Number 3 Official at Justice Department is Stepping Down

All the White Supremacists Running for Office in 2018

Plus candidates who’ve said white supremacist things, hung out with white supremacists, or talked to anti-Semitic publications.

By Christopher Mathias

David Duke, an avowed white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, has run for office many times.

In 1989, he won a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. In the following years, he lost elections for U.S. Senate and Louisiana governor, earning more than 600,000 votes both times. And in November 2016, more than 58,000 people in Louisiana voted for Duke to be their senator. It was far from the number he needed to win, but still an alarming show of support for a man who thinks the Holocaust never happened.

White supremacist candidates like Duke tend to be roundly condemned by establishment Republicans. Voters don’t like them either ― usually. But when they receive tens of thousands of votes, like Duke did less than two years ago, it’s a reminder that their views are less fringe than we’d like to imagine.

Duke isn’t running for office in 2018, but he’s encouraged by what he sees as a growing number of Republican congressional candidates who appear sympathetic to white supremacist causes or who are openly white supremacists themselves.

“I think it’s about time,” Duke told HuffPost. “I think there’s a tremendous amount of frustration in the white community and that we’re at a tipping point.”

Click here for the full article. 

Source: The Huffington Post 

In Memoriam: Reg E. Cathey

  "The Wire", "House of Cards" Actor Dead at 59

By Mary Papenfuss

Actor Reg E. Cathey, who played Freddy Hayes on “House of Cards,” has died. He was 59.

Cathey also appeared in the gritty hit series “The Wire,” as Norman Wilson, and played warden Martin Querns in “Oz.” He appeared in several other series, as well, including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Grimm.” 

The man with the riveting baritone won an Emmy in 2015 for his “House of Cards” role, playing the owner of a rib joint who ends up working in the White House. He was nominated for three consecutive years for the role.

His death was reported Friday by David Simon, the creator of “The Wire.” TMZ reported that Cathey had been battling lung cancer and that he died at home surrounded by family.

Simon called Cathey a “masterful actor” and a “most delightful” human being. “Reg, your memory is a great blessing,” he said in a tweet. 

Click here for the full article.

Source: The Huffington Post

Rep. Swalwell on Trump Not Releasing Dem Memo: It Looks Obstructive

Team USA Wears Cutting-Edge Heating Technology to Stay Warm

Source: CBS News

Olympics Begin with Unified Korean Team Marching Together as Trump Continues to Threaten N. Korea

This report was published on YouTube on February 9. 

Source: Democracy Now!

Iran Celebrating 39 Years Since Islamic Revolution

Germany's Cottbus Refusing Any More Refugees

Irish Republican Leader Gerry Adams Retires

Mexico Deploys Thousands of Police Amid Violence Surge

Kenyan Media: Under Pressure and in Crisis

Senegal Protests: A Call for Free and Fair Elections

Israeli Fighter Jet Crashes Under Syrian Fire, Says Military

Source: euronews.

Berlusconi's Forza Italia Courts Youth Vote in Rome

Source: euronews.

Kim Jong Un Invites South Korean President to Visit him in Pyongyang

Source: euronews.

Lawrence Wilkerson: I Helped Sell the False Choice of War with Iraq; It’s Happening Again with Iran

Source: Democracy Now!

'Flashback Friday': The Woolworth Lunch Counter Sit-in (1963)

This video was published on YouTube on November 23, 2015. 

Source: Studies Weekly

Trailblazers in Black History: Elijah McCoy

This video was published on YouTube on December 8, 2016. 

Source: The Ray Warner Show

Newsweek Editors Blast ‘Bulls**t’ Editor to His Face

A Daily Beast Exclusive

During an increasingly ugly meeting, the company’s COO refused to answer whether money laundering allegations were true and blamed staff for undermining the business.
 

By Maxwell Tani

During a private meeting with editors this week, a top Newsweek executive blamed his own journalists for the magazine’s recent turmoil and refused to answer whether the company committed financial crimes.

