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Michael Sam is One of GQ's Men Of The Year For 2014

By goodblacknews on November 17, 2014

1415727997651_michael-sam-gq-magazine-december-2014-moty-coverMichael Sam might be currently looking for another opportunity to prove he can play in the NFL after being released from the Dallas Cowboys’s practice squad last month. But the 2013 SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and former All-American at the University of Missouri has nonetheless nabbed another huge honor: being named one of GQ’s Men of the Year for 2014.
Sam’s interview with the magazine will be rolled out later this week.
Sam, who became the first openly gay player to be drafted by the NFL last spring, graces one of six GQ covers released as part of the Men of the Year rollout. The 24-year-old shares the honor with “Guardians of the Galaxy” hunk Chris Pratt, Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley of “The Fault in Our Stars”, comedian Dave Chappelle, and “Foxcatcher” star Steve Carell, among others.
article by Curtis M. Wong via huffingtonpost.com

Little League Star Mo'ne Davis to Release Memoir in March 2015

By goodblacknews on November 17, 2014
Mo'ne Davis, the 13-year-old girl who made history as the first girl to pitch a shutout game in the Little League World Series, is taking her inspirational story from the plate to the page.
(Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

Everyone’s favorite Little League pitcher, Mo’ne Davis, landed a deal with Harper Collins Children’s Books and will release Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name on March 17, 2015.  In August, Davis became the first girl ever to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series.

The 13-year-old from Philadelphia went on to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, star in a Chevy commercial, and donate her jersey to the Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate the historic achievement.

On the book, Davis said, “I hope it encourages people to take a chance and play the sports they want to play and not just the ones people expect them to play.”  Below is an early peak at the cover and jacket copy via harpercollins.com:

Harper Collins Children's Books will release Mo'ne Davis: Remember My Name on March 17, 2015.

An inspiring story of a courageous young girl who learned to play ball with the boys, only to outshine them on the national stage in the most watched Little League World Series of game of all time. Mo’ne Davis’s story is one that will encourage readers to reach for their dreams no matter the odds, young girls to play ball with anyone, and add a new chapter to the rich history of women in baseball.

article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson (follow @lakinhutcherson)

Verna Jones Named American Legion's First Female Executive Director

By goodblacknews on November 17, 2014
Verna JonesThe American Legion has named Verna Jones its new executive director, making her the first woman to lead the veterans’ organization in its nearly 100-year history.
Jones, an attorney and Army veteran who served as a personnel sergeant, stepped into her new role on Nov. 1. Legion spokesman Marty Callaghan said he believed that Jones is the organization’s first African-American executive director, but he couldn’t confirm it absolutely. Previously, she served as the director of the Legion’s veterans affairs and rehabilitation division.
“We’re still focused on the [Department of Veterans Affairs], the quality of health care, timeliness, the backlog, benefits — all the things that we’ve been focusing on, and the things that veterans need. Access to health care is huge for us,” Jones said in an interview with The Huffington Post in her new office.
Jones became the most animated when asked about sexual assault in the military, an issue that several members of the Legion, including Jones, have testified about before Congress. The organization has said the military needs to have a “zero tolerance policy” on the issue.
“To those people who may assault people, [we need to] let them know that we’re not going to stand for that, and there are some very serious consequences the first time,” said Jones. “So we’ve got to create programs, we’ve got to create awareness, and we have to be willing to say that military sexual trauma exists. Stop sweeping it under the rug and pretending it’s a small thing, because it’s not.
“There needs to be punishment,” she added. “Something punitive needs to happen. If you’re in the military and you sexually assault somebody, then you don’t need to be in the military anymore.”

