Bennett College, a historically Black women’s college, could lose its accreditation if it doesn't fix its finances. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has given Bennett until February 1 to prove it is financially stable. If the school isn't able to do this, it could be removed from the organization and could even be forced to close, according to the Greensboro News & Record.Bennett College is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was founded in 1873 as a co-ed school for formerly enslaved Black people, according to its website.In 1926, the school decided to focus solely on educating Black female students. Bennett is known for its involvement in the civil rights movement. It came to national attention as one of the few places in North Carolina willing to host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the activist's speech at Bennett influenced many of its students at the time to become activists themselves.Bennett students, also known as Bennett Belles, participated in sit-ins with students from nearby North Carolina A&T University. Contrary to popular belief, Bennett, not Spelman College, is Morehouse College’s official sister school.“The Bennett and Morehouse relationship isn’t as strong as it should be,” Morehouse senior Arius Williams told The Undefeated. “I think we should support our sister school as much as we can right now because we can’t afford to let another HBCU close.”The school was placed on probation in 2016 due to low enrollment and years of budgetary deficits. The college's financial issues have been attributed in part to the Great Recession and changes to the federal parental loan program. Enrollment dropped by 50 percent between 2010 and 2016.Despite bleak recent years, the college is slowly improving.Bennett experienced a 15 percent hike in enrollment for fall 2018 and will finish the school year with a $461,000 budget surplus. The school received $4.25 million in donations this year, and its most recent audit was successful. There are currently 470 students enrolled.Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins hopes to raise $5 million to appease SACSCOC by the deadline, reports WFMY.“While we did not get the news we wanted today from SACSCOC officials, I remain optimistic that Bennett will make the necessary strides to demonstrate we deserve to remain accredited,” Dawkins said.The president also said she believes the Bennett community will help the school pull through.“People care about Bennett. They are asking what they can do. We need your donations and connections for unrestricted funding," she said. "This is a call to action for those willing to stand with Bennett.”The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) issued a statement giving Bennett a vote of confidence.“At UNCF, not only do we stand by our member institutions, but we are also committed to supporting our members with the tools and resources to further enhance their sustainability and success,” UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax said.Lomax added, “The fact that Bennett College has made significant improvements since being placed on accreditation probation two years ago is a testament to this Institution’s willingness and diligence to do everything it can to meet the standards set forth by its accrediting body.”Bennett’s other supporters advocated for the troubled institution on social media. Many tweeted under #StandWithBennett:this is the perfect time for us HBCU students to stand together & let our voices be heard. gotta show them why we go so hard behind HBCUs...especially ones dedicated to uplifting and empowering black women. #StandWithBennett 💙— Future Mayor of DC✨ (@crystina__) December 12, 2018@SpelmanCollege We must stand & support our SISTERS at Bennett College. Spelman & Bennet College are two legendary HBCU’s for BLACK WOMEN! Our HBCU’s must be preserved. Our excellence, brilliance, & voices must not go unnoticed. Stand With Your Sisters🗣#StandWithBennett— Zar (@Zarreahhh_) December 12, 2018My grandmother, Mrs. Addie Moore, was a former Bennett Belle. Not only was she a Belle, she was Miss Bennett College c/o 1958. This is why I #StandwithBennett. Bennett is apart of my history, as well as yours! We MUST protect our HBCUs and their legacies. I love you MeMaw. 💙🔔 pic.twitter.com/OlMjSqukYT— ss (@youngakeno) December 12, 2018It is in these sweet wisdom filled walls where I learned what true love really is .. Thank You Bennett For Saving Me .. because of all you’ve done for me I will #STANDWITHBENNETT and fight to save you 💙🔔 pic.twitter.com/EyN5Hd9N3C— 𝔐𝔦𝔠𝔞𝔦𝔞𝔥🦋 (@AllEyesOn_CAI) December 12, 2018I’m trying so hard to fight back tearsBennett is where my heart is I’m the fourth person in my family to attend Bennett She was the only place I wanted to attend The only college I applied to bc I knew this is where I’m supposed to beThis breaks my heart 💙🔔#StandWithBennett— jiia (@_jia___) December 12, 2018 Blavitize your inbox! 