Newsweek Media Group interim Chief Content Officer Johnathan Davis took questions from editors for nearly 90 minutes on Wednesday, according to recording obtained by The Daily Beast, about firings and investigations that have engulfed the company.

Last month, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office raided Newsweek Media Group’s headquarters in New York as part of an ongoing investigation into the company for potential financial crimes. On Monday, Newsweek Media Group fired editor in chief Bob Roe, executive editor Ken Li, and reporter Celeste Katz, who reported on the raid and recent allegations that the company engaged in traffic and advertising fraud.

“[The raid] led to the BuzzFeed article about the fake clicks, which you orchestrated,” breaking news editor Gersh Kuntzman said. “So you should be honest with everybody in this room: Are we running a money laundering operation? Are we evading taxes? You need to tell us that because we can’t work here if you’re a liar.”

Davis declined to answer directly, citing the D.A.’s probe.

“There’s an investigation going on right now that’s active,” Davis said. “And they’re going to come up with their own conclusions. And when that comes out, you’re going to know the answer.”

And though he would not say why Katz was fired, Davis said that Roe and Li were let go after they rebuffed management’s calls for Newsweek to stop reporting on the company’s finances.

Click here for the full article.

Flu Season is Breaking Records, CDC Says

 

by Maggie Fox

 

The flu season is still a bad one and it’s broken a few recent records, federal health officials said Friday.

It’s not time to panic about a new pandemic — it is simply a relatively severe flu season, one that’s unusual in that it is hitting the whole country at once instead of in waves, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

“Influenza activity is still on the rise overall,” CDC’s acting director, Dr. Anne Schuchat, told reporters.

Ten more children have been reported to have died from flu, bringing the total for the season so far to 63.

Last season, 110 children died from flu in the U.S.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

Back to Reality, Omarosa Says Trump Administration 'Is Bad'

by Phil McCausland

Former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman teared up while discussing her time at the White House and said on CBS's "Celebrity Big Brother" that the Trump administration is "so bad."

During a conversation with television personality Ross Mathews about her time as Trump's director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison, Newman said the situation in the White House is bad and should cause worry.

"It’s not my circus, not my monkeys, I’d like to say not my problem but I can’t say that because — like, it’s bad," she told Mathews in a tearful conversation during the show's second episode.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

Sen. Tim Kaine Demands Release of Secret Trump War Powers Memo

Pence Vows to Defend U.S. from North Korea by Taking Whatever ‘Action is Necessary’

 

by Lester Holt and Adam Edelman

Vice President Mike Pence, in an exclusive interview with NBC’s “Nightly News,” vowed that the U.S. would protect itself from North Korean nuclear threats by taking whatever “action is necessary to defend our homeland.”

Speaking with NBC’s Lester Holt on the sidelines of the 23rd Olympic Winter Games, in PyeongChang, South Korea, Pence, who is leading the U.S. delegation there, made clear that the U.S. was not ruling out military options as tensions continued to roil the Korean Peninsula.

“We're going to continue to put all the pressure to bear economically and diplomatically, while preserving all of our military options to see that that happens,” Pence said in a segment that aired Friday morning on "Today." 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

'For The Movement' Podcast Broadens the Dialogue on Civil Rights

Source: CBS News

Germany: Party Praises Schulz for Refusing Government Role in Coalition Deal

Source: euronews.

Scots Scientists Grow First Ever Human Egg to Maturity

Source: euronews.

Brexit Deal in Doubt Over UK Demands

Source: euronews.

Iraq: Residents of Kirkuk Adjust to Life Under Rule of Baghdad

Source: FRANCE 24 English

#Reporters: The Victims of China’s Forced Disappearances

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Lebanon: 'The Female Status is Taking Place Through Civilian Engagement'

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Dropping the Veil: Exiled Iranian Journalist Promoting Anti-Hijab Campaign

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Syria: The Political Challenges US Military is Facing

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Mayor de Blasio Speaks at Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Wall St. Project Economic Summit

Source: NYC Mayor's Office

Celebrating Black History Month: 'ML: The King Years (4-34)'

Click on the flier to increase its size.