7 Year-Old Violinist Leah Flynn on Mission to Share Her Music & Inspire Other Children (VIDEO)

By goodblacknews on November 16, 2014
Listen Up: 7-Year-Old Violinist on a Mission
From JetMag.com:
Like the late, great Whitney Houston so beautifully sang: We believe the children are our future.  To that end, JET introduces you to Leah Flynn…a sweet, caring young violinist who wants to use her talents to improve the world around her.
Taking a break from her evening routine of violin lessons taught by her dad, seven-year-old, Leah Flynn energetically tells JET, “I want to go on national shows and play for millions of people so lots of children can see me play, then maybe they want to play an instrument!”
She’s ambitious and determined on her musical mission.
Practicing violin since she was five, Leah has performed in front of various audiences ranging from senior centers to churches located around her family’s Florida home.  Her biggest audience thus far: during an appearance on the TV show, Good Day Orlando.
If you wonder what gives her the strength to show off her skills at a young age, her approach  to overcoming nerves is simple, “All I do is take a deep breath and just focus on my violin while I’m playing.”
Leah’s  music is more than a hobby, it’s a way of providing inspiration and a healing mechanism for the soul.
Growing up near the area where the devastating killing of Trayvon Martin took place and, most recently, watching from afar the unrest unfolding in Ferguson, Missouri, Leah confided something in her parents, Paula and Lennox Flynn.
She told them she wanted to offer those who suffered the soothing sound of violin strings.  “Leah said, ‘Mommy, people are so sad and it’s not a good thing,” Paula Flynn recalls.
That conversation led to her father, a musician himself who started Leah on the piano, to teach her “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” so she could play for local residents.  The pint-sized player hopes to perform for the Governor of Missouri and the people of Ferguson.
But while she waits for that opportunity, nothing is holding the energetic violinist back. She’s currently practicing Christmas carols to share with listening ears throughout the holiday season.
And JET wants to do our part to get her a national audience. Watch her performance of favorite song,”Let It Go” from the popular movie, “Frozen”.  Enjoy and be sure to keep Miss Leah on your radar!

Read more: http://www.jetmag.com/news/leah-flynn-seven-year-old-violinist-mission/#ixzz3JHHhCHSi

Soledad O’Brien's New "Black in America: Black and Blue" Documentary on Aggressive Police Tactics to Air 11/18 on CNN

By goodblacknews on November 16, 2014

Soledad-O’BrienSoledad O’Brien‘s new documentary “Black in America: Black & Blue” premieres Tuesday, November 18 at 9 PM ET on CNN. The new installment of her “Black in America” series touches a hot button issue, in the wake of the Ferguson, MO shooting and riots. The documentary will portray the personal stories of the men affected by aggressive policing tactics, many of whom were able to document the confrontations in shocking videos.
Among the stunning statistics that O’Brien points out, the NYPD reported made more than 5 million stops between 2002 and 2013.  80 percent of those stops were African American or Latino, and 88 percent of the stops did not result in arrests, summons, or evidence of any crime.
“What is so shocking is that this police practice was used around the country – and in some places still is – with the theory that police were stopping criminals,” said O’Brien. “It’s shocking that the city where this was popularized was stopping so many innocent people.”
See the full press release below:

Wells Fargo Donates $250,000 to the Urban League for Save Our Sons Training Program

By goodblacknews on November 15, 2014

Urban League Save Our Sons
Urban League Save Our Sons

ST. LOUIS — The Urban League announced a $250,000 grant from Wells Fargo & Co., parent company of St. Louis-based Wells Fargo Advisors, to support the Save Our Sons workforce training program for African Americans and other men aged 21 and over residing in Ferguson and surrounding North St. Louis County communities.
“We are very grateful to Wells Fargo for joining the Urban League in partnership to help young African American men and others find viable jobs in the St. Louis area,” said Michael P. McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
The Urban League’s Save Our Sons initiative is a workforce and job training program that will serve up to 500 men in St. Louis County over the next two years.
“Wells Fargo is committed to the communities in which our customers and team members live and work,” said Mary T. Mack, President of Wells Fargo Advisors. “By providing resources and support to the Urban League and the ‘Save our Sons’ program, we can help the North County community begin to create long-term economic growth and quality of life for the families who live there.”
Save Our Sons is an extension of the Urban League’s Workforce Investment Act program (WIA), a federally funded initiative that has reached 6,000 St. Louis high school students. Training sessions will include everything from public speaking and team-building to emergency financial preparation and health care and will be held across North St. Louis County.
To enroll in Save Our Sons, please contact Herta Shikapwashya, Urban League Vice President, at (314) 679-3500.
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is a social service and advocacy organization that works to fulfill its mission of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives. Programs are offered in the areas of Economic Empowerment, Meeting Families Basic Needs, Educational Quality and Equality and Civic Engagement and Social Justice.
Source: Business Wire
article via gbmnews.com

