At its monthly meeting held Monday, July 15, 2024, the Greene County Board of Education completed its hiring of certified teachers for Robert Brown Middle School. The board approved Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones recommendations for the following personnel at RBMS: David Taylor, Jr. 7th/8th grade Social Studies Teacher; Talicia Williams, 6th grade Math TEAMS Teacher; Tavaris Lacy, 5th grade Teacher; Naomi Goodson Cyrus, 6th grade Teacher; Kathryn Soule, Media Specialist; Linda Davis as Cook. Dr. Jones noted in his report that the 7th/8th grade Science TEAMS teacher has also been hired at RBMS.
Dr. Jones reported that Eutaw Primary School had the second highest gains in the state for 3rd grade proficiency. The school’s score rose from 58% to 90%. Perry County was 1st, with gains from 53% to 90%. “ We certainly need to applaud our EPS personnel for their diligent work,” he said. The board also hired Katina Mickens as Special Ed Teacher at EPS and Loria Henderson as Cook..
Superintendent Jones complimented Greene County High School personnel for taking time to participate in myriad of professional training workshops throughout the summer. “ It is very good for our scholars and school system when staff continues to upgrade their skills,” he noted. The board hired Khadijah Hunter as Long-term sub (In-School Suspension) at GCHS.
Other personnel items approved by the board included the following:
* Resignations – Gloria McGhee, Pre-K teacher – EPS, effective July 15, 2024; Randell White, Maintenance Worker, effective July 19, 2024.
* Recall 2024/2025 – Sara Crawford, Second grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School.
* Retirement – Frederick Square, Alternative Learning Program Coordinator, effective July 1, 2024; Alonzo Noland, Custodian – Eutaw Primary School, effective July 1, 2024.
* Non-acceptance of employment from Kianga Austin, 6th grade Science teacher at RBMS.
* Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Robert Brown Middle School: (Separate Contract) Mr. Henry Miles Jr.- Head Football Coach; Ms. Daphne Richardson – Cheerleader Sponsor; Tavaris Lacy – Asst. Football Coach/Head Basketball Coach Girls;
* Incentive in the amount of $500 to be paid to CNP Director for completing the Team Nutrition Training Grant (funded by ALSDE);
* Stipend in the amount of $750 Marilyn Knott for serving as Building Test Coordinator for the summer administration of the ACAP Supplemental Reading Assessment
3-year Principal’s Contract for Mrs. Tammy Anderson – RBMS, effective July 1, 2024
The following administration items were approved by the board: The Superintendent recommends the Board approve the following administrative items:
* Job description for Special Education Instructional Assistant.
* Proposal from Albireo Energy to replace 18 cameras and update 65 licenses.
* Quote from Clear Winds Technologies (Device Repair Service, 3 years) $94,351.25.
* Quote from Nearpod (Learning License, 1 year) $20,402.50.
* Quote from Notable, Inc-Kami (Learning License, 3 years) $10,867.50.
* Quote from Classlink (Single Sign-on/Auto-rostering, 3 years) $12,548.40.
* Quote from Follett Destiny (Resource Manager, 3 years) $18,147.45.
* Quote from GoGuardian (Content Filtering, 3 years) $58,500.
* Quote from Howard Technology to purchase Chromebook carts in the amount of $19,780.
* Estimate from PowerSchool Enrollment (3 year estimate is included official quote will be available once the district is ready to proceed with the purchase.) $10,207.42..
Quote from RTI Technologies for chromebooks & cases to be purchased at a unit price of $317.
Quote from Curriculum Associates (I-Ready Software, 3 Years) $204,391.65.
* Quote from Newsela/Formative (instructional resource to connect and deliver skill building strategies for students, 3 Years) $10,450.
* Quote from Seesaw, Inc (provide standard-aligned lessons to engage students with differentiated activities, 3 Years) $19,000.
* Quote from Imagine Learning/Edgenuity (platform will be utilized at Greene County High School to assist with credit recovery courses that adapt to each student’s unique learning journey, 1 Year) $24,072.
