The Greene County Democrat

Category: Celebrity

  • Newswire : Trump’s narrow popular vote victory fuels questions of mandate, rising emigration interest

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has ignited debates about his legitimacy and a surge of interest in emigration. While Trump won all seven swing states and secured the presidency, his share of the popular vote—49.83%—places him among the least popular modern American presidents. His 1.55% margin over Vice President Kamala Harris falls far short of historical landslides like Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 triumph, where Johnson won 61.1% of the popular vote.

    And with a growing number of Trump voters expressing buyer’s remorse, many political analysts have questioned whether the election victory reflects broad public support for his policies. “If there ever was a mandate, this isn’t it,” Georgetown University political scientist Hans Noel told MSN News. Earlier projections showing Trump winning as much as 53% of the popular vote have proven inaccurate and have added further scrutiny to claims of a sweeping mandate.
    Cornell University professor Peter Enns, whose model accurately predicted Trump’s swing state victories, said economic dissatisfaction during Joe Biden’s presidency played a key role in voter decisions. “If this election can be explained by what voters thought of Biden and Harris and economic conditions, it really goes against the notion of a mandate for major change from Trump,” Enns told the Guardian newspaper.

    Americans Explore Emigration in Droves

    In the wake of Trump’s win, many Americans have begun looking for opportunities abroad. Google reported a 1,270% spike in searches for “move to Canada” as polls closed on the East Coast. Queries about moving to New Zealand climbed nearly 2,000%, while those for Australia rose 820%. According to Google data, searches for emigration had reached historic levels.

    Immigration lawyers across North America have been inundated with inquiries. “Every half hour, there’s a new email enquiry,” said Evan Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel, Canada’s oldest immigration law firm. Green noted that clients’ concerns extend beyond Trump himself to broader societal divisions. “The majority of Americans voted for him, and some people don’t feel comfortable living in that kind of society anymore. People are afraid they are going to lose freedoms.”

    Several celebrities have also signaled plans to leave the United States. Sharon Stone intends to move her family to Canada, while America Ferrera is reportedly eyeing the U.K. as a new home base. Minnie Driver has announced plans to leave Los Angeles for the U.K., citing discomfort with the country’s political direction. Whoopi Goldberg, Cardi B, and Elon Musk’s daughter Vivian Wilson are among others expressing interest in relocating.

    For those seeking guidance, destinations such as Panama City, Budapest, Belize, and Phuket, Thailand, are being recommended for American expats. The locations reportedly offer affordable living and pathways to residency.

    Diaspora Citizenship in Ghana

    In Ghana, the African diaspora is reconnecting with its roots. On November 19, 524 diaspora members received Ghanaian citizenship during a landmark Accra International Conference Centre ceremony. The event, part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the diaspora, builds on the success of the 2019 “Year of Return” campaign.

    “Your ancestors left these shores under tragic and inhumane circumstances,” Akufo-Addo exclaimed. “Today, we reclaim that connection by welcoming you as part of our Ghanaian family.” He reminded attendees that the initiative goes beyond symbolism, providing tangible opportunities for the diaspora to shape Africa’s future.
    “Being Ghanaian is about embracing values such as respect, equity, and peace,” Akufo-Addo said. “These principles are at the heart of our identity, and we invite you to embody them as you integrate into our society.”

  • Greene County Deltas bring awareness to World AIDS Day

    Displaying World AIDS Day Banner L to R: Mrs. Nancy Cole, Mrs. Alfretta Crawford, Ms. Fatima Robinson, Dr. Carol Zippert and Mrs. Phillis Belcher. And Fatima with Marcus Steele, Lucious Young and table with various information.

    Submitted by Fatima Robinson

    The International Awareness and Involvement Committee of the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated commemorated World AIDS Day in downtown Eutaw. World AIDS Day is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It is celebrated every year on December 1st.
    A prominent World AIDS Day banner was displayed which attracted numerous residents of different communities to visit the booth and gather valuable information including fact sheets, brochures, red ribbons, prophylactic, and a few other novelties. The purpose was to get the community aware, involved and to keep them protected. 
    Since 1988, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to bring awareness and show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
    World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected. It is a moment to inspire the leadership needed to create a future where HIV doesn’t stand in the way of anyone’s life.
    Red is a symbol for World Aids Day. Please remember to wear your red ribbons on December 1st.
    We are greatly appreciative for your continuous support in our efforts to make a better Greene County.
    Ms. Fatima Robinson serves as Chairperson, Dr. Carol Zippert as Co-Chair, of the Chapter’s International Awareness and Involvement Committee. Mrs. Phillis Belcher is Chapter President.