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Dane Foster, a father and husband of a disabled veteran, is facing deportation for old marijuana charges despite having a green card.Foster was one of 105 immigrants arrested last week during a five-day ICE sting in New Jersey, reports NJ.com."We literally just dropped our daughter off at daycare. They came out of nowhere. They came down on us literally three cars deep and said they were going to take him," his wife, Alexsa, said in an emotional Facebook video.Dane, 36, received a green card when he entered the United States in 1997. He is originally from Jamaica. His arrest was because of marijuana charges from the early 2000s and 2014."Dane was convicted of simple marijuana possession – a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey," Afia Yunus, his attorney, said. "No criminal record for the past four years."Dane was fined for possession but never jailed, according to his attorney. He hasn’t been in trouble since."He has never had jail time or even probation and paid all his court fines in full," Alexsa told Patch.ICE doesn’t care, however.“ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement actions in compliance with federal law,” the organization said in a statement. “Dane Foster, a Jamaican national, is subject to removal from the U.S. based on his criminal history. He has been entered into immigration proceedings with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.”Dane’s arrest puts Alexsa and their children in a bind. Alexsa was a member of the armed forces for seven years. A fractured pelvis rendered her unable to continue her service or to hold down steady civilian work because the injury left her susceptible to seizures and migraines. Dane’s lawncare business, along with his wife’s disability benefits, support their family. They have four children between the ages of 2 and 9 years old.U.S. policy has long been to deport immigrants who break the law; however, that rule was rarely enforced before the Trump administration. Alexsa said Trump's interpretation of the rule has her questioning her service. "This is not really what I fought for and signed up for when I joined the military. It's not what I thought this country could be," Alexsa said.The family’s supporters held a rally in Dane’s honor on Thursday."Dane is a good husband, an amazing father, hardworking business owner and leader in his congregation," Archange Antoine, executive director of Faith in New Jersey, said in a statement. "He should be with his family not in a detention center that generates profits each time a man, woman and child is incarcerated. These systems are evil and how ICE is destroying and separating families is inhumane."  The family set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses. According to the fundraiser page, Alexsa struggles to explain her husband’s absence to their children. Dane was reportedly denied a Bible and has not received information on how to have visitors during his incarceration. He can only contact his family on the phone."We just want him home,” Alexsa said.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:'Road Rage Killer' Who Fatally Shot 18-Year-Old Bianca Roberson Sentenced To Prison25-Year-Old Jasmine Johnson Killed By Abusive Boyfriend In Murder-Suicide7-Year-Old Guatemalan Girl Dies While In Border Patrol...

A man who tried to help the victims of a deadly car accident found himself without a vehicle after police towed his car following the crash.The Star-Telegram reports Baltimore native Benjamin Davis saw a speeding car hit a tree in Southeast Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Davis said the severity of the crash was evident, and he felt compelled to stop and do what he could for the vehicle's occupants."The guy is hanging out of the passenger side door," Davis told WJLA. "Unfortunately, his friend was crushed."The gentleman who Davis described as being "crushed" was the car's driver, 21-year-old Kyree Lloyd. He was killed on the scene, but it was clear the passenger was still alive. Davis pulled over and got him out of the wreck before contacting the authorities.“I don’t know those gentlemen,” Davis told Fox 5. "I don’t know anyone – I just saw an accident happen. I just wanted to help someone, and that’s what I thought I did. And I was treated like a suspect.”The good Samaritan's trouble came after he told police what he'd witnessed. They thanked him for his testimony, and he got back in his car, wanting to make sure he wasn't late for work. After driving a block, however, Davis was stopped by another D.C. police officer. He was instructed to get out of his vehicle, and his car was towed.Davis said he was told his car was seized because "you were a witness to a vehicle where someone died in an accident."“l was like, ‘What is going on here? What is this really about?’ They said, ‘You don’t want to cooperate, your car will get towed,’” Davis said. “My vehicle was stolen. I was not written a citation or ticket or anything for any infraction, so there is no probable cause to even pull my vehicle over."Reason reached out to the police department and was told by a spokesperson: “Davis' car was towed because he did not have a valid driver's license.”  Davis maintains he has a valid license and insurance. WJLA, however, found his Maryland license is suspended. He's yet to get his car back and claims police won't tell him where it is."I got treated like a suspect, and my car was stolen by police in D.C.," Davis said. "And I don't know where my vehicle is."Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news. Now, check these out:This New Study Proves What We Already Knew, Body Cams Have Little Influence On Police BrutalityGeorgia Police Officer Fired After He Ran Black Man Over With CruiserNYC Man Makes Citizen's Arrest After Woman Hurls Racial Slurs And Attacks Fellow Subway...

Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) wants to eliminate the healthcare gap between Black and white mothers.Harris derided the treatment of women in general by American healthcare providers on Wednesday during a speech at an event hosted by the Center of American Progress, according to HuffPost."Women in the health care system must be given dignity," the freshman senator said. "They must be listened to. They must be taken seriously. They must be given respect."She also pointed out the alarming mortality rates faced by Black women.“Black women in America are three to four times more like to die than white women because they choose to become mothers and want to raise those children to be productive members of society,” Harris said. “That is a truth, uncomfortable though it may make us. It is a truth that must be spoken.”Harris, a stepmother of two, argued race, particularly racism, are behind the problem.“At its core, one of the biggest parts of the problem is that this is an issue that’s about race,” she said. “And this is an issue that’s also about implicit bias.”She also said she believes combating sexism will help save more mothers, The Hill reports."[Women] must be given a sense of dignity about understanding that when they tell you something, listen," the senator declared. "When they tell you what they need, listen. They know what they need when they tell you. Hear them.”Maternal and infant mortality is an alarming issue in the Black community. Black women are about three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are 40 maternal deaths for every 100,000 Black mothers. The death rates for white women and other women of color is 12.4 and 17.8, respectively.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:Little Miss Flint Came For Tomi Lahren's Neck With Water Infrastructure Facts And We LiveAyanna Pressley To Democratic Donors: Do ‘Black Lives Only Matter In Election Years?’Women's Tennis Association Rules Serena Williams Can Wear All The Catsuits She Damn Well...

Two white men are facing hate crime charges after they harassed a Black woman in a Louisiana Walmart.Dylan Reynolds and Michael Walters were arrested on Thursday and are still in custody, according to The News-Star. The men were given a bond of $20,000 each.The two men approached the unidentified Black woman as she left Walmart in West Monroe, Louisiana, on November 29. They called her "n****r" and followed her to her car where their harassment continued, according to a police report acquired by KNOE. The attack was unprovoked.“The female rushed the items in her vehicle and tried to escape the two white males while they were yelling racial slurs at her,” the report reads.“As the victim fled the scene in her vehicle, one of the two white males chased after her on foot while pushing an empty shopping cart. The male violently crashed the shopping cart into the rear end area of the victim’s vehicle as she slowed for 'speed bumps' in the parking lot near the front entrance area of the business.”After attacking the car, Reynolds and Walters sped off in a pickup truck. The impact from the shopping cart cost the victim over $1000 in repairs.The men were free until they were identified using surveillance footage, their social media profiles and tips from the public. Walters and Reynolds were charged with a felony hate crime. If convicted, they face a fine up to $5,000 and a maximum of five years in jail.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:NYC Man Makes Citizen's Arrest After Woman Hurls Racial Slurs And Attacks Fellow Subway Rider'Road Rage Killer' Who Fatally Shot 18-Year-Old Bianca Roberson Sentenced To PrisonMuslim College Student Says She Was Expelled For Wearing A Hijab To...

We’re often told that all you have to do in order to succeed in America is work hard and play by the rules, and that those who go into lucrative sectors like the finance industry have fantastic odds at making it big. Despite the alluring promises surrounding America’s financial industry, however, discrimination against people of color still runs rampant everywhere you look. It’s time we start looking at the everyday bigotry that’s still holding our economy back. Here’s why discrimination against people of color in the financial industry must stop, and the steps that will need to be taken before we arrive at a brighter future. It’s an open secret in the United States that white entrepreneurs flourish much more often than their Black or Hispanic counterparts. This isn’t because they’re working harder, but simply because people of color face significant disadvantages when it comes to the basics of operating a business, like securing a loan for their company. Research has consistently proven that Black and Hispanic business owners face intense discrimination when seeking small business loans, meaning it shouldn’t be surprising when these entrepreneurs fail more often than their White competitors in the marketplace. Despite progressive accomplishments over the past few decades, it can still be a struggle to operate a business as a person of color in the United States. The financial industry routinely gives the cold shoulder to struggling Black business owners who are need of extra capital to keep the lights on, for instance, but even something as simple as the way your name sounds can handicap your career if you’re from a certain ethnic background.Given that it’s long been established that minorities who “whiten” their names on their resumes have a better chance at securing a job, it shouldn’t be too shocking that the financial industry is lacking any sort of diversity. The Harvard Business School found that your resume and the way interviewers interpret your heritage matters much more than many of us think. Until this trend is reversed, you’ll see people of color getting shut out of the job market and the associated higher salaries that come with lucrative financial positions. The financial industry, of course, is often highly political in a way that few other sectors of the economy are. After all, the rich and the financial institutions which govern much of our daily economic activity of people have special access to the halls of power, another place where people of color are routinely underrepresented. If you’re familiar with how few people of color have been sent to Congress, you won’t be shocked to discover that the people calling the shots on Wall Street aren’t the most diverse bunch in the world. If the United States of America is to retain its position as the world’s leading economic power, we must work towards a more equitable future. Far too many teenagers of color in this day and age dismiss any possibility that they’d secure a job in the world of finance because they can’t find role models who look like them. Unless we get serious about fixing the racial disparities in hiring practices, we can kiss any hopes of diversity in the financial sector goodbye. Recent research has warned that people of color are falling further and further behind across America. Black households, for instance, are expected to see their overall level of wealth dwindle over the next few decades. Racial inequalities and political oppression often stem from the economic inequalities that define our living standards, which is why it’s so crucial more people begin to talk about the discrimination against people of color in finance. Unfortunately, change must be fostered from the top down in order to have any serious impact, which is why we should expect a long and bitter fight ahead. Rest assured, equality in the financial sector is very possible, but those who are currently enjoying their hold on the reins of power likely won’t be sacrificing their immense influence over the economy anytime soon. People of color and their allies around the world should be lobbying to make it easier to hire minorities and work towards providing scholarship opportunities for young scholars of color interested in finance. Discrimination against people of color in the financial sector represents a broader, insidious trend of bigotry across the American economy. While we like to talk about the vibrant nature of our economy, it’s truly stifled by bigoted, discrimination-based ideas that have no place in the 21st century. If Americans are serious about achieving new levels of economic prosperity and want some form of social equality to materialize within their lifetimes, they need to focus on combatting discrimination against people of color in the world of finance.   Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for more fresh stories, perspectives and breaking...

Issa Rae spoke to an underrepresented caliber of Black women through her HBO hit sitcom Insecure. Obviously, we've been pressed ever since. If you’re looking for a gift to get your Insecure obsessed bestie (or yourself), here are 15 items to represent the awkward black girl within all of us. 1. T-Shirt Of Issa's Infamous Nonprofit Issa’s been seen wearing this shirt from her nonprofit organization since the first season. While she did hate working here (there’s nothing like being the token Black girl in an org serving Black and Brown kids), this tee is for those who've been with Issa since day one. 2. A Hella Cute Wine Glass For Their Wine Down Self-sabotage expert Molly Carter is always down for a good wine down. Honestly, aren’t we all? For your wine-sipping friends, bless them with this stemless glass so they can drink to their heart's content.3. Coasters For All Those Wine DownsYou have to have a cute AF coaster to sit your equally cute wine glass on. The set is made to order so you can specify the colors and characters you want. So, whether your friend is of the #LawrenceHive or #TeamIssa, they can find a coaster that reps their set.4. Insecure Season 2 Soundtrack On VinylAny Insecure fan or fanatic knows this show may have the best soundtrack of any show on air right now. The soundtrack also features songs from independent artists and artists of color so it’s only right to support it.5. A “Fancy Day”“Hair done, nails done, everything did.” In Season 1, Molly has a “fancy day” where she not only gets her nails and hair did, she did a “vajacial.” It's a thing. While you don’t have to do all that, you can still take your girl out on a much-needed self-care day.6. Stay Fresh-like With A Head Wrap From "The Wrap Life"Issa is known for her stylish head-wraps and hairstyles. She even wore a wrap from “The Wrap Life” for her season two promo photo. Whether she has a small or massive ‘fro, get your friend some of these and she -- and her kinks -- are sure to love you.7. Get Your Glow Up OnIt’s not at all, as we saw in season three. This notebook is great for all your friend’s goals, dreams, and aspirations. Maybe they’ll start a Coachella in the hood like Issa’s trying to do or create an app like Lawrence. Regardless, those words need to get written down somewhere!8. Issa's Nina Simone TeeAs seen in season three, episode four, this top is an exact match. Not only is it hella cute, it also features the iconic and immortal Nina Simone. Take our coins? Please?9. Join The Club, Sis"Join the club b***h. D**k on E, bank account on E, life on E.” - Issa Dee The iconic quote from the Emmy-nominated series that always seems to hit too close to home. The mug also features a painting of Molly and Issa. Plus, your friend can sip on something other than wine for once. It's a win-win really. 10. A Nostalgia-Inducing Poster Remember when you used to plaster your walls with posters from your favorite movies and celebrities? This is the adult version of that. Your fav Insecure fiend will love this minimalist photo of Issa from Season one.11. The Dunes Enamel PinThe Dunes is where it all began: “Thug Yoda,” Issa and Lawrence’s messiness, Issa’s messy life sans Lawrence. For all of the fans that have been watching since the first season, this is sure to invoke nostalgia.12. “I’m Rooting for Everybody Black” Phone CaseOn the Emmy’s Red Carpet, Issa Rae was extremely candid about who she was rooting for. While this isn’t directly related to the show, it's very much on-brand for both the fictional and real-life Issa. 13. Insecure Cropped HoodieNothing screams “I’m addicted to this show” like a hoodie that’s repping the title. This hoodie also features the season three logo in the writing—hella detailed!14. “We Got Y’all” Mug--We Really Do!Honestly, nothing screams Insecure like Issa’s non-profit. While she may no longer be working there, the legacy of we got y’all remains.15. Insecure 2019 Calendar So You Never Forget An EpStart off the year right with this Insecure wall calendar. While it could be used to jot down dates like appointments and meetings, your friend can note more important things like the season four premiere. Now, let's walk into 2019 thriving. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now check this out:Issa Wine Pordy! Tips to Host Your Own 'Insecure' Wine Down Season Finale Watch Party11 Comparisons Between The Hit TV Shows ‘Insecure’ and ‘Girlfriends’Issa Rae Took The Black People She’s Rooting For, Put Them On A Boat And Did ‘Yacht...

