Monday, September 11, 2017

President Trump Speaks at 9/11 Ceremony at the Pentagon


Source: PBS NewsHour

Vice President Mike Pence's Remarks During 9/11 Ceremony at Flight 93 Site


Source: WTAE-TV Pittsburgh

Governor Cuomo Delivers Remarks at the 9/11 Memorial Ride Lunch and Ceremony


This afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo delivered remarks at the 9/11 Memorial Ride lunch and ceremony in New York City. The Governor was joined by more than 400 motorcyclists who participated in Memorial Ride from Albany, Ulster and Suffolk Counties to pay tribute to the first responders who led recovery efforts during and following terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.


At the event, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to expand unlimited sick leave benefits for public sector officers and employees who developed a qualifying health condition as a result of their heroic response efforts to 9/11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites. More information on the legislation can be found here.  

Source: NYGovCuomo

Governor Cuomo Visits Rescue One with Robert De Niro


Source: NYGovCuomo

Unlimited Sick Leave Benefits Expanded for New Yorkers Who Participated in 9/11 Response Efforts



Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation to expand unlimited sick leave benefits for public sector officers and employees who developed a qualifying health condition as a result of their heroic response to 9/11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites.

"On September 11, 2001, the best of humanity and the worst of humanity were displayed - the worst of us flew airplanes into the Twin Towers, while the best of us rushed inside to help their brothers and sisters without a second thought," Governor Cuomo said. "It is critical that we honor these courageous efforts and by signing this bill into law today, we make it clear that New York stands behind the first responders in their time of need just as they stood with New York on that tragic day 16 years ago. Our message is simple: we will always have your back."

Under the bill (A7901A/S6398), individuals would be eligible for unlimited paid leave at 100 percent of their regular salary dating back to the time of their diagnosis.

 Individuals would qualify for the benefit if they: currently work for a municipality, public authority or state employer outside of New York City; have filed a notice of participation in the World Trade Center clean-up and recovery efforts; and have a qualifying World Trade Center health condition as defined by statute.

Similar paid leave benefits are currently available for New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, New York City Corrections and New York City Sanitation for injuries and illnesses obtained in the line of duty. Outside of New York City, municipalities provide similar line of duty coverage for their paid police officers and fire fighters.

Senator Martin Golden said, "This legislation will help the thousands of brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save others during the tragic events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. The first responders who led recovery efforts on that day, and the weeks and months that followed, deserve the very best health care and assistance New York has to offer, and I commend the Governor for signing this legislation as we will continue to support these heroes."

Assemblymember Peter Abbate said, "Sixteen years ago today, the very core of who we are as New Yorkers was tested. During our darkest hour, the strongest and bravest among us rose through the destruction and pain to assist in response efforts at the World Trade Center site. These heroic men and women put all that they had on the line to help those in need and now, 16 years later, we must return that favor. As survivors of that day, many first responders have contracted critical illnesses - I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill today to protect our heroes."

Chairman of Governor Cuomo's 9/11 Workers Protection Task Force Lou Matarazzo said, "September 11, 2001 is a day forever ingrained in the lives of every New Yorker and every American. That day now only saw unimaginable devastation, but also unprecedented kindness. First responders from near and far rushed to the aid of the thousands of victims of the World Trade Center attacks to help and now today, they need our help. This new law gives these heroes much needed support and is a small token of our appreciation of the risks they took that day to help people in need - I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to these men and women." 

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Over 190,000 New Yorkers Have Taken Citizen Preparedness Corps Training



Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that since 2014, over 190,000 New Yorkers have taken the Citizen Preparedness Corps Training to prepare for man-made and natural disasters and emergencies and urged all New Yorkers to better prepare themselves and their families in the event disaster strikes. The Governor also proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in New York State. This year's theme, "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can." encourages everyone to make sure they are prepared and have a plan in place for when disasters strike.

"As dangerous and extreme weather becomes the new normal, it is critical that we ramp up our efforts to keep our citizens prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way," Governor Cuomo said. "While we can't predict when the next natural disaster might strike our state, with this training we can ensure that New Yorkers are properly trained to respond in the event of an emergency."