  • Checkout GCCC Billboard, Greensboro St. Eutaw

    School Board approves Superintendent’s two-year contract, pending salary negotiations

    GCCC Scholars L to R:  Le’Miracle Bevelle, Kenya Amerson, Quentin Walton, Jr., Kaden Roberts, Breana Lavender, Jabari Hall, Sidney Moore.

    At its November 18, 2024 meeting, the Greene County Board of Education, on a vote of 3 to 2, agreed to offer Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones an additional two year contract, pending new salary negotiations, which will be conducted by Board President Leo Branch, Board Vice-President Veronica Richardson and Attorney Hank Sanders with Dr. Jones. The new contract goes into effect July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. The affirmative votes on the superintendent’s contract were given by Board members Robert Davis, Carrie Dancy and Leo Branch.The two negative votes were given by Board members Veronica Richardson and Brandon Merriweather.
    This superintendent contract is the same as the previous superintendent contract except for provisions on board relations, community relations, dates and salary increase. The additions state the following: The Superintendent shall work more effectively to keep the Board informed of developments, initiatives and issues in the District. This provision shall be specifically addressed in each evaluation. The Superintendent shall work to more effectively build relationships with the Greene County community. This provision shall be specifically addressed in each evaluation.
    The School Board agrees to notify the Superintendent in writing on or before December 30, 2027, whether or not it intends to renew the contract for an additional term commencing July 1, 2027, and the terms and conditions upon which it proposes such renewal.
    In his report to the board, given prior to the board’s action on his contract, Dr. Jones presented an update of accomplishments in the school system during his five-year tenure. Regarding facilities improvements he cited the renovations, including new roofing, flooring and facade to the Board’s Central Office; new roofing and flooring at Eutaw Primary School; new HVAC system, roofing, doors, windows, painting ting and other repairs including new Press Box, Concession Stand, and new fencing at Robert Brown Middle School.
    In financing, Dr. Jones noted that in 2019, cash balance in the General Fund Bank Account totaled $950,037.45; Cash Balance as of Nov. 18, 2024 is $6,534,608.42. He stated that the last two years of audits had no findings from the State Auditors. Under his tenure, the system developed a Bus Driver Retention Program and currently all buses in the system are air conditioned.
    Dr. Jones stated that, most significantly, for the 2023-2024 school year all schools increased in proficiency from the previous year. Once the state releases the grades, the system is expected to received a higher letter grade. That same school term, all 3rd grade scholars passed the reading proficiency test, except for two, who are special needs students. In previous reports, Superintendent Jones shared the various off-campus educational environments scholars are exposed to, including team debates at various venues in and out of state; visits to college campuses; workplace tours, museum visits, State Legislature and the National Capitol visits.
    Dr. Jones also shared his own professional development during the previous five years, including serving as a mentor for new superintendents with SSA.
    In his Positive School News Reports, superintendent Jones noted the following:
    EPS – Scholars caught Being Good and Scholars of the Month were rewarded with books.
    K-3 educators participated in Aimsweb Data meetings (Reading). They also participated in professional development hosted by the Alabama Best Practices Network.
    RBMS – PTA meeting was held Nov. 4. Peer Helpers Kindness Campaign held Nov. 11. Recognition of local retired educators held Nov. 19.
    GCHS – College Application week held Oct. 7-11. Scholars attended Open House at Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University. Scholars. Celebrated Red Ribbon 
Week. Scholars were inducted into Honor Societies including: Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Technical honor Society, Historia Vitae. Superintendent Jones held Scholars Round Table.
    GCCC – Greene County Career Center Billboard on Greensboro St, / State Hwy 14, Eutaw. Tiger Spirit Shop held grand opening. Scholars participated in Tuskegee Youth Summit. Scholars participated in FBLA District 2 workshop. Scholars held Tech or Treat with EPS 3rd graders. JAG scholars held initiation and installation. GCCC awarded $200,000 College & Career Readiness grant.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    * Retention bonus in the amount of $750 for bus driver Jerdin Grays to remain a bus driver for the system for a period of one year.
    * Resignation of David Taylor, History teacher at RBMS, effective November 18, 2024.
    The Board approved the following administrative service items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * MOA between Greene County Board of Education and Black Belt Regional Child Advocacy Center to provide counseling services BBRCAC clients in the Greene County School System on the first Tuesday of every month.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Officials Association for basketball officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year at RBMS.
    * 2.5% pay raise for all support staff, effective the 2024-2025 contract year. (This supersedes the original effective date of October 1, 2024, approved October 21, 2024).
    * Supplement in the amount of $750.00 for the AASBO certification that corresponds to job title and classification for secretaries and bookkeepers.
    * 3% raise for clerical staff to be effective November 1, 2024.
    * Permission for CNP Department to dispose of and sell for salvage six (6) stands that were removed from Robert Brown Middle School walk-in cooler.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    * Raise pay of Greene County School Board members to $900 per month pursuant to new Alabama law upon the election of the next board member.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon presented Financial Snapshots for September 30,2024 end of fiscal year and for October 30,2024 first month of new fiscal year. As of September 30, the combined general fund reserve totaled 7.59 months; cash reserve totaled 7.27 months. All bank accounts reconciled. General fund bank balance totaled $6,945,866.68; accounts payable check register -$1,119,444.61; combined ending fund balance – $7,252,327.11. Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $64,149.89; Sales Taxes – $201,172.06; Other Taxes v- $20,904.55; Amendment 743 – $60,000. Total: $346,227.20.
    Financial Snapshot as of October 30: Combined general fund reserve totaled $6.04 months. Cash reserve totaled 5.31 months. All bank accounts reconciled. General fund Bank balance totaled $5,943,900.27. Accounts payable check register totaled $613,831.91. Payroll register totaled $974,176.05. Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $6,758,944.08. No taxes collected. Amendment 743 totaled $60,000.

