two decades of Republican control.

The historic nature of Bottoms’ victory extends well beyond party politics.

Georgia, once at the center of some of America’s most consequential civil rights battles, has now elected a Black woman to lead its state government. It is a milestone that reflects generations of political participation, organizing and leadership by Black Georgians.

For Atlanta, the moment is especially significant. A former mayor of the city that helped shape the modern civil rights movement will now lead the entire state.

Bottoms’ election opens a new chapter in Georgia’s political history and establishes a milestone that will be remembered far beyond the 2026 election.

For continuing election coverage and results, visit AtlantaDailyWorld.com/election26.



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Black Press

Black Wall St. Announces 2nd Annual Legacy Weekend Celebrating Black Economic Excellence, Wealth & Community

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Generational wealth isn’t created by accident—it is built with intention, protected through strategy, and passed forward with purpose. From November 6–8, 2026, Houston will serve as the backdrop for the 2nd Annual Black Wall St. Legacy Weekend, a three-day summit committed to advancing entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and the enduring legacy of Black economic resilience.

Under this year’s core theme, “Protecting Your Legacy and Growing Your Wealth,” the weekend offers local families, founders, and community leaders direct access to the tools needed to secure long-term financial independence.

Across three days, attendees will gain insight into the core pillars of wealth creation and business sustainability. Educational sessions and interactive workshops will cover:

  • Asset Protection & Finance: Estate planning, trust building, navigating insurance, and cultivating strategic banking relationships.

  • Modern Business Growth: Leveraging artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and real estate development.

  • Holistic Leadership: Balancing mental health, foundational financial literacy, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

The event features an esteemed roster of industry leaders, including Gene Boykin Jr., Dr. Velma Trayham, and Benaisha Pooe-Lewis. Alongside keynote presentations, the weekend includes targeted networking sessions, an interactive vendor marketplace highlighting local businesses, and an awards ceremony honoring community pioneers driving economic progress across Houston.

LEGACY WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

Friday, November 6, 2026
Legacy Weekend Kickoff Mixer
6:30–9:30 PM
Powered by Black Houston Creative Network
PLUME
110 W 23rd St., Houston, TX

Saturday, November 7, 2026
Legacy Weekend Conference
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Red Oak Ballroom
816 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 210
Houston, TX 77024

Official After Party
8:00 PM–12:00 AM
The Quad
4608 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX

Tickets:bwslegacyweekend.com/ticket

Sunday, November 8, 2026
Black Wall St. Veteran & Family Field Day
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Emancipation Park
Houston, TX

Beyond business strategy, Legacy Weekend creates space for community celebration, offering a family-friendly atmosphere designed to inspire the next generation of builders and innovators.

Tickets:bwslegacyweekend.com/field-day

“Legacy is more than what we leave behind. It is what we build, protect, and pass forward,” said Frank Perkins. “Legacy Weekend is designed to give our community access to the information, resources, and connections needed to create a stronger financial future for generations to come.”

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Featured

Why Not Us? Building North Commons for Our Kids! #shorts

Local leaders are transforming North Commons into a world-class hub for our youth. See how we’re building a vibrant future right here in our community.

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Community members gathering at the North Commons park development site to advocate for new youth facilities in Minneapolis.

Local leaders gather at the YMCA to transform North Commons. The goal: create world-class play spaces to keep youth in the community instead of seeking recreation in the suburbs. #CommunityDevelopment #NorthCommons #YouthEmpowerment #UrbanPlanning #LocalGrowth

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Featured

Best of The DMV x Clearing the Air Meet and Greet | The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer and GWBCC hosted a night celebrating DMV leaders and vital environmental solutions. Catch the highlights from this impactful community event.

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Group of people smiling and posing for a photo at The Washington Informer DMV meet and greet event.

On October 5, 2026, The Washington Informer and the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) hosted the Best of The DMV x Clearing the Air Meet and Greet at The Guest House in Washington, D.C.

The evening introduced guests to two Washington Informer initiatives. Best of The DMV celebrates the businesses, leaders and creatives shaping our region, as chosen by readers. Clearing the Air is our solutions journalism series on environmental health in the DMV, covering air quality, data centers and the responses making a difference across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to GWBCC for partnering with us.

Subscribe for more stories from The Washington Informer.

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Featured

Martha Abraham celebrates win!

Martha Abraham has taken a significant lead in the San Diego District 4 race. Visit our website for the latest updates on this developing election story.

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Martha Abraham smiling and holding a trophy during a celebration event for San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

Martha Abraham celebrated with her supporters as she took the lead for District 4 San Diego City race. Results posted by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters Tuesday night put the Abraham about 1,500 votes ahead of incumbent Henry Foster III. Visit our website for updates.

#2026MidTermElections #SanDiego #VoiceAndViewpoint

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Featured

Camp Gives Kids Escape, Hope, and a Future Beyond Sports! #shorts

Summer camp offers urban youth more than just games; it’s a vital sanctuary for building confidence, community, and a brighter future. Discover the impact today.

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Diverse group of children smiling and playing together at a summer camp outdoors.

Beyond sports and games, summer camp serves as a vital sanctuary from urban stress. It provides a unique space for youth development, confidence building, and community connection. Discover the proactive approach to shaping the next generation through meaningful engagement. #YouthDevelopment #SummerCamp #CommunityOutreach #LifeSkills

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