Source: Michael Anthony Green

Happening in Harlem: Reparations (The Musical!)

Click on the flier to increase its size. 

Click here for additional information. 

Source: ImageNation 

Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative Tours Announced

The Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative (BJHI) is offering a number of tours of important Jewish sites in Brooklyn. The organization is now taking reservations for the following events:

Walking Tour of Williamsburg and Lost Synagogues with Ellen Levitt - Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 2 p.m.

Bike Tour of Lost Synagogues of East Flatbush/Flatbush with Ellen Levitt - Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 1 p.m.  

Sephardic Brooklyn - From Bensonhurst to Flatbush - Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. 

Click here for a complete listing of tours and additional information.

Source: BJHI

Free Tax Filing Options Available to Many New Yorkers

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded taxpayers of the free tax filing options available to many New Yorkers.

Free tax assistance sites are open to help eligible taxpayers e-file their income tax returns and claim valuable credits. Taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $66,000 or less in 2017 may use free, user-friendly software at these sites to electronically prepare and file both their state and federal tax returns. Eligible taxpayers don’t need to visit a site, though: they can also access and use the same free software anytime from their computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.tax.ny.gov (search: freefile2017). 

The tax preparation software helps reduce filing errors that can delay return processing and refunds. It also prevents valuable credits from being overlooked.

Tax Department experts will be available at each free tax assistance site to assist low- and middle-income New Yorkers through the filing process at no charge. A schedule of dates, times, and locations is available online at www.tax.ny.gov/fsa.

Tax Department experts are also able, at certain locations, to assist taxpayers in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. 

The Tax Department also announced the start of its free filing ad campaign in New York City. Radio spots, in both English and Spanish, are being broadcast on radio stations throughout the five boroughs. Ad posters are also on display at select NYC bus shelters and subway stations.

“Those who qualify can e-file for free through our website at www.tax.ny.gov or get free help at one of the tax assistance sites located across New York City,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “New Yorkers can save the money they spend on tax preparation assistance or software.”

Listen to the radio spots in English and Spanish.

View poster here.

E-filing is safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. About 92% of all personal income tax returns in New York are electronically prepared and filed. All returns, whether filed electronically or on paper, undergo the same systematic review. 

Source: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

ProPublica and WNYC Studios Announce ‘Trump, Inc.’ Podcast Series

The 12-episode podcast series, examining the relationship between Donald Trump’s presidency and his family’s business empire, debuted on February 7 with an episode on grappling with conflicts of interest.

By ProPublica

Today, WNYC and ProPublica announced a new partnership and reporting project. “Trump, Inc.,” a 12-episode podcast series, will dig deeply into the central questions surrounding the business dealings of President Donald Trump and his family, including how his role as President may be working to his financial benefit.

A year after his election, basic yet vital questions about President Trump and his family’s business empire remain unanswered: Who are their partners? Is the business benefiting from its close relationship with the Trump administration? What deals are happening? Who’s financing them? And most fundamentally — is Trump acting on behalf of his country, or his company?

“Trump, Inc.”’s debut episode — available today — starts at the very beginning: the January 11, 2017 press conference when Trump announced how he would handle potential conflicts of interest as both President and the owner of the Trump Organization. With stacks of folders next to him, Trump said he would forgo the tradition of divesting from his business, and instead shift his assets into a trust controlled by sons Eric and Donald Jr. What’s happened in the year since?

Upcoming episodes will include: the record fines a Trump casino received around money laundering; stories on the company’s foreign deals and financing; and a look into the Russian money trail; and much more.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: ProPublica

SPLC Demands Records from DHS After Detained Immigrant Dies

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency after the death this week of Yulio Castro-Garrido, a 33-year-old Cuban immigrant who was detained at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Ga.