  • Everybody’s Birthday Celebration, a Community Event

    L to R: Mrs. Geraldine Walton, Mrs. Nancy Cole, Mrs. Johnni Morning, Mrs. Mollie Rowe, Mrs. Darlene Robinson, and Mrs. Miriam Leftwich. Seated: Mr. John Zippert and Mrs. Carol Zippert.

    Submitted by Debbie Duncan


    As part of its fundraising efforts, the Greene County Associates of the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) hosted a lively Everybody’s Birthday Celebration on Friday, November 15, 2024. Local members invited friends and family to join in this cheerful event, which honored all attendees in their birthday months. Each table was decorated with symbols of the particular month. The event featured grown folk music provided by Birdman and an abundance of delicious food for all attendees.

    A highlight of the evening was the special recognition of John and Carol Zippert for their tireless dedication to enriching the community. In a heartwarming tribute, they were crowned King and Queen of the celebration. Mrs. Darlene Robinson, the event’s host, along with BBCF associate members, presented the couple with gifts. In a nod to John’s nickname, “The Rooster,” he was humorously gifted a colorful metal rooster, symbolizing his steadfast commitment to the organization’s success amid a team of devoted women. Carol was honored with a “money flower” and heartfelt words of appreciation, symbolizing her invaluable contributions.

    In her acceptance remarks, Carol expressed her surprise and gratitude, thanking everyone for their support, acknowledging the love from her Alabama Family. True to his straightforward nature, John wished everyone a happy birthday. Though their children were unable to attend in person, they sent touching video messages, and a slideshow highlighted the Zipperts’ long-standing involvement in community initiatives.

    The celebration was filled with smiles, laughter, and a spirit of camaraderie, reflecting the joy and purpose of the occasion. Congratulations to John and Carol, who both celebrate their birthdays in November, and best wishes to all in attendance for many more joyful celebrations to come.

  • Newswire : Biden unveils fresh climate funding as report cautions Trump policies could cede ‘Clean Energy leadership’ to China

    Environment regulations needed to reduce pollution

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

     

    The Biden administration has announced a new wave of climate investments that officials said reinforces efforts to position the United States as a leader in clean energy innovation. The announcement, made ahead of President Biden’s trip to the Amazon, further shows the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and preserving critical ecosystems even as Biden leaves office.

