Rep. James Re-elected as Michigan’s Only Black U.S. Representative
Representative John James has clinched re-election in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, a race that was fiercely contested and closely followed as a key race in the state. His victory not only reinforces his position as Michigan’s only Black member in the U.S. House of Representatives but also signals a strong endorsement of his legislative agenda and appeal across a district known for its electoral volatility. In a rematch from 2022, incumbent Republican Rep. John James defeated Democratic Party challenger Carl Marlinga in Michigan's 10th Congressional District. James defeated Marlinga
Professor Tonya M. Evans on Cryptocurrency, Black Wealth, and the High Stakes of Trump’s Agenda 47 and Project 2025
In the face of increasing hype and misinformation, Evans encouraged Black investors to pursue a clear understanding of cryptocurrency, noting that education is key. By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia In a recent appearance on Let It Be Known News, Professor Tonya M. Evans—an expert in fintech law at Penn State Dickinson Law and a prominent figure in digital asset strategy—discussed the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, particularly its impact on Black America. As an advisor on fintech policy through her company Advantage Evans, LLC, and a board member of
Dr. Timothy Lewis is New Director of the Black Studies Program at SIUE; The Effects of Black Studies Can Be Felt, Seen Worldwide
The rich, vast and multifaceted aspects of Black scholarship should be taught, investigated and celebrated inside and outside of the classroom, according to Timothy E. Lewis, PhD, the new Director of Black Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “I want to take Black Studies out of the classroom, making it the premier unit on campus for implicit Black education, including documentary screenings, symposiums, historical celebrations and more,” said Lewis, interim chair of the Department of Social Work, and associate professor in the Department of Political Science. “I plan to not
Exclusive Q&A: Ralph Clark on Chicago’s ShotSpotter Controversy and City Council Vote
Ralph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking, spoke exclusively to The Chicago Defender about the technology’s value and the implications of the council’s decision (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons and soundthinking.com). Earlier this week, the City Council overwhelmingly voted to grant Chicago police superintendent Larry Snelling the power to renew the city’s ShotSpotter contract. This move defied Mayor Brandon Johnson’s wish to terminate the controversial gun detection technology. Not long after that vote, Johnson vowed to veto the measure that passed 33-14, calling it illegal because, in the words of Corporation Counsel Mary
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist Ebony Austin Donates to Metro Atlanta High School Band for Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Austin is a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist, and HBCU advocate who owns five highly successful Nouveau restaurants with a Dallas location opening soon. She also launched a line of stone-ground grits available nationwide in 160 Publix grocery stores where all the proceeds go back to HBCU student scholarships. Overall, Austin has given back more than $100K in cash scholarships to HBCU students. And she’s created more than 100 job opportunities for her community while holding an extensive real estate portfolio. Austin recently announced the donation of $20,000 to metro Atlanta’s
Angela Alsobrooks, Lisa Blunt Rochester Make History as Newly Elected Black Senators in 2024 Election
Two years ago, the U.S. Senate did not have a single Black woman. And before that, only two Black women had ever served in the upper chamber of Congress. Lisa Blunt Rochester in Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland have changed the math. They both won their races on Tuesday, Nov. 5 — making history while bringing greater representation to Congress and maintaining the Democrats’ hold on the seats. This is also the first time that two Black women will serve as senators together — and they will each take
Illinois Democrats Secure Decisive Wins in Congressional Races
In a decisive win for Illinois Democrats, incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood retained their seats, underscoring the state’s strong blue presence in Congress. According to the Associated Press, Illinois Democrats took 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, marking decisive wins in closely watched races. Key victories included incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood, each defeating Republican challengers by solid margins. In a firmly “blue wall” state where these Democratic incumbents were heavily favored, these results, though expected, were
Melia Howard Leads Detroit Forward as New Deputy Mayor
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s decision to appoint Melia Howard as the city’s new Deputy Mayor brings a new chapter for community leadership. Howard steps into this role after years of service as Director of Community Engagement. Her work has consistently placed residents at the center of Detroit’s development efforts. With Todd Bettison now moving to serve as Interim Police Chief, Howard assumes the Deputy Mayor position as the second woman in the city’s history to hold this title. Her appointment represents a commitment to making sure Detroiters’
Ben Jealous, Lynee Vanee, Scotty Smart and Zak Wallace Address Black Economics Plan at Atlanta’s Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot in Atlanta's burgeoning center for innovation and free-thinking cottage industries recently hosted The Economic Freedom Talks, a Harris-Walz campaign initiative to address and resolve pressing issues facing Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Economic Freedom Talks are designated to uplift small business owners and entrepreneurs across the nation, featuring a dynamic series of discussions that spotlighted former presidential candidate Kamala Haris' plans for small businesses. Nationally recognized advocates and experts for minority business development gathered to discuss issues hindering Black businesses including: A ten-fold expansion of the
Monroe Nichols Becomes First Black Mayor of Tulsa
Photo: Oklahoma House of Representatives Democratic Oklahoma Rep. Monroe Nichols has made history in the city of Tulsa. On Tuesday (November 5), Nichols was projected to win the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, per 2 News Oklahoma. Nichols will serve as Tulsa’s first Black mayor. He delivered his acceptance on Tuesday night in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. Nichols, who’s served as a State Representative for House District 72 since 2016, will take over for