* Proposal from Bailey Group (Teacher Effectiveness & Supporting Teacher Effectiveness 2024-2025) $114,000.
* Quote in the amount $500 from EPS Learning for SPIRE Refresher Training for RBMS – Fall 2024.
* Hourly rate increase in the amount of $25 for Ms. Denise Horton to serve as the behavioral aide for the summer learning program (June 2024) (previously approved May 20, 2024).
* Increase in adult lunch prices for FY 24-25 to the minimum allowed by ALSDE. The increase will be $0.30 per visiting adult for breakfast, $0.50 per visiting adult for lunch.
* Agreement of the Greene County Board of Education to be plaintiff in a proposed lawsuit in federal court to save bingo in Greene County.
* Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Greene County Ambulance Service to provide ambulance services during home football games for the 2024 – 2025 season.
* Quote in the amount of $8,200 from Little’s Trucking 1 LLC to cut down and clean the area at RBMS from the back of Career Center to the ticket booth.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
Request from Housing Authority of Greene County to use one bus to transport students for their end of summer field trip July 25, 2024 (to be paid by Housing Authority of Greene County).
CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon, presented the monthly financials as of June 30, 2024.
Under Points of Interest, the report included the operative Reserves as follows: 5.26 months general fund reserve; 3.63 months cash reserve, with all bank accounts reconciled. The Financial Snapshot was as follows: General Fund Bank Balance – $4,474,416.33 (reconciles to summary cash report);Accounts Payable check Register – $328,266.84; Payroll Register – $898,833.43 (total gross pay, to include employer match items; Combined Ending Fund Balance – $6,475,259.59. Local Revenue included the following: Property Taxes – $23,187.92; Sales Taxes – $96,967.85; Other Taxes – $2,231.99. Total – $122,387.76.
Category: Community
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Eutaw City Council meets July 9; declines to approve new expenses requested by Mayor
Eutaw celebrated two milestones on June 29th, 2024: Wilma Wedgeworth’s 40 years as custodian and Assistant Chief Smith’s retirement from EPD. We appreciate their dedication and hard work. Eutaw Police Department
In its first regular meeting for the month, on July 9th, the Eutaw City Council continued its efforts to control expenses by rejecting several requests for new expenses proposed by Mayor Latasha Johnson. Councilman Larrie Coleman was absent, all other members were present.
Under Old Business, the Eutaw Council voted to disapprove travel, registration and per diem expenses for Angelia Bonner and Barbara Collins to attend the AL E-911 Gulf Coast Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama from October 13-16, 2024. The Council did not feel the travel expense was justified based on the program agenda provided. The Mayor argued that the two employees needed to get the information and training because it relates to do their jobs effectively.
The Council also rejected approval of three contracts for persons employed by the city. One contract was for Sara Leavelle to serve as Utility Clerk at the Water Department. Ms. Leavelle had announced that she was leaving her city job for higher pay in a neighboring municipality but changed her mind and wanted to stay with the City of Eutaw. The Mayor offered her a contract at a higher salary because she decided to stay. The Mayor also had prepared contracts for City Attorney, Zane Willingham and Joshua Swords, City Judge, for approval by the Council.
Speaking for the Eutaw City Council, Councilwoman Tracie Hunter, said it was unfair to give an increase to one employee rather than evaluate all the employees for a raise at the start of the next fiscal year. Hunter said she felt all the city employees were doing a dedicated job, above and beyond the call of duty. Councilman Jonathan Woodruff said the contracts the Mayor proposed were for four years and would have bound the next elected Mayor and Council that may wish to employ others in these positions.
The City Council did approve payment to Harbin and Stough PC for $31,000 for the FY2023 Audit report. They approved $300 for a full-page ad in the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival program booklet. The Council also agreed to support “Fun Day” for youth at the R. H. Young Community Center. No specific request was submitted so the staff were asked to find out what was needed and the cost of sponsorship. The Council also voted to pay outstanding bills.