    During his upcoming visit, Biden will interact with Indigenous leaders and stakeholders in the Amazon rainforest before making stops in Lima, Peru, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he plans to promote global cooperation on climate action and highlight business opportunities related to clean energy.

    Since taking office, the Biden-Harris administration has emphasized an expansive climate agenda through measures like the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, resulting in historic investments in clean energy, conservation, and environmental justice. The agenda has catalyzed nearly $300 billion in private investment, generated hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs, and helped lower energy costs for American families. Administration officials described these initiatives as central to securing America’s role in the global transition toward sustainable energy production and consumption.

    The new round of investments aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster clean energy manufacturing, and lower energy costs for both families and businesses. The Department of Energy is directing nearly $18 million to 61 local and territorial governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, an initiative that funds energy efficiency projects nationwide. Officials said the funding allows communities to pursue projects that reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency, and develop net-zero building strategies. Over the past year, nearly 300 communities have received grants from this program, which supports the Biden administration’s broader goal of advancing environmental equity and sustainability.

    In addition to the local grants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced over $256 million to fund more than 1,100 clean energy projects in 40 states under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through REAP, rural businesses and agricultural producers can implement solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower technologies, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices. Since the start of the Biden administration, REAP has facilitated over $2.7 billion in clean energy improvements for almost 10,000 projects, including $1 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act.

    The administration also plans to invest $1.2 billion in cleaner construction materials for infrastructure projects through the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Discretionary Grant Program. The Department of Transportation’s program encourages using low-emission materials like asphalt, glass, steel, and concrete in transportation projects to reduce pollution. The initiative is part of the Federal Buy Clean Initiative and aligns with the administration’s broader objectives of catalyzing sustainable industrial practices and reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure development.

    As Biden officials highlighted the administration’s achievements, a new report warns that President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle Biden-era climate policies could significantly undercut U.S. progress in clean energy. The report predicts that scrapping these policies could redirect up to $80 billion in investment abroad, resulting in $50 billion in lost exports and forfeiting economic ground to global competitors like China and South Korea. Bentley Allan, an environmental policy expert at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of the study, stressed the economic implications of rolling back clean energy incentives, stating that “the energy transition is inevitable, and the future prosperity of countries hinges on being part of the clean energy supply chain.”

    Trump has criticized Biden’s climate investments as “the green new scam,” pledging to terminate clean energy subsidies and instead pursue a vision of “American energy dominance” rooted in fossil fuels. His proposals include increased oil and gas drilling, scaling back offshore wind projects, and ending subsidies for electric vehicles. The report indicates that the changes would impact thousands of planned manufacturing projects across the United States, potentially leaving American companies dependent on foreign suppliers for critical components such as electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. “Without these investments and tax credits, U.S. industry will be hobbled just as it is getting going, ceding the ground to others,” the report states.

    Li Shuo, a climate expert with the Asia Society Policy Institute, expressed concerns about the geopolitical consequences of a U.S. retreat from clean energy. Shuo told The Guardian that China, already skeptical of U.S. climate policies, could solidify its leadership in global clean energy markets as the U.S. shifts its focus back to fossil fuels. “China isn’t worried about selling clean energy technologies to other markets; Trump’s approach makes the U.S. seem inconsistent and unreliable,” Shuo said.

    Biden administration officials argue that today’s clean energy investments are crucial for America’s economic future and its ability to compete globally. “If we exit this competition, it will be very difficult to re-enter,” Allan stated

  • Newswire : Shooting at Tuskegee Homecoming kills one and injures 16

    By Shannon Dawson, Newsone

    The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is collaborating with Tuskegee University to investigate a devastating shooting that unfolded in the early hours of Nov. 10, leaving one person dead and 16 others injured, according to NPR.

    The shooting occurred early Sunday morning as students and alumni gathered on campus to celebrate the university’s 100th homecoming, a highly anticipated event for the historically Black institution in Macon County. ALEA agents were alerted to the scene at approximately 1:40 a.m., where they discovered that a non-university individual had been fatally shot. The victim’s family was notified.

    Several others, including Tuskegee University students, sustained injuries and were rushed to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, the university announced in a press release.