“Castro-Garrido’s death is tragic, but unfortunately not shocking,” said Lisa Graybill, deputy legal director at the SPLC. “DHS has a long and shameful track record of failing to protect the basic rights and safety of people in its custody. It provides inadequate medical care, as well as unsanitary and unsafe living conditions. Immigrants often wait days or weeks for basic medical attention, if they get it at all. Castro-Garrido’s death may well have been preventable, and we are seeking answers for the sake of every immigrant.”

Click here for the full article.

Source: The Southern Poverty Law Center 

NY Judge Decides Setting Bail Without Regard to Ability to Pay Violates Constitutional Rights

The ruling by Justice Maria Rosa is believed to be the first of its kind in New York State and may be used as a key precedent in pushing the courts to end certain cash bail practices in the state.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: New York Law Journal

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo

"New York has long stood as a prominent symbol of justice for this nation and we saw this on display once again yesterday when State Supreme Court Justice Maria Rosa issued a groundbreaking ruling making clear the constitutional infirmities of our State's current monetary bail system. As the federal government does everything in its power to stand in the way of social progress, Americans are looking to New York for leadership and we cannot allow these types of inequities in our criminal justice system to undermine our progressive legacy any longer. 

"Despite once being considered among the most progressive in the nation, New York's antiquated bails laws have not been updated in decades. Even worse, they have essentially created a two-tiered system that has forced thousands of New Yorkers to face pre-trial detainment, for no reason other than being unable to afford bail. Freedom before trial was supposed to be the rule, not the exception, and it is time to follow this principle once again. 

"This year, I have proposed a comprehensive package of reforms to overhaul New York's criminal justice system, the centerpiece of which is a plan to eliminate monetary bail all together for those facing misdemeanor or nonviolent felony charges. While it is important to ensure that safeguards exist we must stop allowing New Yorkers, who have yet to be convicted of anything, to languish in jail simply for the crime of being poor.

"Along with reforms that ensure access to a speedy trial, improve the pre-trial discovery process, address asset forfeiture procedures and help individuals transition back into their communities from incarceration, this proposal is not only helping us build a stronger New York, but one that lives up to the very principles we were founded upon."

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

'Tax Fairness for New York' Campaign Launched

Governor Andrew Cuomo today kicked off the Tax Fairness for New York Campaign to move forward on his effort to combat the devastating impacts the destructive, partisan GOP federal tax law will have on New York. Joined by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and other Long Island leaders and elected officials, Governor Cuomo announced Maryland joined the multi-state coalition to sue the federal government over the tax law.

To advance the state's efforts to overhaul the tax code, and to generate the best ideas and solutions, New York State Budget Director Robert Mujica as well as other New York State representatives have been meeting with experts from state and local government, academia, and the private sector to obtain feedback and comment on the preliminary report released earlier this month by the Department of Taxation and Finance. The report outlines options for state tax reform designed to mitigate the adverse impact of the federal legislation on our economy and on New 
Yorkers.

"Washington has launched a calculated and direct assault aimed at the very heart of New York and we have two options - stand where we are or get out of the way," Governor Cuomo said. "With the Tax Fairness for New York campaign, we are ramping up our efforts to mitigate the impacts of this plan, examining every possibility to combat this devastating legislation and doing everything we can to protect the rights and wallets of hardworking New Yorkers."  

Click here to read the full announcement.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor Cuomo Issues Directive to Combat Influenza Emergency

Governor Andrew Cuomo today directed New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to authorize emergency assistance funding to counties as flu diagnoses continued to increase in communities across the state. This action provides enhanced reimbursement to counties and will help fund expanded efforts to promote and increase access to flu vaccines statewide. Governor Cuomo is calling on all 58 local health departments to expand efforts to more readily accommodate New Yorkers still needing a flu shot.

"As flu diagnoses and hospitalizations continue to increase to epidemic proportions, this administration is doing everything in its power to protect New Yorkers from this especially durable strain of influenza," Governor Cuomo said. "I ask all New Yorkers to take advantage of this expanded access to flu vaccines and join us in slowing down and stopping the spread of this virus in the Empire State."