In the Public Comments section of the meeting, questions were asked about fixing the holes in the street at the City’s Lock 7 Park. The Mayor said she was still working on fixing the potholes and until that was done the park gates would be locked for safety reasons. Councilman Woodruff requested a time when the City Finance Committee could meet with Financial Adviser Ralph Liverman to work on the next fiscal year’s budget.
In response to a question from this reporter, the Mayor said that the Council had approved a plan to increase water and sewer rates as of October 1, 2024. The Council still plans to hold a public hearing on the rates, but the new rates were passed in an ordinance in the last meeting. The Council voted to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance with one reading, rather than two readings, that we reported in a prior newspaper.
This led to a question of when they were going to raise garbage rates which are billed on the same statement as water and sewer usage each month.
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Newswire : AOC files Impeachment Articles against Supreme Court Justices
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentNew York Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, renowned for her unyielding and fiery approach to governance, has taken unprecedented steps against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito by introducing articles of impeachment on Wednesday. This decisive action comes as accusations of corruption fly along with a deepening constitutional crisis.
Ocasio-Cortez arrived in Congress in 2019 with a flare, temperament, and youthful enthusiasm not seen in a long time. She also arrived as part of “The Squad,” and the 34-year-old firebrand, better known as AOC, has taken a no-holds-barred approach to governing, something rarely seen in Democrats. Now, she’s leading the charge against a heavily right-leaning and potentially corrupt U.S. Supreme Court.
“The unchecked corruption crisis on the Supreme Court has now spiraled into a Constitutional crisis threatening American democracy writ large,” Ocasio-Cortez declared in a press release. She condemned the justices for their “pattern of refusal to recuse” from cases involving their personal and financial interests and their “failure to disclose” millions of dollars in gifts spanning decades.
The impeachment resolutions are rooted in allegations that Thomas and Alito have repeatedly failed to disclose significant financial gifts and have refused to recuse themselves from cases with clear conflicts of interest. Thomas faces additional scrutiny for not recusing himself from cases involving his wife’s legal and financial interests. At the same time, Alito is accused of presiding over cases where he had a personal bias.
Ocasio-Cortez’s bold move follows a contentious 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that granted presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution, a decision that favored former President Trump amidst his multiple felony charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. “Today’s ruling represents an assault on American democracy. It is up to Congress to defend our nation from this authoritarian capture,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on social platform X.
Their affiliations with the “Stop the Steal” movement, which questioned the validity of the 2020 election, have made the allegations against Thomas and Alito worse. Thomas’s wife played a significant role in the movement, and Alito faced criticism for a flag associated with the movement flying over his home. Both justices have refused calls to recuse themselves from related cases, raising serious concerns about their impartiality.
In parallel with Ocasio-Cortez’s impeachment resolutions, Democratic lawmakers have proposed reforms to increase accountability within the Supreme Court. These include imposing term limits on justices, establishing an enforceable code of ethics, expanding the number of judges, and enhancing congressional oversight.
This week, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas for potential violations of ethics, false statements, and tax laws. They highlighted solid evidence of Thomas’s failure to disclose over $267,000 in forgiven debt for a luxury motorcoach and numerous other undisclosed gifts from billionaire benefactors.
The senators stressed the need for thorough investigation and accountability, noting that no government official should be above the law. “Presented with opportunities to resolve questions about his conduct, Justice Thomas has maintained a suspicious silence,” they wrote.
Ocasio-Cortez underscored the gravity of the situation, concluding, “The integrity of our democracy is at stake. We must act decisively to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no one is above it, not even Supreme Court Justices.”
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Newswire : Federal Judge dismisses entire classified documents case against Trump on technicality
Special Counsel Jack Smith
By Stacy M. Brown @StacyBrownMedia
In a bombshell decision, a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, ruling that the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional. Smith’s appointment, according to Judge Aileen M. Cannon, a fervent supporter of Trump who the former president himself appointed, violated the Constitution’s appointments clause because neither the president nor the Senate nominated or confirmed him.