    Disturbing footage shared on social media Sunday depicted the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, showing students scrambling for cover as gunshots rang out. In one video posted by user @DukeofLight, bullets were heard ricocheting off a fence as a student sought shelter behind a car.

    According to 12 WSFA, the shooting occurred at the West Commons on-campus apartments. Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A. Brown stated that the event was not an official or approved university-sanctioned homecoming event.

    “We did not nor could we have planned for security at an event that was not approved in advance or officially sanctioned by the university,” Brown told reporters. “Nonetheless, it happened on our campus, and we take full responsibility for allowing a thorough investigation and implementing corrective actions.”

    In response to the tragedy, Tuskegee University canceled all classes on Monday (Nov. 11) and Tuesday (Nov. 12) to help ALEA with its investigation efforts. The university has also made grief counselors available to support students as they cope with the traumatic event.
    “Students should not hesitate to reach out for help through the Student Health Center if they choose to do so privately,” officials from the HBCU said.

    Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was arrested while leaving the scene of the campus shooting and was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, ALEA said, as reported by NPR. Myrick is facing a federal charge of possessing a machine gun, though ALEA has not indicated whether he used the weapon during the shooting or provided further details on the investigation. The agency also did not confirm whether Myrick was a student at Tuskegee University. ALEA has secured the campus and is now working in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement to continue the investigation.

    According to 12 WSFA, the victim of Sunday’s tragic homecoming shooting was identified as 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson from Troy, Alabama. Johnson, who was not a student at Tuskegee University, had been enjoying the festivities with friends before the chaos erupted. His close friend, Janyla Avery, who was also injured in the shooting but survived, told the news outlet in an interview published on Nov. 11, “All we wanted to do was have fun. And one thing about us is we never leave each other. We all come together, everybody’s going to leave together. I just don’t understand.”

    Johnson, who was described as a vibrant and outgoing young man by friends and family, was about to begin a new chapter in his life—he was set to start a job with the Alabama Department of Transportation the following week. Those who knew him remembered him as a “lively soul,” with his mother, Tamika, affectionately calling him a “mama’s boy.” However, she spoke with deep sorrow to the media, saying, “That was my baby.” His father, Larry, added while struggling to hold back tears, “He was a loving person. The life he had…”

    Tuskegee University announced during Monday’s press conference that its campus would be closed to the public, effective immediately. All visitors will now be required to wear and display visitor badges while on campus. Additionally, starting immediately, everyone—students, faculty, and staff—will need to present a university-issued ID to access campus. The university emphasized that IDs must be worn at all times while on the premises. For those without an ID, the Public Safety office, located across from the main gate, will provide them with one.

    Brown also announced that Tuskegee University had terminated its security chief and hired a new one, who will conduct a thorough review of the shooting incident.

    Expanding on the details of the shooting, Brown explained that the unapproved homecoming event took place after all officially sanctioned events for the university’s 100th homecoming had concluded. While the campus remained open following the approved festivities, Brown noted that for the official events, the university had hired over 70 additional law enforcement officers from Alabama and Georgia to assist with crowd control. Tickets for all approved events were sold in advance to minimize ticket lines, although the university acknowledged that security checks would still cause delays and advised visitors to expect some inconvenience.

    Brown stated that he has no intention of ending the university’s annual homecoming tradition, emphasizing its significance to both the university and its students. He highlighted the importance of the event to the HBCU community, reaffirming the university’s commitment to preserving the event’s rich legacy.

    “We connect this generation of students with alumni who walked the same paths,” Brown stressed. “We reunite our students with old friends. We participate in a football game. We create elaborate step shows with links that go back as far back as our ancestors in West Africa. We sponsor concerts featuring popular entertainers. We celebrate our journey and how the university helped us along the way, and yes, we invest financially in the university that transformed our lives and that we all love dearly. Nothing we do in any way is associated with violence,” the university official added

  • Palace bingo facility will host simulcast racing

    Racing Commission awards operating license for pari-mutual wagering and simulcast racing