Stevie Wonder, Alvin Ailey to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

By goodblacknews on November 14, 2014

Stevie Wonder
Each year, the White House grants the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals who have made major social, political, and cultural contributions to the country. It’s recognized as the highest civilian honor. Later this month, President Obama will bestow the medal on nineteen distinguished recipients including musician Stevie Wonder, murdered civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, and notable choreographer Alvin Ailey.
“I look forward to presenting these nineteen bold, inspiring Americans with our nation’s highest civilian honor,” said the President in a statement. “From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world.”
Last year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients included Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.
article via newsone.com

#AOLSportsSearch: Try Out for Chance to Become AOL Sportscaster

By goodblacknews on November 14, 2014

AOLsportssearch
Ever dream of becoming a sportscaster? Well, AOL wants to give you that chance. On Monday, November 17, AOL Sports is holding try outs for its new show.
WHAT AOL NEEDS …
A video of you that shows your personality, knowledge and passion for sports. Cover any sports topic you’d like to –- just make sure it’s entertaining!
HERE’S HOW …
In person: On Monday, November 17, go to AOL Studios in New York or Los Angeles at 9 a.m. ET/ 6 a.m. PT. We will close the doors to auditions at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT.
OR if you can’t make it: go on Twitter, Instagram or Vine and submit your video by using hashtag #AOLSportsSearch.
Those chosen that are based in Los Angeles will enjoy a free flight that night to New York for a Tuesday appearance in studio. We will fly in top contenders with winning social-media submissions if not based in New York for Tuesday’s in-studio session.
AOL’s new sportscaster will be announced on Wednesday, November 19 on aol.com/sports.
For additional information, email AOLSPORTSSEARCH@teamaol.com or tweet to @AOLSports.
#AOLSportsSearch Live Auditions
Live Casting Call: Monday, November 17th
New York City
9 a.m. EST- 12 p.m. EST
AOL New York Studios
770 Broadway
New York City
*Doors close at 12pm, First come, first serve
Los Angeles
6 a.m. PST- 9 a.m. PST
AOL Los Angeles Studios
331 North Maple Drive
Beverly Hills
*Doors close at 9am, First come, first serve
Terms and Conditions | Contest rules
article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

President Obama and the First Lady Encourage Americans to Apply for 2015-2016 White House Fellows Program

By goodblacknews on November 14, 2014

the-obamas-racist-tweet-puerto-ricoPresident Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are encouraging Americans to apply to the White House Fellows Program. The 2015-2016 application was launched on Nov. 1 and became accessible online. The program has become the nation’s leading fellowship for public service and leadership, gearing in exposing individuals to first-hand experience and a better understanding of operations performed in the Federal government. The White House Fellows Program consists of one working full-time in the offices of the Cabinet Secretaries, Senior White House staff, and other high-power Administration officials in Washington D.C.  This opportunity will provide a very exciting and rewarding year to the chosen candidates, showcasing a behind-the-scenes insight into the inner workings of how our government functions.

President Obama and his wife are quoted saying, “In the 50 years since its founding, the White House Fellows Program has helped prove that those who love their country, can change it. Our Nation needs your drive and talent, and we hope you consider applying to the program.”
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, you cannot be a current Federal government employee (with the exception of career military personnel), and you must have received a Bachelor’s degree and be currently working in your chosen profession. The selection process will be based on professional achievement, evidence of leadership and management skills, commitment to public service, and skills to succeed and have potential for growth. The application is available here from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2015.
article by Cristie Leondis via blackenterprise.com

Pharrell Williams’ New Adidas Campaign Is All About Equality 

By goodblacknews on November 14, 2014
(Getty Images)

Pharrell Williams is spreading positivity everywhere he goes: from his infectious summer anthem “Happy” to encouraging young artists on NBC’s “The Voice”, to helping get recyclables out of the sea with Raw for the Oceans, Pharrell is continuing his upbeat trend with his current collaboration with Adidas.

Skateboard P decided to use his platform for a good cause and created a conceptual campaign on equality. When you first see the branding for it–which shows an equal sign above Pharrell’s name and the Adidas logo next to it–you might think that just means Pharrell is Adidas, and you wouldn’t be too far off. Over the past year, P has been a walking billboard for the retailer wearing it everywhere, including his infamous Grammys outfit.