Several legal experts and news reports immediately noted that Judge Cannon’s ruling defies decades of legal precedent, including decisions dating back to the Watergate era, that have upheld the legality of appointing independent prosecutors. The timing of the decision is particularly notable, coming on the first day of the Republican National Convention, where Trump is expected to be officially nominated as the party’s presidential candidate.
Smith’s team filed the case, which accused the already 34 times convicted felon Trump of illegally holding onto highly confidential state secrets after leaving office and thwarting repeated attempts by the government to retrieve them. Despite the dismissal, an appeal from Smith’s team is almost inevitable.
Judge Cannon’s dismissal was based on her interpretation that no federal statute governs the appointment of special counsels like Smith, a practice that has been in place for nearly 30 years. She argued that allowing special counsels to operate under the attorney general’s authority violates the Constitution’s separation of powers.
The ruling follows closely on the heels of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s recent concurrence in a landmark case granting Trump broad immunity from criminal prosecution. Justice Thomas, himself an ardent Trump supporter, raised questions about the constitutionality of Smith’s appointment, even though this issue was not considered in the case and had never been previously addressed.
Judge Cannon’s decision removes a significant legal obstacle for Trump as he campaigns for a return to the White House despite being found responsible for sexually assaulting a woman, committing massive business fraud in New York, and for inciting the deadly January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
“Smith will appeal,” Washington Informer and Let It Be Known Contributor Austin Cooper added. “The 11th Circuit will overturn [the decision,” and it will end up in the Supreme Court which means the case is officially dead.” -
Newswire : Trump chooses running mate who once called him ‘America’s Hitler’
By Hamil R. Harris
(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Former President Trump and his vice presidential running mate Sen. JD Vance are all smiles sitting together at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.
But some may call them the odd couple as Vance has not been his friend in his short political career. In a 2016 interview with Charlie Rose Vance identified himself as a ”Never Trump Guy,” while promoting his book “Hillbilly Elegy.” He also said of the then future President, “I never liked him.”
Vance, is former Marine who speaks his mind. He not only once said “I can’t stomach Trump;” but he wrote an op-ed column in the New York Times titled: “Mr. Trump Is Unfit For Our Nation’s Highest Office.”
Vance not only said he didn’t vote for Trump in 2016, but his former roommate shared images of a text message in which Vance called Trump “cynical” who could be “America’s Hitler.”
Yet, in Trump’s selection of the 39-year-old former Marine, the mood among Republicans and Trump supporters quickly shifted from concern about the assassination attempt to a spirit of joyful defiance.
Vance has said after getting to know Trump and observing his presidency, he simply changed his mind about him. He now praises the former President although he is more conservative on some issues than Trump himself.
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Trump met with Vance at his Florida home before he flew to Butler, Pa. for a campaign rally Saturday where he was shot by a 20-year-old man who was killed by law enforcement but not before the bullet that pierced Trump killed another man in the audience and injured a third person.
The FBI is investigating how Thomas Matthew Crooks, a dietary aide, known as a loner, could lie on a roof and graze Trump’s ear with a bullet that killed the firefighter, husband and father of two.
“There is no place in America for this type of violence in America, it’s sick, it’s sick,” said President Biden during a Sunday afternoon address from the White House. “This is one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot be like this.”
Biden called and spoke to Trump after the incident. Trump said he has changed his convention speech, apparently based on their agreement to lower the vitriol and promote unity and more civil political discussion.
Before Trump traveled to Milwaukee on Sunday, he posted a message on social media where he said, “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”
Trump said that he wanted to be in Milwaukee on the first day of the Republican National Convention because, “We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.”
The FBI and members of Congress are investigating circumstances around the assassination attempt while President Biden has kept in touch with Trump less than two weeks after their debate.