    The Greene County Racing Commission has awarded a six year operating license to Five Star Investment Company, LLC to conduct parimutuel wagering with authorization to conduct Greyhound Simulcasting and Historical Horse Racing Gaming. According to the Racing commission, only one application was submitted. The license is awarded for six years at a fee of $10,000 per year.
    The licensee will contribute 4% of revenues to the Racing Commission towards its operations and to distribute to designated entities as previously prescribed by Alabama Legislative Action. These entities include Greene County Hospital Board, Greene County Board of Education, Greene County Commission, incorporated municipalities, law enforcement, ambulance service and maintenance, other designated community organizations and programs.
    The new licensee will conduct simulcasting gaming at the Palace Gaming facility in Knoxville. Reportedly, the Racing Commission’s offices will also be located at the Palace.
    The previous license for Pare-Mutuel Wagering, Greyhound Simulcasting and Historical Horse Racing Gaming had been held by Greenetrack, Inc. and operated at its gaming facility. According to Mr. Luther Winn, former Greenetrack, Inc. CEO and President, the 
Greenetrack facilities on Greene County Road 208 and all properties, once in Greenetrack’s name, have been confiscated by the State of Alabama. The Greenetrack Gaming facility, previously co-owned by Greenetrack stockholders and the Greene County government is currently co-owned by the State of Alabama and Greene County government.
    It should be noted that the electronic bingo gaming which the State of Alabama deemed illegal at Greenetrack and precipitated its closing is the same electronic bingo gaming currently operating at other facilities in Greene County.

  • Newswire : Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich broke the world record to win the Chicago Marathon on Sunday

    Ruth Chepngetich with Kenyan flag at end of race

    By: BBC Africa

    The 30-year-old clocked a time of two hours, nine minutes and 57 seconds to surpass Ethiopian Tigst Assefa’s previous record by nearly two minutes.

    Chepngetich is the first woman to run a marathon in under two hours and 10 minutes.
    Assefa set the previous record with victory at the 2023 Berlin Marathon in two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds.

    “I feel so great, I’m proud of myself. This is my dream that has come true,” said Chepngetich, the 2019 world marathon champion.

    “I’ve fought a lot thinking about the world record and I have fulfilled it.” Victory for Chepngetich is her third in Chicago, where she missed out on breaking compatriot Brigid Kosgei’s then-world record by 14 seconds in 2022.

    Four of the five fastest women’s marathon times have been run on the flat Chicago course over the last six years.

     

  • Newswire : Breaking barriers: Ovarian Cancer Study expanded to Africa

    Nurse working on cancer study

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers Dr. Sophia George and Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht are leading an ambitious study focused on ovarian cancer treatment for women of African descent. Their work, based at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, aims to address a critical gap in cancer research: the underrepresentation of Black women in clinical trials, specifically for the drug niraparib.

    George, a molecular geneticist, and Schlumbrecht, a gynecologic oncologist, have expanded their research beyond the U.S. and the Caribbean to Africa. In July, they launched the study in Nigeria, giving them access to data from a population often overlooked in cancer research. According to the University of Miami, their goal is to understand how women of African ancestry metabolize drugs like niraparib, a PARP inhibitor that has transformed treatment for certain ovarian cancer patients.

    While niraparib has proven effective, Black women made up only 1.6% of participants in the drug’s pivotal PRIMA study. George and Schlumbrecht’s new study is specifically designed to address this gap by enrolling women of African descent.
    “We know from other drugs that how women of African ancestry metabolize drugs can differ from those of European ancestry,” Dr. Schlumbrecht explained in a news release. “The data we gain will allow us to confirm appropriate dosing, counsel patients on side effects, lobby for government coverage, and ultimately expand access to this life-saving treatment.”

    The study’s significance has already drawn national attention. The White House highlighted it as part of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, which seeks to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50% over the next 25 years.

    “This recognition underscores the importance of our work,” said George. “We are increasing our ability to successfully identify and treat women of all backgrounds with ovarian cancer.”

    George and Schlumbrecht said they plan to enroll patients from the U.S., the Caribbean, and Nigeria over the next three years, tracking their progress through ancillary studies on tumor DNA biomarkers and patient quality of life. The researchers will also explore homologous recombination deficiency profiles to assess whether the drug works as expected at the molecular level.

    A key part of the study involves understanding the variability among Black women. “Not all Black women are the same,” Schlumbrecht noted. “By including participants from the U.S., Nigeria, and the Bahamas, we are gaining insights that will inform clinical practice globally.”

    Their work in Nigeria is rooted in a long-standing collaboration with Nigerian medical professionals. Schlumbrecht has made five trips to the country, mentoring local researchers, teaching surgical techniques, and co-leading tumor boards with Nigerian oncologists. These partnerships have been instrumental in establishing the study at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria.

    “The clinical trial is truly a team effort,” said Schlumbrecht. “This is an example of how we can eliminate ovarian cancer disparities when we work together across borders.”
    As the study progresses, the researchers said they hope to provide critical data on drug safety and effectiveness and advance global efforts to reduce health inequities and improve outcomes for women of African descent.
     

     

  • Newswire : Haiti – Blinken on visit announces US support for Kenyan Peace Keeping Force

    UN Peace Keeping Forces in Haiti

    By New York Carib News

     

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Haiti to demonstrate American backing for an international initiative aimed at reducing gang-related violence in the Caribbean country.
    On September 5, 2024, Blinken landed in Port-au-Prince, where he presented a fresh round of assistance to refugees and met with interim prime minister Garry Conille.

    Blinken informed reporters, “At this critical moment, we do need more funding, we do need more personnel to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission.” Since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July 2021, gangs have taken control of large areas of Haiti. Eighty percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital, is included in this estimate.
    Amidst its crisis of legitimacy, the Haitian government has found it difficult to retake power and preserve calm. The violence in Haiti has spread to ten departments, and the interim administration there widened the country’s state of emergency just one day before Blinken’s arrival.

    Before, the Ouest department—which includes Port-au-Prince—was the only territory covered by the state of emergency. However, a spokesman for Prime Minister Conille claimed that the enlarged emergency designation is a reflection of gang conflicts occurring in departments such as Artibonite, which is a sizable area that grows rice.

    The United Nations estimates that in 2024, the violence will have pushed a record 578,074 people from their homes, making it the world’s greatest internal displacement disaster due to crime. An estimated 2,500 people lost their lives or were injured in the ongoing conflict in only the first quarter of 2024.

    However, to support Haiti’s law enforcement, the Kenyan government dispatched 200 police personnel in June. Out of an anticipated 1,000 Kenyan policemen, a second wave of 200 came the next month. Nevertheless, Blinken cautioned that the Kenyan military might not be sufficient to stem the flow of gang-related violence on their own.

    He has publicly asked whether a UN peacekeeping force is necessary, as have other US officials. However, it is a contentious idea in Haiti, where on their most recent deployment, UN forces caused a fatal cholera outbreak.

    Between 2010 and 2019, the illness claimed the lives of around 10,000 individuals.
    Many in the country view international troops with caution due to the lengthy history of foreign intervention. The priority, according to Blinken during his visit, was to make sure the international community was ready to help the Kenyan soldiers going forward, who had arrived as part of a mission known as the Multinational Security Help Mission.

    Last October, the operation was authorized for a one-year duration. The UN should get together again and decide on an extension, according to Blinken. “The mission itself needs to be renewed,” he noted. “That’s what we’re working on right now. But we also want something that’s reliable, that’s sustainable, and we’ll look at every option to do that. A UN peacekeeping mission is one option.”

    The US has provided the most financial assistance for the project, with a $360 million pledge from President Joe Biden’s administration.

    Recent news of an extra $45 million in humanitarian relief for Haiti was released.
    During his visit, Blinken again emphasized the need to have a stable, democratically elected administration. He urged Haitian authorities to organize fresh general elections for the next year. “That is the critical next step,” he noted. “We want to make sure Haiti is back on a clear democratic track.”
    Previous to the killing of President Moise, Haiti had not had federal elections. Its most recent democratically elected authorities reached the end of their terms in January 2023, and there was nobody to take their place.

    At that moment, the late Moise nominated former prime minister Ariel Henry to lead the cabinet soon before his passing. However, because Henry was an unelected official and hence not very popular, local gangs took advantage of this mistrust of the government to further their own agendas and become more powerful.

    In the end, Henry resigned in April, which made way for the formation of a transitional council entrusted with restoring democratic standards. “Much remains to be done, and we’re determined to continue,” Blinken noted. “It’s starting to move.”