As part of its continuing efforts to provide tools and resources to prepare all individuals for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions, Governor Cuomo launched the Citizen Preparedness Corps Training in 2014. Trainings are conducted by the New York National Guard, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control and is also taught by volunteers from the American Red Cross. Since its inception, more than 190,000 people from across the state have become better prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Roger L. Parrino, Sr., Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said, "National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to remind us all to take responsibility for our own personal preparedness and safety before an emergency or disaster occurs.  We all need to make sure that proper emergency supplies are available at home and at work, and we must to be informed and aware of events that are going on around us. This applies to checking weather forecasts when planning outdoor events to taking stock of your surroundings in the event of an active shooter. We all have a role to play to stay safe."

To incorporate an all-hazards approach to preparedness, "See Something, Say Something" and a short active shooter/active violence component has been added to the Citizen Preparedness Corps training which focuses on situational awareness, and incorporates the "Run, Hide, Fight" concept for active shooter training. The full video can be viewed at the DHSES YouTube page here.

To check for new courses, request a course for your organization, or to take the online version visit prepare.ny.gov. During September and October, courses will be held at the following locations.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Wayne County
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 pm
Public Safety Building
7376 Route 31
Lyons, NY 14489

Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Nassau County
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
The Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay
45 E Main Street
Oyster Bay, New York 11771 

Saturday, September 16, 2017
Kings County
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
** Presented in English - Translated into Spanish **
110 Pennsylvania Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207

Saturday, September 16, 2017
Suffolk County
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 pm
Juliette Low Friendship Center - Camp Edey
600 Lakeview Ave
Bayport, NY 11705

Sunday, September 17, 2017
Suffolk County
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Masjid Darul Quran
1514 E 3rd Avenue
Bay Shore, NY, 11706

Monday, September 18, 2017
Suffolk County
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Huntington Town Hall
Board Room
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743

Monday, September 18, 2017
Westchester County
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Thomas H. Slater Center
2 Fisher Court
White Plains, New York 10601

Thursday, September 21, 2017
Putnam County
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Desmond Fish Library
472 Route 463
Garrison, NY 10524

Friday, September 26, 2017
Nassau County
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Long Beach City Hall
6th Floor
1 West Chester St
Long Beach, NY 11561

Thursday, September 28, 2017
Suffolk County
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Eatons Neck Fire Department
55 Eatons Neck Road
Northport, NY 11768

Monday, October 16, 2017
Suffolk County
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Civil Service Employees Association
3 Garet Place
Commack, NY 11725

Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Suffolk County
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Huntington Town Hall
Board Room
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743

Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Warren County
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Glens Falls Civic Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Heritage Hall
Glens Falls, NY 12801

All New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for NY-Alert, the state's free, all hazards subscription-based alerting system. To subscribe, please visit http://www.nyalert.gov/.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Addabbo Applauds Expansion of Senior Citizen and Disabled Homeowner Property Tax Exemption

 
Queens, NY - Calling it “a long overdue action to help struggling homeowners make ends meet,” New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. announced that a new law passed at both the  state and city government levels will enable greater numbers of senior citizen and disabled homeowners in New York City to seek relief from high property tax bills.

Addabbo, who supported the legislation (S.4628) in the State Senate, said, “It has been 11 years since income eligibility levels were last raised under the Senior Citizen Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) program and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) program.  With this expansion, many more senior citizens and disabled homeowners will be able to seek welcome property tax breaks.”

The annual household income cap for participating in the SCHE and DHE programs has now been raised from $29,000 to $50,000 for a full 50 percent property tax exemption, and from $37,399 to $58,399 for a partial exemption.  Seniors must be 65 or older to participate.  The tax relief programs offer property tax exemptions ranging from five percent to 50 percent of a home’s assessed value.  

“Eligible seniors and disabled homeowners can save hundreds of dollars in property taxes under these programs,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Aging Committee.  “Benefit programs like this lend a critical helping hand to people living on fixed incomes who want to remain in their communities without fear of losing their homes.”

Interested homeowners who believe they may be eligible for SCHE or DHE may apply by January 16, 2018 at www.nyc.gov/sche or www.nyc.gov/dhe.  Those who are already receiving SCHE or DHE do not need to take any action; any increases to their benefits will appear on their 2018 property tax bills, with a retroactive credit to July 1, 2017.  Homeowners who were previously denied tax relief because their income was too high will also have benefits applied to their accounts automatically, starting with the 2018 tax bill with a retroactive credit to July 1, 2017.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in New York State and City government to ensure the best possible quality of life for our disabled and elderly residents,” said Addabbo. “Providing them with tax relief is one way to help them afford other basic life necessities and lead happier, healthier and more dignified lives.”

Source: The Office of State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.

Remembrance Ceremony for 16th Anniversary of 9/11


The 16th anniversary ceremony will remember and honor the 2,983 men, women and children killed in the attacks at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, aboard Flight 93, and those who died in the February 26, 1993 WTC bombing. The commemoration will take place on the 9/11 Memorial plaza at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan. President Trump will participate in the observance ceremony at the Pentagon and Vice President Pence will be in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Source: NBC News 

Hollywood and Race: 'The Express' (2008)


Source: Movieclips Trailer Vault

Trailblazers in Black History: Pastor John Cross, Jr.


John Cross Jr. was born in Haynes, Arkansas in 1925. In 1962, Cross became a pastor at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama where civil rights activists would often convene. In 1963, the church was the site of a bomb by KKK members that killed four young girls. Cross became a leader for the grieving town by continuing his sermons and presiding over the three of the girls’ funerals.

Beyoncé Teams Up With Houston Pastor to Help Harvey Survivors

Global superstar Beyoncé returned home to Houston on Friday and joined the survivors of Hurricane Harvey at her home church, St. John’s United Methodist Church, with Senior Pastor, Rudy Rasmus - affectionately known to the global community as Pastor Rudy.

Joining Pastor Rudy and Beyoncé were her mother Tina Knowles Lawson, daughter Blue Ivy and bandmate Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, among others who were on hand to provide support and aid to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, which has profoundly impacted the region.

The Houston native and her foundation, BeyGOOD partnered with Pastor Rudy, the founder of the Bread of Life, Inc., a non-sectarian, non-profit organization, which started 25 years old ago through St. John’s United Methodist Church. The Bread of Life was set up to specifically respond to crises and disasters such as Hurricane Harvey.

Click here for the full article. 

Bannon Says Comey Firing May Be Biggest Error in Modern Politics

Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said Sunday the firing of FBI Director James Comey may have been the biggest mistake in "modern political history." 

Bannon confirmed in an online-only segment of "60 Minutes" that he opposed President Donald Trump's decision to oust Comey.

The wide-ranging discussion, which covered the Russia investigation, the media, the Republican Party and North Korea, was Bannon's first major interview since leaving the White House last month.

Click here for the full article. 

Irma Leaves Millions Without Power in Florida and Moves North

TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Irma weakened to a Category 1 storm early Monday after plunging millions of Floridians into darkness.

No deaths were confirmed Sunday after the storm twice made landfall, but the extent of the damage after a day of triple-digit winds and raging waters couldn't fully be assessed until daybreak.
 
Florida's largest utility reported that the storm had knocked out power to nearly three-quarters of its customers. More than 5.8 million residents across the state were waking up Monday to no electricity. 

Click here for the full article. 

Many Families Separated and Displaced as a Result of Hurricane Irma

Al-Shabaab Storms Military Base Near Kenyan Border


Source: euronews (in English)

Kim Jong-un Honors Hydrogen Bomb Scientists in Series of Celebrations


Source: FRANCE 24 English

Russia's Yabloko Claims Huge Gains in Moscow Local Council Elections


Source: euronews (in English)

Mexico Quake Death Toll Rises to 91


Source: euronews (in English)

Hundreds of ISIL Families Detained in Iraq


Source: euronews (in English)

Pope Francis Suffers Minor Injury in Colombia


Source: euronews (in English)

Syrian Forces Regain Control of Key Deir al-Zor Highway


Source: euronews (in English)

Maduro Ready 'to Be a Dictator' to Help Venezuela


Source: euronews (in English)

Global Protests in Support for the Displaced Muslim Rohingya


Source: euronews (in English)

Services No Longer Required, Saakasvili Denied Entry to Ukraine


Saakasvili Supporters Sweep Aside Ukrainian
Border Guards to Get Him Into the Country

  

Source: euronews (in English)

Friday, September 8, 2017

President Trump's Weekly Address


Source: The White House

Hurricane Irma Public Advisory

 
Click here for the advisory. 

Click here for the forecast track. 

Source: The National Hurricane Center

FEMA Officials Brief Ahead of Hurricane Irma Arrival


Federal Emergency Management Agency officials hold a briefing on Hurricane Irma, which is expected to reach Florida this weekend.

Source: C-SPAN 

The House Approves Harvey Disaster Relief Package, 316-90 (Video)


The House votes to approve the $15.25 billion Harvey disaster relief package, which also includes a three-month debt ceiling hike and temporary spending. Ninety Republicans voted against the measure.

Source: C-SPAN

'Flashback Friday': Real Footage of the Hindenburg Disaster (1937)


Source: British Pathé

Trailblazers in Black History: Dr. Moses Powell


Before action actor and martial artist Jim Kelly graced movie screens, Dr. Moses Powell was considered one of the top Black martial artists of his era. Also known as Master Musa Muhammad, Grandmaster Powell developed the Sanuces Ryu Jiu-Jitsu system which is still taught today.

Powell was born on January 13, 1941 in Norfolk, Va. While living in Harlem, New York, Powell encountered Filipino martial arts instructor Florendo Visitacion, better known as Professor Vee, Powell became so adept at the fighting system that he was training far more advanced students although he was just a green belt.

Over time, Powell mastered the art and began developing his own system in the early ’60’s. After several name changes, Powell settled on Sanuces Ryu Jiu-Jitsu. The style combined the judo, jiu-jitsu, and real-time combat preparation. In an interview, Powell once referred to his fighting art as “streetology.” 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: https://blackamericaweb.com

D.L. Hughley on Hillary Clinton's Super-Predator Comment: Black Leaders Felt the Same


Warning: This video, which was published on YouTube on September 7, 2017, contains strong language. 

Source: djvlad

11 Things You WILL NOT See at the All Black National Convention


Brace for impact, everyone! 

The Dr. Boyce Watkins Channel is an all-black news and commentary channel that features a number of African American thinkers, commentators and speakers. The views of each video are not necessarily representative of those of Dr. Boyce Watkins himself. 

Source: Boyce Watkins

Venus Williams on Breaking New Ground

Venus Williams is still breaking new ground in tennis two decades after her first U.S. Open appearance.

Her semifinal match Thursday evening against Sloane Stephens (ahead of Madison Keys vs. Coco Vandeweghe) marked the first time since 1981 that American female athletes are dominating the 136-year-old hard court competition.

Williams, who competed in her 19th career U.S. Open, made more milestones last July. At BB&T Atlanta Open, Williams’ exhibition match against Genie Bouchard was the first time in the tournament’s 96-year history that women participated as competitors. 

Click here for the full article. 

Las Vegas Police Union Disputes NFL Player’s Claim of Racial Profiling

The president of a Las Vegas police union is disputing claims by a Seattle Seahawks football player that he was racially profiled when he was handcuffed and detained following an active shooter report last month.

"Our officers did not detain Bennett because he was 'a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time,'" Las Vegas Police Protective Association President Steve Grammas said in a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Thursday.

Michael Bennett, a defensive end and a two-time Pro Bowler, said on Twitter Wednesday that an officer "warned me that if I moved he would 'blow my f---ing head off'" and that he was racially profiled when he was handcuffed and detained following a report of an active shooter at the Cromwell Hotel and Casino.

The union called for Goodell to investigate the "obvious false allegations." NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there is no basis for such a probe. "There is no allegation of a violation of the league's personal conduct policy and therefore there is no basis for an NFL investigation," he said in an email Thursday. 

Click here for the full article. 

Source: NBC News