A New Yorker is being lauded for making a citizen's arrest after a woman began attacking a passenger on a subway train, the New York Post reports. On Tuesday, 40-year-old Anna Lushchinskaya boarded a New York City subway train. Not long after, she began cursing at another woman. In footage captured by fellow rider Juan Ayala, the woman appeared to ignore Lushchinskaya until the 40-year-old hit her phone out of her hand.From there, Lushchinskaya increased the intensity of her attack, kicking the woman and hitting her with an umbrella as other passengers tried to get her to stop. The victim of the attack attempted to defend herself.So this happened yesterday #mta #36st #nyc pic.twitter.com/h3AqY6IP1n— PL∆T∆NO M∆N™ (@PlatanoMan) December 12, 2018Bystanders worked to separate the two women; however, things escalated again when Lushchinskaya, who is white, called the other woman, who is of Asian descent, a "f"**king c***k."pic.twitter.com/Hyv35HTUyT— PL∆T∆NO M∆N™ (@PlatanoMan) December 12, 2018Later during the ride, Lushchinskaya directed her insults toward Ayala, likening him to Mohamed Atta, one of the ringleaders behind the deadly September 11 terrorist attacks, writes The Gothamist. This interaction was captured and posted to Twitter by a user named Fabe:pic.twitter.com/4hsCHROpR5— Fabe (@BlipintheCosmos) December 13, 2018"What? B***h, I'm Dominican," Ayala said after Lushchinskaya made the comparison.The incident endded when Ayala accused Lushchinskaya of spitting at him. He told her he's "not the one" swept her to the floor, restraining her and making a citizen's arrest.Then she tried me so I had to detain her until the cops showed up 🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/C3UybusAxaUpon exiting the train in Ayala's custody, Lushchinskaya was met by New York Police Department (NYPD) officials who immediately arrested her. She was booked on felony assault charges.The New York Daily News reports Lushchinskaya was arrested aboard the same train earlier this year in June. In that arrest, she also picked up assault charges.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Liking this content? Check these out:White Florida Students Made Racist Threats Against Their Black Teacher And Now They're Facing Hate Crime ChargesHomophobic NYC Man Who Attacked Woman For Same-Sex Kiss Charged With A Hate CrimeMother Speaks Out After 1-Year-Old Was Snatched From Her During Violent...

Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams have been ordered to pay Marvin Gaye's heirs nearly $5 million for plagiarizing elements of the late singer's song "Got to Give It Up" in their 2013 hit "Blurred Lines."As Blavity previously reported, three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Thicke and Williams earlier this year. The musicians had hoped to have that decision reviewed by a higher court.The Gaye family was awarded around $7 million in 2015, as the New York Times reports. At that time, a federal judge ruled two of Marvin Gaye’s children, Nona and Frankie, were to recieve “$4 million in damages plus about $3.3 million of the profits earned by Mr. Thicke and Mr. Williams.”  This week's newest, final ruling amends that award.Now, Judge John A. Kronstadt has said “Thicke, Williams and Williams' More Water from Nazareth Publishing Inc. are jointly required to pay Gaye's family,” according to Billboard.com. T.I., who was featured on the song, was found not liable at all; Interscope, the record label behind the hit, was also found innocent of any wrongdoing.Thicke and Williams, however, will have to pay the Gaye Family $4,983,766.85. This total includes $2,848,846.50 for damages as well as $1,768,191.88 and $357,630.96 from Thicke and Williams, respectively, as restitution for profits they made. In addition, the Gaye heirs will make money from any future profits the song generates; from now on, they are entitled to half of any revenue made from the hit's songwriting credits and publishing royalties. Also, the Gaye family will receive interest of almost $10,000 on their award as neither Williams nor Thicke paid them after the original ruling. The artists will also be required to pay interest on the $4.9 million should they not hand it over to the Gaye heirs all at once.“Blurred Lines,” Thicke's first No. 1 hit, topped the charts in 25 countries. Vulture reports the song has made Thicke and Williams $16 million.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news. Now, check these out:Pharrell Reportedly Helped Raise $60 Million For Israeli Troops, Angering Palestinian Groups13 Of The Blackest, Most Empowering Songs To Get You Through Times Like TheseProtect Ya Neck: Copyright, Trademark And Intellectual...