With 15,753 laboratory confirmed influenza cases reported to the New York State Department of Health, and 2,349 New Yorkers hospitalized with confirmed influenza, these numbers are again the highest weekly numbers in both categories since reporting began in 2004 and exceed last week's record high 11,683 confirmed cases and 2,221 hospitalizations.

The Department of Health's website links to each local health department providing the public a one-stop-shop approach to individual counties' expanded efforts.  Additionally, the HealthMap Vaccine Finder also identifies locations where vaccines can be found at other locations in New York State at www.vaccinefinder.org.

Governor Cuomo has also directed local health departments to re-focus enhanced outreach to vulnerable populations, including daycares, nursing homes, senior centers, and homeless shelters, to reemphasize the need for flu vaccinations, provide targeted education regarding the signs and symptoms of flu, and to identify and assist those populations with low vaccine rates. Furthermore, local health departments will coordinate with local school superintendents to identify schools experiencing an increase in absenteeism rates due to illness among students and staff and link them to ongoing education and vaccination efforts. These partnerships will further ensure effective education and guidance is provided to protect children. 

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Directorate S: Steve Coll on the CIA and America’s Secret Wars in Afghanistan & Pakistan

Source: Democracy Now!

New York City Councilmember Jumaane Williams: Civil Disobedience Is Needed to Protect Immigrants

Source: Democracy Now!

Self Defense for Women: Defending Against an Abduction Attempt

This video was published on YouTube on May 27, 2016. 

Source: Fight SCIENCE

Rare Malcolm X Lecture on Women, Marriage, Leadership and Study

This video was published on YouTube on September 20, 2011. 

Source: Silas Shah

Saving Our Youth: Youth and Gangs (Exit Strategies)

This video was published on YouTube on August 15, 2013. 

Portions of the video contain strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Source: Justice Education Society of BC

Trailblazers in Black History: Tim Meadows

Tim Meadows was born in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of Mardell, a nurse’s assistant, and Lathon Meadows, a janitor. He studied television and radio broadcasting at Wayne State University.

Meadows began performing improvisational comedy at the Soup Kitchen Saloon. Meadows’ start in show business was as a member of The Second City comedy troupe alongside future star Chris Farley. In 1991, Meadows landed a spot on Saturday Night Live and would go on to become a longtime cast member, appearing on the program until 2000. (This was the record for the longest tenure on the show until it was surpassed by Darrell Hammond in 2005.) Meadows’ lengthy tenure on the show was used as a gag in three monologues when former cast members Phil Hartman and Mike Myers returned to the show to host, and when Alec Baldwin hosted for his twelfth time.

Click here for additional information.

Source: Tim-Meadows.com 

Slain Black Lives Matter Leader Remembered in North Carolina

A prayer vigil was held for Charleston civil rights and Black Lives Matter activist Muhiyidin D'baha, who was shot and killed in New Orleans. WCBD's Deanne Roberts reports.

WH Reacts to Senate's Sweeping Spending Deal

Paul Ryan Promises DACA Solution After Budget Passes

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) promised that a DACA and immigration reform bill would be put on the house floor after a budget deal to fund the military and other domestic programs is passed.

Pelosi on Her 8-Hour Long House Speech, Budget Deal Vote

Source: CBS News

Who is Patrick Soon-Shiong, the Buyer of the Los Angeles Times?

Source: CBS News

Soros Donates to Anti-Brexit Group

Source: euronews.

Growth Forecasts Are Pretty Dire Post-Brexit

Source: euronews.

Europe's Transition to a Green Energy Future

Source: euronews.

Macron Rejects Calls for Greater Autonomy in Corsica

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Iran 'Committed to Staying' in Nuclear Deal, Deputy Minister Says

Source: FRANCE 24 English

Is North Korea Playing Games with the Winter Olympics?

Source: Al Jazeera English

Earthquake Aftershocks Disrupt Rescue Efforts for Missing

US: Debunking the Myth of 'Chain Migration'

Syria War: Hospitals Being Deliberately Targeted, Medics Say

Daughter of Malcolm X to Address Christ the King HS 'Malcolm X Sweater' Controversy

New York, NY -  On February 10 at the National Action Network’s House of Justice, NAN President and Founder of the National Action Network Rev. Al Sharpton will be joined by Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as Malcolm Xavier Combs, a student at Christ the King High School and member of the National Honor Society. Combs claims he was the victim of discrimination and embarrassment at the hands of high school officials who denied his request to get the name “Malcolm X” on the back of his senior sweater.

The student was pulled of class by school official Veronica Arbitello, who told him that the legendary civil rights activist was “…someone I don’t want to be associated with.” National Action Network Crisis Director Kevin McCall responded by saying, “This is absurd that in 2018 we have to teach school administrators how to be culturally sensitive.” Rev. Sharpton and the Combs family will ask for the Christ the King faculty to receive culture sensitivity training in response to the incident, as well as increase minority staff and embrace cultural diversity.

The House of Justice is located at 106 West 145th Street (at Malcolm X Boulevard) in Harlem. 

The address will be streamed live here beginning at 9:30 a.m. 

Additional information on the incident is available here. 

Sources: Mercury and The New York Daily News 

Jestina Weems: Fighting Injustice Through the Creative Arts

A From The G-Man Exclusive

Jestina Weems was just a child when she started singing along to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Anita Baker. Her mother said she cried continuously for a week after she was born and believed her daughter was simply "clearing her lungs" and preparing herself to showcase her talent to the world.

She began taking singing and piano lessons in third grade and went on to form a group called Surrendering Voices at the age of 16. The group, which consisted of Weems and several close friends, wrote their own music and performed in numerous talent shows.

On February 7, 2018, From The G-Man conducted an interview with the entrepreneur and songstress to discuss how she's using social media and her creative abilities to address many of the political and social issues impacting America.   

G-Man: Why did you decide now would be the perfect time to release "Lord Only Knows" and "We Are The Dream"? 

Weems: Our country is facing a time of division. As an activist, I wanted to use my God-given abilities to help promote a sense of humanity and the importance of equality. For centuries, it was the activists who paved the way and left blueprints for battling oppression, and I wanted to remind people of their sacrifices and that we also have the ability to use our voices for change. It’s not about race. It’s all about unity. Together we stand, divided we fall. 

G-Man: "Lord Only Knows"' is from an upcoming musical. What is the musical about and how are you involved, from a production standpoint? 

Weems: I wrote the music for the play, which is called "We Are The Dream". The director wanted the play to have a greater sense of originality, so I suggested we turn it into a musical. The director agreed and gave me the creative freedom to write the music. I believe God gave me the gift and opportunity to tell this beautiful story through music. We Are The Dream is about a group of students that are preparing a trip to see the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and hear one of his speeches. The audience is give an inside look at Rev. King's life and the activists he admired. However, the students are forced to deal with the anger and pain that consume them after witnessing his assassination at the Lorraine Hotel. I took on a lot of the production responsibilities because the director lived out of state. I was in charge of the music, casting, rehearsals, locations, shooting and editing of all promo videos. I also oversaw the tour productions. With no educational background in music, theater or production, I allowed God to show me the way. As a result, I ended up learning about all phases of production on my own. 

 

G-Man: What is JustUS TV and its overall objective? 

Weems: JustUs TV is a platform I created to continue the conversation on what we as Americans can do to influence change. Ordinary people, like myself, in the U.S. and other countries are struggling to be heard. The problem is most of them are too caught up in what the government should do to implement change instead of embracing their roles as humanitarians. It’s time for us to stop looking at the faults of governments, including our own, and start analyzing the roles we play in creating the chaos and how we can change the situation. Like Dr. King, many activists have sacrificed their lives and livelihoods in order to pave the way towards freedom and equality. It's time for us to do the same. 

G-Man: Thus far, what has proved to be the most challenging aspect of JustUS TV and "We Are The Dream"?  

Weems: Our biggest challenge is financing. If we had more money, we could do so much more with marketing the show and touring. Many of the people associated with the production are volunteering their time and talents because they strongly believe in the message being presenting. In 2017, we raise close to $5000, which helped us launch the project. This year, we’re hoping to partner with a producer who has the financial wherewithal to take the show cross-country. That will cost at least $200,000, which is a lot of money. We’re hoping our music videos will allow us to connect with the right people; people that believe in our message and objective as strongly as we do and truly love the show for what it is. 

G-Man: What key message do you hope to convey through your projects, especially when it come to young people? 

Weems: History has clearly shown, and it's still the case, that young people played a significant role in helping create change and various movements. We’re hoping that our music will encourage young people to continue the fight for justice for equality. Most importantly, we hope this musical will teach them how to use their own talents to create change. 

G-Man: How can people contact you for more information about your current projects or other special events? 

Weems: People can reach me at Jrw.sip@gmail.com,  Jestina Weems or JustUs TV (Facebook), and through LinkedIn under Jestina Weems. They can also email me at Victory@Victims2Victory.com or text me at (914) 648-1590. 

Video sources: Jestina Weems (JustUs TV) 

Former AG Holder: 2018 Elections Crucial for Future Redistricting

On Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Activists Say Fight is Not Over

by Melanie Eversley

Ray Lowe has the kind of HIV success story that the health community likes to hear. As one of the 471,500 African-Americans living with HIV/AIDS, Lowe's healthy and well-managed lifestyle is the kind pushed by organizers of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observed on Feb. 7.

The gay African-American man came to New York from Atlanta in 2014, destitute, depressed and broken down by HIV, but drawn by the city’s reputation for comprehensive HIV/AIDS services. He was so sick when he arrived that he was admitted to a hospital to treat a dangerously low T-cell count by inadequate medical care in Georgia. Soon after, Lowe made his way to Harlem United, a community health center that provides a 360-degree circle of services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News 

NAACP vs. Trump: Racial Discrimination Suit Filed to Block Deportations of Haitians with TPS

The NAACP and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund have sued the Department of Homeland Security over its decision to rescind the temporary protected status (TPS) designation for Haitian immigrants.

Source: Democracy Now!

President Trump Hosts a Law Enforcement Roundtable on MS-13

Source: The White House

Pence Warns North Korea Will Face Toughest Sanctions Ever

Source: CBS News

Senate Reaches Bipartisan Budget Deal

Source: CBS News

White House Announces Aide Rob Porter Resigning Amid Abuse Claims

Source: CBS News

Governor Cuomo Issues Update on State Response on Winter Storm Impacting New York State

Governor Andrew Cuomo today issued an update on state actions in response to the winter storm that is currently impacting New York, including the deployment of emergency personnel, resources and equipment to strategic staging areas across the state. The State Emergency Operations Center in Albany is activated with Office of Emergency Management personnel and is in close communication with the National Weather Service as the storm continues to cause dangerous travel conditions as a result of the heavy, accumulating snow. Additionally, this morning, the Governor visited the Albany NYSDOT garage in Latham as workers prepared for deployment to clear the roads and keep motorists safe.

"New York's plow operators and crews, first responders, and emergency personnel work around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep New Yorkers safe and they have our tremendous respect," Governor Cuomo said. "As the storm continues and our response efforts are underway, I urge New Yorkers to follow local weather reports and avoid unnecessary travel."

Most of the state is under a Winter Weather Warning, with a few Winter Weather Advisories also in effect. Snow started this morning and will continue throughout the day. New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Region have been experiencing a mixture of sleet and freezing rain. Snowfall totals will range from 4 to 10 inches for most of the state, with some areas in the Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York possibly experiencing up to 12 inches. Heavy snowfall is expected at times this afternoon with snowfall rates greater than an inch an hour possible as the system moves quickly across the state. Poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions can be expected and there is a potential for heavy snowfall during the evening rush hour.

For a complete list of Weather Warnings for your area, visit the National Weather Service website.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo