WI Web Staff
The mother of Trayvon Martin has started proceedings for a lawsuit against the gated community association where neighborhood watch guard George Zimmerman shot him to death in February.
Sabrina Fulton's filing, which would seek more than $75,000, targets Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America. However, Travelers is challenging the lawsuit, questioning its liability. Trayvon, 17, was walking through The Retreat at Twin Lakes neighborhood when the shooting occurred. Travelers has also asked the court to rule that the company has no duty to defend the modest townhome community.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Crump, attorney for Trayvon's family, believes other entities could also be held financially liable for his death.
Fulton and Trayvon's father, Tracy Martin --who had an insurance policy that paid all but $1,300 toward his son's funeral -- have as already filed a claim for compensation under the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund bin Florida.
The Fund aids families with services that include funeral expenses and counseling. According to a report, Trayvon's parents were approved in late March for benefits from the Fund that allocates up $30,000. So far, they have not received any payments.
Chicago Alderwoman Sandi Jackson, said in a statement this weekend that her husband, Jesse Jackson Jr. who collapsed on June 10, is getting treated for gastrointestinal and mental health issues, and that while he's still "very depressed" he's showing some progress.
Sandi Jackson commented during an interview with a Chicago newspaper after a visit with her husband at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The couple's two children accompanied her.
"What I can tell you is my husband has his good days and bad days, and they are increasing his depression medication to therapeutic levels," Mrs. Jackson said.
She also adamantly denied allegations that the congressman had attempted suicide or was receiving help for alcohol or drug addiction. Mrs. Jackson said that medical experts are still trying to determine whether a weight-loss surgery might have helped trigger her husband's depression.
Wide-spread concern over Jesse Jackson Jr.'s well-being grew after the Illinois congressman -- who is the son of noted activist Jesse Jackson Sr. -- took an abrupt leave of absence from his office on Capitol Hill in May. While an initial report from his staff in July said he was suffering from exhaustion, Jackson's office later issued a statement saying he was undergoing an "extensive inpatient evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues" at the upscale medical facility.
Meanwhile, Jackson, 47, who has represented Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since 1995, remains the focus of a House Ethics Committee probe on whether he used public resources — in the form of his Chicago and Washington, D.C., staffs — to vie for the appointment to the Senate seat that was vacated with Barack Obama's 2008 presidential election.
Dr. Rahn Bailey (left) being installed as the 113th president of the National Medical Association (NMA) in New Orleans on July 31. As president, Dr. Bailey represents 50,000 African-American physicians. His health policy agenda includes increasing access to care and eliminating health disparities.
As a forensic psychiatrist and head of the Department of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College, Dr. Bailey will also work to address the need for mental health care for African Americans and veterans./Photo by Neil Hurd
RLJ Companies to Develop Faith Channel for YouTube
Monday, 06 August 2012 14:34 Published in Arts & Entertainment
Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, has announced an agreement with YouTube to develop ALRIGHT TV, a faith-friendly channel designed to appeal to the aspirational and inspirational goals of consumers of all ages.
The channel will emphasize content that informs, entertains, and addresses personal and family-related issues in a secular and positive manner.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to be in a business relationship with YouTube. YouTube's commitment to providing a broad array of diversified producer-generated content on YouTube will present an exciting opportunity for consumers and advertiser sponsorship," said Johnson. "The RLJ Companies is proud to be in association with YouTube and we look forward to expanding that relationship as we complete the acquisition of Image Entertainment and Acorn Media Group under RLJ Entertainment."
Johnson announced earlier this year the acquisition of both entities to form RLJ Entertainment, making it one of the largest global independent distributors of digital and video content.
"ALRIGHT TV will offer first rate buzz-worthy content in the areas of comedy, reality, self-help, music, and talk that promises to empower and entertain family audiences of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Bob and I are very excited to move forward with our vision and commitment to provide quality entertainment into the digital arena," said Tracey E. Edmonds, president and COO of Our Stories Films. "I am delighted to work with Bob and YouTube in this innovative relationship."
Gabby Douglas made Olympic history this week when she struck gold twice in one week, winning a medal in the women's individual all-around competition – and a gold medal in the team competition.
Gabby, 16, a Virginia Beach, Va., native, is the first African-American all-around champion in Olympic history, which is tagged as of the marquis events of the games – and for which some past winners have been remembered for decades.
Gabby, who was flashing her infectious smile, said in a broadcast interview on Friday that she could barely sleep Thursday night after winning.
"You are saying to yourself to go out and represent as best as you can and it was definitely an amazing feeling," she said. "It's so meaningful to be the first African-American to win the all-around gold medal . . . [and] making the history books is definitely one of the perks."
Among the millions who have lavished praise on Gabby are President Obama –who she said invited her to the White House – and Oprah Winfrey, who posted on Twitter Thursday, "OMG I'm so THRILLED for Gabby. Flowing happy tears!!"
Now that she has become a household name, Gabby has also been targeted for numerous endorsements. They include her image on the front of a Kellogg's Corn Flakes box.
Half Century Collection Opens in Georgetown
Friday, 03 August 2012 17:20 Published in Arts & Entertainment
World-renowned microscopic sculptor, Willard Wigan, British native is on his second USA tour. His opening night, Friday, Aug. 3 at Parish Gallery-Georgetown in Northwest, will feature "The Half Century Collection."
This must-see exhibition includes 10 new pieces of micro-sculptures released into the American market that are so tiny they fit in the eye of a needle. Wigan's rare art works have been described as "The Eighth Wonder of the World." The sculptured pieces are housed in cases incorporating microscope lenses focused on the work. An appreciation of the size of the work is only achieved by viewing 'in the flesh'.
Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties, Wigan struggled at school, finding solace in creating art of such minute proportions that it virtually could not be seen with the naked eye.
"It began when I was five years old," says 55-year-old Wigan. "I started making houses for ants because I thought they needed somewhere to live. Then I made them shoes and hats. It was a fantasy world I escaped to where my dyslexia didn't hold me back and my teachers couldn't criticize me. That's how my career as a micro-sculptor began."
For further information, call 202-944-2310 or visit www.parishgallery.com Misty Brown.
Rivals Morehouse, Howard to Open 2012 Seasons in Classic
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 19:32 Published in Sports
ri·val·ry/ˈrīvəlrē/
Noun: Competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.
Washington, D.C. – The on-field rivalry between Morehouse College and Howard University continues this fall when the two football programs meet for the 35th time in the second annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ at RFK Stadium on Saturday, September 1 in the season opener for both schools. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.
Bragging rights are at stake for the two teams whose combined rosters include 12 preseason All-Conference selections. The return of outstanding players such as Bison All-American linebacker Keith Pough and Maroon Tigers running back David Carter, coupled with the memories of last year's inaugural Classic thriller in which Howard pulled out a nail-biting 30-27 win, promises to make this year's rematch even more competitive. The Bison hold a 22-10-2 advantage in the series including four straight wins.
"The sense of tradition between these two schools inspires a classic college football experience that we are happy to once again bring to our nation's capital," Erik A. Moses, managing director of Events DC's Sports and Entertainment Division. "Last year's game was exciting for both schools and their fans. We expect the same determination and drive from both teams to come out victorious and register their first win of the season."
Whereas last year's inaugural game started a great sports tradition in our nation's capital, the Bison victory set the stage for another enticing match-up this year. Howard Head Coach Gary "The Flea" Harrell will look to Pough for defensive leadership. Pough, who is included on most preseason football honors lists, was named a 2012 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Preseason All-American and the College Sports Madness Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Pough is also one of 20 finalists for the highly coveted Buck Buchanan Award presented annually to the best defensive player in the FCS. With a strong season, Pough could break the FCS record for both total tackles and tackles for a loss in a career. Assisting Pough on the defensive side of the ball is red-shirt senior defensive back DeCarlos Knight. Knight, a 2012 preseason All-MEAC Second Team Selection, recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a pair of blocked kicks in the 2011 Season.
Offensively for the Bison, quarterback Greg McGhee, last year's MEAC Rookie of the Year, College Sports Networks "Inside the Huddle" 2011 Black College Freshman of the Year and inaugural Classic MVP, will be back under center for his sophomore season.
"Last year's victory over Morehouse was a huge win for us and was a catalyst for a great season for us," said Harrell. "With this year's Classic being the season opener for both teams, the energy and level of play is going to be that much more intense."
On the opposing sideline, the Maroon Tigers have reason to be confident as they were picked to win the East Division in the 2012 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Preseason Poll. Eight Maroon Tigers were selected to the Preseason Football All-Conference Team including 2011 SIAC Player of the Year and AFCA All-American running back David Carter, who returns for his senior season. Carter is just 150 rushing yards shy of setting the career rushing yards record at Morehouse currently held by John David Washington (son of actor Denzel Washington) with 3,669 total yards. Last season, the Morehouse defense finished the season ranked second in total defense in the SIAC, and with three first team All-SIAC members they will aim to finish the 2012 season on top. They will look to build on a 2011-2012 season record of 8-2 as they seek redemption from last year's Classic nail-biting loss.
"Last year was the kind of game that football fans love to see, especially in an inaugural HBCU classic," said Morehouse Head Coach Rich Freeman. "While we didn't come out on top, I know our team played hard until the very last snap. As a coach, that's all you can ask for and
this rivalry inspires the best performances out of our young players. We are looking forward to traveling back to the nation's capital, playing in this year's Classic and bringing the trophy home to Atlanta."
Morehouse's eight SIAC Preseason All-Conference selections include running back David Carter, offensive linemen Jan-Michael Coke, Marlon Jones and Shea Martin, defensive lineman Scottie Williams, defensive back Justin Oliver and linebackers Brandon Houston and Elijah Anderson.
Howard's four MEAC Preseason All-Conference selections include quarterback Greg McGhee, offensive lineman Cory Gwinner, linebacker Keith Pough and defensive back DeCarlos Knight.
Individual tickets for the football game are priced $25 to $50 (plus applicable fees), and on sale at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office located at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Group tickets, suites and premium tickets are available by calling the ATTNFC Hotline at 202-608-1135. Credit card payments accepted only (Mastercard and VISA).
The JW Marriott Washington, DC is the headquarters hotel and will serve as the hub for AT&T Nation's Football Classic™ activity during the weekend. Promotional rates for this hotel, and other participating Marriott properties, can be reserved at www.nationsfootballclassic.com or 800-266-9432 (use reference code: NFF).
For more information on the AT&T Nation's Football Classic™, please visit www.nationsfootballclassic.com.
Miss Black USA Pageant to Celebrate Mind, Body and Spirit
Tuesday, 31 July 2012 18:09 Published in Arts & Entertainment
Pageant finals 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13 at the University of the District of Columbia
The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation is redefining the 2012 edition of Miss Black USA to emphasize all attributes that contribute to today's successful African American woman – mind, body and spirit. The Miss Black USA Pageant finals are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C.
Karen Arrington, CEO of Miss Black USA, said that the scholarship pageant, with the theme "Black Women Redefined," reflects the American black woman's rising role in leadership.
"For the first time in history, we have an African American First Lady, a black woman on the top of the Forbes Richest Women in Entertainment list, and African American women who are in positions of prestige and power at organizations like Xerox, Care USA, Microsoft, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The World Bank," she said.
She added that this year's 30 Miss Black USA contestants, from 28 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, accurately represent the theme. More than 80 percent of the contestants are enrolled in graduate or professional school. Miss Black Nevada has a doctorate in physical therapy and is a practicing physical therapist. Miss Black Georgia is a practicing attorney.
Miss Black USA was founded in 1986 to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young African American women. To date, the pageant has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships.
Deya Smith, Miss Black USA 1994 and producer of the nationally syndicated radio program the Tom Joyner Morning Show, will co-host the pageant along with R & B recording artist Brian Christopher. Sponsors include the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film & Television, Heart & Soul Magazine, Black Opal Cosmetics and Arik Air.
The pageant will kick off with a VIP Red Dress Reception at the Washington Hilton Hotel to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading killer of women. Miss Black USA is a national partner of the Heart Truth Campaign, as well as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Leading up to the pageant, visitors to the Miss Black USA website, missblackusa.org, may cast votes for their favorite contestants in the 2012 People's Choice contest. The winner will be announced at the pageant finals on Aug. 13. Voting, through 11:59 p.m. Aug., 12, costs $1 per vote, with no limit on votes. Tickets for the pageant are on sale now at wepay.com.
New Ramp Will Save Time and Reduce Traffic on Local Streets
In a long-awaited ceremony, Mayor Vincent C. Gray officially opened a ramp from southbound DC 295 the inbound 11th Street Bridge on Monday that will decrease commuters' travel times, reduce cut-through traffic on local streets and further efforts to create a sustainable, world-class waterfront in the District of Columbia.
"Under my administration, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is providing historic results for our residents through the 11th Street Bridge Project and larger Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI)," said Mayor Gray. "In opening this ramp, we are providing a long-missing direct connection between two major freeways that will significantly decrease commuter travel times, reduce traffic in local neighborhoods and foster revitalization and economic development on both sides of the Anacostia River."
In celebrating the milestone -- which comes during DDOT's 10th anniversary year -- Mayor Gray led a contingent that included DDOT Director Terry Bellamy, federal partners and local community representatives in a ceremonial first drive from southbound DC 295 over the ramp and across the inbound 11th Street Freeway Bridge to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway.
The new ramp could cut 10 minutes off the trip of the average daily commuter. Projected over a full work year, the time savings adds up to an extra 43 hours per commuter.
"Completing these missing freeway connections -- and the benefits they provide -- is a cornerstone of the 11th Street Bridge Project and a fundamental reason why it was the first major bridge and roadway project undertaken as part of DDOT's AWI program," said Bellamy. "Infrastructure improvements are critical to making communities on both sides of the Anacostia more livable and connecting them across the river."
Intent Announced to Award Contract to Medstar Family Choice
Tuesday, 31 July 2012 15:09 Published in Local
Notice of Intent Submitted to District Council for Approval
The District Office of Contracting and Procurement has submitted a plan to the D. C. Council that details its intent to award the city's third managed care contract to Medstar Family Choice.
This would mark the first time since 2010 that the District will have three managed care providers sand if approved, the contract will take effect Oct. 1 and end on April 30 of next year.
"This is an important milestone for the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). With the selection of a third managed care provider (MCO), we immediately increase competition in the program and gain a level of security by having one more plan under contract than required by federal law," said DHCF Director Wayne Turnage. "Moreover, we are not finished. As we approach the beginning of the new contract year, which will begin in May 2013, we will seriously examine the feasibility of establishing a program that will provide beneficiaries with four plans. Regardless the number of plans however, our objective is to ensure that each MCO in the District's program will have a demonstrated commitment to innovation as a means to drive increased access and quality care through cost effective management of health services for our beneficiaries in both the Medicaid and Alliance programs."
This selection ends nearly a 12-month effort by DHCF to secure a third managed care plan for the District's Medicaid and Alliance programs in response to a directive issued by the Gray Administration in early 2011.
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