Fox Nation correspondent Tomi Lahren has lost her mind again, and Little Miss Flint is trying to help her find it.The conservative 26-year-old who hosts the outlet's online series Final Thoughts penned a tweet claiming $5 billion spent on a U.S. border wall will be the best money taxpayers have ever spent. $5 billion spent on a wall will be the BEST $5 billion taxpayers EVER spent! Build the wall. Secure the border. America FIRST! I’ll discuss on @foxandfriends in 10 mins!— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) December 12, 2018Flint activist Mari Copeny responded to the tweet arguing the country should be using such money on water upgrades and testing given Flint's ongoing water crisis. $5 billion for water infrastructure upgrades and testing in schools seems like a much better way to spend that much money...but what do I know...I’m just a kid from Flint who was forced to learn all things water after the government poisoned us— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) December 12, 2018Copeny is the founder of Dear Flint Kids, a project which sends encouraging letters and treats to kids suffering from the effects of the crisis. The outspoken advocate tweets uplifting messages to Flint children and is also a cheerleader and "chief change agent" with Pack Your Back, an organization committed to delivering water and supplies to residents.  The dialogue between Lohren and Copeny comes after Donald Trump recently threatened to shut down the government if Congress does not fund building the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The ultimatum was presented during a sit-down with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in the Oval Office earlier this week. “If we don’t get what we want one way or another... I will shut down the government,” Trump said in the meeting aired by CNN.On Thursday, Lahren posted a tweet doubling down on her support of Trump and his border wall with the hashtag #BuildThatWall. I didn’t know throwing rocks and bottles at border patrol agents was necessary to “find a better life.” Silly me! #BuildThatWall— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) December 13, 2018Shh. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now, check these out:She's Been Called 'The Next Tomi Lahren,' And Everything Else You Need To Know About Candace OwensTomi Lahren Had A Drink Thrown At Her At A Hip-Hop Brunch. President Trump Says He Has Her BackTrevor Noah has Tomi Lahren on 'The Daily Show,' And Proceeds To Eloquently Drag...

I LOVE MY MAMA! Well, I love both of my parents, but I especially love my mama because she is one of my best friends. We have served to fill the gap that my late grandmother left.During my 28 ½ years of life, aside from my late grandmother, my mother is undoubtedly the person who knows me best – quirks, routines, habits, vices, etc. There is nothing that I would not do for my mother, and (mostly) vice versa. So, success for me is oftentimes envisioned as me traveling, writing & lecturing, becoming U.S. Secretary of State, and buying, either a large house for my family and I, or a large brownstone for me and a ranch style house for my mama-n-em. This love, devotion, and need to make my mama (and daddy) proud is what has driven me to any modicum of success. At the same time, that very same love, devotion, and need to make my parents proud is also contributing to the modern cycle of working poverty that my peers and I face. My family is like many of yours- we have elders who laid the foundation, we have middle-aged aunties and uncles that tried to take the next step (via military, some college, and a good job for 30+ years), and we have cousins (military, some college or a degree, some working, some ne’er-do-well). To an extent, I am perceived to be the one that would go to college and “make something of himself” and I have felt the pressures, internal and external, of that. Notably, I have always felt a pressure, real or not, to use my academic prowess to pave a way for my family and me to take the next step socioeconomically. With that next step, I have felt an obligation to help my parents out and “pay them back” for the many sacrifices that they have made to get me to this point in life. Granted, they have never specifically asked for that, but it is a debt that I feel is owed to them; and, more importantly, that it comes before my own gratification. It is the familial tithe coming after the spiritual tithe (which is on my bucket list but right now my bank account is telling God to hold on to this $20). And, this is something that I know many of my Black and minority friends, colleagues, and contemporaries feel as well. What I call the “familial tithe” is based on familial or generational wealth, and there is evidence below to prove it. “According to The New York Times, for every $100 in white family wealth, Black families hold just $5.04. Also, The Economic Policy Institute found that more than one in four Black households have zero or negative net worth, compared to less than one in ten white families without wealth. The Institute for Policy Studies recent report showed that between 1983 and 2013, the wealth of the median Black household declined 75 percent (from $6,800 to $1,700), and the median Latino household declined 50 percent (from $4,000 to $2,000). At the same time, wealth for the median white household increased 14 percent from $102,000 to $116,800.”“Furthermore, Blacks have an annual spending power of $1.2 trillion, but their households only held a median of $11,000 of wealth in 2013, according to federal data. What’s even more disturbing is that by 2053, the median wealth for Black families will fall to zero if the gap continues to widen at its current pace. The median wealth for whites is 12 times higher than that of Blacks at around $140,000, and the inequality in wealth continues to grow and widen with each generation.”