According to a statement released on Sunday, “The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
As Trump spoke at the Pennsylvania rally he had no idea that Crooks had climbed to the roof of a nearby building and waited to take a shot. After he fired Crooks was taken down by a sniper team.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online atfbi.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
While both campaigns were relatively quiet on Sunday, Trump arrived in Wisconsin with delegations from across the country for a four-day convention that is turning into a festive occasion.
According to a Brittanica.com citation, James Donald Bowman Vance was born in Middleton, Ohio. After his parents divorced he took his mother’s middle name, Vance. He wrote a best-selling memoir called “Hillbilly Elegy” where he wrote about growing up poor as the son of a drug addicted mother who was partially raised by his gun toting grandmother.
The citation continues, “After graduating from Middletown High School in 2003, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his service in the Marines, he was deployed to Iraq serve in the Iraq War. He later attended the Ohio State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy in 2009. He then studied at Yale Law School, earning a law degree in 2013. He worked for the multinational law firm Sidley Austin LLP and for investment firms in California and elsewhere.”
In an initial reaction to his contender’s choice as vice president, President Biden posted on X Monday, “Here’s the deal about J.D. Vance…He talks a big game about working people. But now, he and Trump want to raise taxes on middle-class families while pushing more tax cuts for the rich.” -
Newswire : Biden takes aim at high rents, unveils comprehensive housing strategy
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentAs he continues to battle the twice-impeached and 34-times-convicted felon and Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has not stopped working to improve the lives of the poor, disadvantaged, and disenfranchised. In his latest effort to level the playing field, Biden announced a series of actions to make renting more affordable for millions of Americans.
The President’s plan includes:
Legislative Push: Calling on Congress to pass a law forcing corporate landlords to cap rent increases at 5% or lose valuable federal tax breaks.
Public Land Repurposing: Utilizing public land to create up to 15,000 affordable housing units in Nevada.
Housing Rehabilitation: Revitalizing distressed housing and neighborhoods, particularly in Las Vegas, Nevada.Biden emphasized the urgent need for Congressional action to make the American Dream accessible to more families. His proposed Biden-Harris Housing Plan aims to build 2 million homes and provide $10,000 in mortgage relief, potentially unlocking homeownership for millions. Housing construction has already reached its highest level in over 50 years, with new housing starting up 17% compared to the previous administration.
Holding Corporate Landlords AccountableA significant element of Biden’s plan is cracking down on corporate landlords who have exploited housing shortages by imposing steep rent hikes. “Corporate landlords have raised rents far beyond their own cost increases, reaping huge profits while millions of Americans struggle to afford their homes,” Biden stated.
The President is urging Congress to pass legislation that gives corporate landlords a choice: cap rent increases at 5% or lose federal tax benefits. This policy would apply to landlords with over 50 units and is designed to stabilize rents while new housing is built.
Protecting Renters and Expanding Housing SupplyThe Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will introduce new protections for renters in multifamily properties financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These include a mandatory 30-day notice before rent increases, lease expirations, and a five-day grace period for late fees.
Repurposing Public Land for HousingThe administration is also repurposing federal land to build thousands of affordable homes. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will sell 20 acres of public land to Clark County, Nevada, at below-market rates, enabling the construction of nearly 150 affordable homes. Additionally, 562.5 acres in Southern Nevada have been identified for potential housing projects, which could create up to 15,000 new units.
The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) will lease land for workforce housing and repurpose surplus properties for housing developments.
Community RevitalizationHUD is announcing $325 million in Choice Neighborhoods grants to build new affordable homes, spur economic development, and revitalize communities nationwide. These grants will fund the construction of over 6,500 units and leverage $2.65 billion in additional investments. Cities such as Las Vegas, Syracuse, Chattanooga, and Miami are among the recipients.
Legislative Roadblocks and Republican OppositionDespite these initiatives, Republicans in Congress have blocked Biden’s housing agenda. Efforts to cut rental assistance and programs that lower mortgage costs have been stymied, and Senate Republicans are currently holding up a bipartisan bill to help build 200,000 affordable homes.
Biden remains committed to his housing goals, stressing the importance of Congressional support. Experts said the President’s ambitious plans likely would be repealed under a potential Trump administration where the conservative Project 2025 would make America devastatingly cruel to people with low incomes and disenfranchised, as well as the middle class and most African Americans, Latinos, LGBTQ, and other minorities.“We must stand up to corporate landlords and build more homes to lower rents,” Biden asserted.
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Atkins family launches Uncle Willie’s Original BBQ Sauce
Mr. Willie Atkins, a lifelong resident of Eutaw, Greene County Alabama, is known for his barbecued meats, prepared with his family’s original barbecue sauce recipe. According to Mr. Atkins, he learned the process from his Dad who, over the years, had folk coming from all parts of Alabama and from outside the state as well to get the Atkins’s pull pork sandwiches and pork rib slabs. He noted that his Dad started Atkins Barbecue about 70 years ago with a pit dug in the ground.
“We used to sponsor ball games on the grounds and that drew in so many people, all ages. They came to play or watch the games, but they also came for the barbecue. Seems like I could never have enough barbecue for the crowds,” Atkins said.
Mr. Atkins said that his family had been urging him for years to market the family’s sauce. “When I finally agreed to have our family recipe bottled as Uncle Willie’s Sauce, I had no idea it would take off so fast. Now everybody wants my barbecue sauce,” he stated. Uncle Willie’s Original BBQ Sauce can be purchased at the Piggly Wiggly grocery in Eutaw and in all the Piggly Wiggly stores in Tuscaloosa County. To order Uncle Willie’s BBQ SAUCE go to website: http://www.unclewilliesbbqsauce.com or call 205-315-9465.
The following statement appears on each bottle of Uncle Willie’s Original BBQ Sauce.
Since 1965, this award winning sauce has been simmering to perfection in Eutaw, Alabama. Uncle Willie’s Sauce has been the highlight of countless family get-togethers, tailgates and summertime cookouts for decades. This sauce is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of home.
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Newswire : Allyson Felix introduces nursery for athlete moms at Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
Allyson Felix
By Analisa Novak, CBS News
Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in history, understands the challenges athlete moms face. The retired sprinter and mother of two is advocating for Olympic moms, leveraging her experience to provide them with better support during the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Felix, who holds a record 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, has teamed up with Pampers to create the first-ever Pampers Nursery in the Athletes Village at the Paris Olympics. This nursery will offer a space for Olympic moms to bond with, nurse and play with their babies, helping to alleviate some of the pressures of competition.
“I just knew how difficult it was to compete at the top level after I had my daughter, and some practical things were really hard. And so when I joined the Athletes Commission of the IOC, I really wanted to be that voice for athlete moms, and just take away one less thing for them to worry about in the pressure of competition,” said Felix.
The Pampers Nursery will be located in the heart of the Athlete Village Plaza, where athletes live during the games. It will be a place where athletes can step away and have private time with their babies, Felix said.
“I think it really tells women that you can choose motherhood and also be at the top of your game and not have to miss a beat,” said Felix.
Felix will be attending the Paris Olympics, but in a new capacity. She says she feels a mix of emotions as she prepares for her first Olympics in two decades without competing. There’s a bit of loss and grief, Felix said, but also excitement for this new chapter.
“I’m bringing my whole family, and we will be able to take in the games and watch them with a lot less nerves. So I’m looking forward to that as well,” she said.
For first-time Olympians, Felix offered simple advice. “Embrace it. This is a moment that does not come around, it’s not guaranteed. You have so much pride to represent your country and just really to take it all in and give it your absolute best.”
Felix also shared her excitement about a $20 million grant from the Melinda French Gates Foundation to support Black maternal health. Upon learning about the grant, Felix said she was initially shocked and deeply humbled, especially after hearing that French Gates had been following her advocacy efforts.
“I’m so humbled to receive it, and I’m excited to put the money to good work,” said Felix. -
Newswire : Survey finds Black adults develop unique coping skills for racism
By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Black adults in the United States often develop distinctive coping skills by adulthood to handle the chronic stress of racism, according to a new survey by Duke University researchers. The study, as reported by Duke Today, suggests that these coping mechanisms are not typically found in their white counterparts, highlighting the unique resilience cultivated through lived experiences of racial discrimination.The study identifies that social support and religion are among the most common coping strategies employed by Black Americans. Social networks and religious communities offer emotional support and a sense of belonging, which buffer against the negative psychological impacts of racism.
Additional strategies include avoidance, substance use, positive reframing, and activism. Some respondents reported using avoidance techniques, such as disengaging from stressors or using substances like alcohol and tobacco, for temporary relief. Cognitive strategies like positive reframing—focusing on positive aspects in difficult situations—and working harder to overcome obstacles help maintain a sense of control and purpose. According to the study, activism and affirming one’s identity through positive self-statements were also significant strategies. “By educating others and advocating for social change, individuals reclaim a sense of agency and counteract feelings of helplessness,” the researchers wrote.
The study also reveals gender differences in coping strategies. Black women are more likely to engage in activism and use social support, whereas Black men often employ passive strategies like ignoring racism. They determined that physical activities are more effective for men, reflecting social and cultural influences on coping behaviors.
The findings have crucial implications for mental health practices, researchers assert. Mental health professionals are encouraged to recognize and validate these coping strategies, tailoring their support to enhance their effectiveness. “By fostering open discussions about these mechanisms, professionals can help Black individuals navigate racial stress more effectively,” the researchers determined.
However, the study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research. The study found that there remains a call for research exploring coping strategies across different ethnic groups and intersecting identities, such as LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. Further research is needed to understand the overall effectiveness of these strategies in reducing racial stress and improving well-being, the authors noted.
They concluded that the survey highlights the resilience of Black adults in the face of racism, underscoring the necessity of culturally informed mental health support. The findings also “emphasize the importance of recognizing diverse coping mechanisms and call for continued research to better support marginalized communities,” experts said.
An earlier study by the University of Georgia found that the negative effects of racial discrimination and the unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on race on Black Americans are well documented. Researchers said “experiences with racial discrimination are associated with negative mental (e.g., depression, anxiety, hopelessness, violent behavior) and physical (e.g., hypertension, thickening and calcification of the arteries, and heart rate variability) health outcomes.” These detrimental effects on health are found independent of socioeconomic status, age, and gender, the university reported.Moreover, over 60% of Black Americans endorse at least one experience of racial discrimination in their lifetime, and findings suggest that the links between experiences of racial discrimination and negative health outcomes are stronger for Black Americans than for any other group.
University of Georgia researchers added that while individuals of all racial-ethnic minority groups (i.e., Latinx, Indigenous peoples, etc.) are at risk of experiencing racial discrimination and racial trauma, Black Americans are especially at risk, as anti-Black racism is individual, systemic, and historical. Additionally, researchers noted that it is important to consider the compounding impact of belonging to multiple marginalized and oppressed groups, including (but not limited to) race, gender, and sexuality, and how these intersections interact and increase susceptibility to experiences of racial trauma.
Researchers noted that the toll of racial trauma and stress is not limited to psychological outcomes. The negative effects of racial trauma also affect physical health outcomes. The common lack of access to quality medical care for people of color as a result of institutional racism frequently makes these symptoms worse.
Further, the study found that there’s a “clear positive relationship between racial discrimination and poor psychological functioning.” Racial discrimination is also associated with low infant birth weight, lower self-esteem, self-worth, and adaptation. In a sample of African American college students at predominantly white institutions, experiences of racism and racial discrimination were associated with subsequent increases in sleep difficulties. Furthermore, greater levels of internalized racism (i.e., believing racist messages like Black Americans are “lazy” or “criminals”) are associated with a stronger relation to sleep difficulties.
Researchers added that racial discrimination experiences are associated with poorer mental health (i.e., more symptoms of depression and anxiety) as well as lower individual and collective self-esteem. “Being seen and heard is essential to healing,” University of Georgia researchers posited.