“Another consideration are ‘intergenerational financial transfers,’ like when a parent helps a recent college grad out with rent or, say, gives her $1,000 a month to spend on whatever she pleases—the two looked specifically at how family inheritances, which are usually larger and tend to come all at once, factor into building and maintaining wealth…’About 13 percent of Black, college-educated families get an inheritance of more than $10,000, as opposed to about 41 percent of white, college-educated families,’ according to a release announcing new research. More specifically, white families that receive such an inheritance receive, on average, more than $150,000 from the previous generation, whereas that figure is less than $40,000 for Black families. As Mark Huelsman, a policy analyst at Demos, an advocacy group tweeted: "the average family inheritance to a white college grad can pay off the average undergrad debt balance and have enough left over for a 20 percent down [payment] on a $575,000 home." That’s assuming the inheritor has student debt to begin with.As a Black person, we are raised with an ever-present consciousness of our history and our family’s plight to set us up for success. Once we achieve success, we feel a duty and obligation to not only pay it forward but also to pay back those who have made it possible. This is something that our white contemporaries do not have to contend with as they are born into generational wealth, even poor whites are buffeted by institutional and systemic bias and white privilege. This emotional and financial tax on Black and minority success is ingrained, both, culturally and societally.Culturally, we know that through W.E.B. DuBois’ “Talented Tenth” principle that a small segment of the Black population is generally able to break through into upper and upper-middle class white society and become pioneers who suffer isolation and humiliation by white peers, yet are, both, revered by and expected to use their access and skills to uplift the vast majority of Blacks precluded in the lower socioeconomic wrung due to racism and other discriminatory factors. Societally, we see this in practice in the form of affirmative action in academia and tokening in diversity & inclusion spaces, where a few talented Black people are allowed into traditionally white spaces to either meet a quota or to add “flavor” to an organization. Yet, these Black people remain marginalized as a result of being the only minority and not having any resources or groups to allow them to feel included, or white folks not receiving cultural sensitivity training to learn how to deal with Black people and minorities. Furthermore, those organizations often do not see the incentive of adding more diverse people to the pool continuously in order to shift the culture of pervasive whiteness. Subsequently, those minorities within the affirmative action or tokening lens sometimes begin to perceive themselves as exceptional of the rest of their community or forget the community altogether and begin to associate with the white culture (ex. “Get Out”). In addition, those receiving affirmative action or tokening are also expected to lift up and move those unable to receive those opportunities with them through income (“let me hold a dolla”), experience (“you work with these white folks, you think you could help me…”), or skillset (“you know you always been the writer/politician in the family, who you know that could…”). The pressure on these individuals is not the fault of their own or of the community that needs their support and which has supported that individual, but it is the result of institutionalized and systematic racism embedded in all layers of society. I have experienced this pressure at my high school which is an all-boys Catholic school in Cleveland and has one of the largest minority populations of the many private and parochial schools. I love my alma mater and I am grateful for the education received and friendships made there. Specifically, I am humbled by the many financial sacrifices made by my parents and my late grandmother to allow me to go there. However,  there were about 30 Black students in my graduating class of 115. Moreover, one of my best friends and I were the only Black students in National Honor Society when we were inducted our senior year, maybe the only ones to take multiple AP courses, and one of the few to graduate with honors. However, we knew the expectations that we had for ourselves, our families had for us and both our white and Black peers had regarding our success.Recently, I met with the school's President to discuss the issues of retention and recruitment of Black students to the school. I pointed out causes for these issues stemming from the fact that there is an absence of Black faculty and leadership, the lack of courses, clubs, resources, and mentoring made available for Black students, and the lack of fostered engagement of Black alumni by the school, none of which were available when I attended. In that meeting, I laid the facts bare and sternly. Moreover, I offered to do what I could help better the situation for current and future Black students. Unfortunately, I have not heard anything back yet from the school as for next steps. I am blessed with skillsets as a writer, a policy analyst, and as a government and community relations professional. I was always aware of the opportunities that these skillsets would afford me and the advancement that may still come my way one day. I also recognize that I have helped my family and community financially, both, when I had a job and currently, while I do not. I do that because I love them and I would do anything for them, but also because I owe them for helping get me where I am today. I know I will continue this, likely, well after my parents are gone, and I don’t mind. However, I know that I and many of my peers should not have to do this, because the system has been stacked against us from the start. However, each time I want to say forget it and forget the system, I remember the loans and mortgage refinancing and other sacrifices that my parents made to get me here, how I want to see the smile on their face whenever I am able to get them a place to live debt-free one day. This matters to me because I live not just for myself, but I live to make my mama proud.Blavitize your inbox! 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The pub crawl is a social gathering designed to bring people together under the promise of good drinks and good fun. For decades, communities across the globe (more popularly in Europe, North America, and certain parts of Asia) have participated in crawls to much success and growing popularity. They also serve the function of putting newer bars on the map. While in some areas like the UK, crawls are known for spontaneity in terms of its destination hopping, places like the US offer structure and sometimes even a detailed, mapped-out plan of where "crawlers" are expected to be and when. SantaCon is one of the more popular bar crawls of today, uniting natives and expatriates in cities like New York City, London, Vancouver, Brisbane, Moscow and more. The events are free but accept donations for causes local to each respective community. Its turnout has been increasing since its very start in San Francisco back in 1994, and despite much criticism, local governments seem to unanimously rally behind these events and extend the continuation year after year.But what if someone decided to enhance the concept of a bar crawl? What if we had a bar crawl designed for us by us? In comes sisters Kerry Coddett and Krystal Stark to do just that. On December 26th, Coddett is kicking off the third annual Kwanzaa Crawl, described on its website as "a one day event where people of the African diaspora join together to support black-owned bars in their neighborhoods."The event is designed to give much-needed love and recognition to black-owned bars in NYC, specifically Brooklyn and now Harlem, with much anticipation from others to expand even further. Last year, the crawl supported 28 local black businesses and ushered in approximately 3,000 crawlers in and out of their establishments. While during SantaCon, participants are expected to wearSanta Claus costumers, for the Kwanzaa Crawl, participants are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel "unapologetically black and beautiful." This event is not to be misconstrued or minimized down to a belligerent fest of binge drinking, as others have garnered a reputation of being. Kwanzaa Crawl bears much substance, which quite directly calls to mind the many values taught in black cultures. It is meant to embody all seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity)Kujichagulia (self-determination)Ujima (collective work and responsibility)Ujamaa (cooperative economics)Kuumba (creativity)Nia (purpose)Imani (faith)"Kwanzaa’s principles teach us about collective work, cooperative economics, and self determination," Coddett told Blavity. "So not only is [it] an opportunity to educate people about Kwanzaa and make it cool again, it’s a way to unite and empower the members of our community to think about the impact that we can have in our local communities and in the world at large."Coddett chose three of these principles to explain how they directly correlate to the crawl:"Kwanzaa Crawl creates an opportunity for Black people to harness their buying power, and that’s Ujamaa (cooperative economics). Creating an event which focuses on investing in your community to improve your quality of life is Nia (purpose). Getting the owners of over 30 bars to open up for business on the day after Christmas, with the hope that the community will show up is Imani (faith)."Have these practices been effective to the communities? Absolutely. "A new business owner [once] called us in tears, and told us how much it meant to be included in this event," Koddett said. "She said she'd never seen so many people just be willing to support her small business and because of our event, she was able to keep her doors open a little bit longer. That's what this event is all about."For Coddett, the spending power of black consumers is what can make a difference in the operation of many black-owned bars across NYC, most of which cannot afford to operate seven days a week."Kwanzaa Crawl allows us to provide them with supplemental income and to inject their businesses with cash, that they will in turn use to keep their lights on for another month, and to hire more people that live in the community."This genius idea did not come to Coddett overnight. Both infuriated and deeply hurt by police brutality (specifically the back-to-back police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile back in 2016), she founded Operation Mobilize, a collective of artists and activists who unite under the sole cause of impacting positive change in the community. She has assembled the vehicle necessary to make events like Kwanzaa Crawl work. Plus, participation is not only limited to patrons and business owners. The support of elected officials and local police should be noted as well, as it assembles the community as well as its leaders to champion the cause of Kwanzaa Crawl.Coddett's creativity has stretched far beyond being one of the major minds to birth this movement. She's also flexing her comedic muscle with Kwanzaa, Actually, a web series dedicated to debunking rumors, misconceptions, stereotypes and negativity about the holiday. Tapping in friend and fellow comedian Rob Haze, the series is as informative as it is funny and relatable.Kwanzaa Crawl will be donating its proceeds to two social justice organizations that Coddett says are very close to her heart. One is The BLK ProjeK which focuses on access to healthier foods in urban areas via gardens and food trucks. The other is Barbershop Books, which is described as "a community-based literacy program that creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops for young black boys." Participants will also receive a directory of Black-owned businesses that have supported this year's crawl and those of previous years.If you are in the NYC are on Wednesday, December 26th, it is highly encouraged that you attend Kwanzaa Crawl. Its impact is already being felt on a cultural level, something that sets it apart from counterparts. It fosters the idea and practice of a self-sustaining community. In response to our current political climate and today's society, and in the spirit of being "woke", this event could very well be creating a blueprint to empowerment overall in the black community. Additionally, if you're looking fly, they'll take notice. This year, Coddett and Stark will be handing out Kwanzaa Crawl awards for best outfit, littest team, best DJ  and more.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking...