Greene County Democrat

Category: School

  • School Board selects Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent

    The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 and selected Mr. Darryl Aikerson as interim superintendent, effective immediately in order to allow for a smooth transition with Dr. Corey Jones, whose last official day as superintendent is September 30, 2025.
    Following the preliminary opening, including removing the executive session item from the agenda, Mr. Aikerson was asked to give a presentation to the board, staff and community members present. He noted that he has served in multiple leadership positions in public education, including teacher, principal and superintendent. Specifically, he served for six years as superintendent of Tuscumbia City Schools (2015-2021). Prior to that, he served as Director of Federal Programs for the Bessemer City Schools for 21 years.
    More recently, Aikerson served three months in 2024 as interim superintendent for the Selma City School System. According to Aikerson, Selma City Schools were having financial challenges once the ESSER Funds were depleted. “Much of these funds had been applied to high salaries, which the system could not continue,” he said. He also stated that he left the Selma City Schools in a good condition.
    Responding to board inquiries on his style of administrative leadership, Aikerson noted the following: Leadership starts with building relationships; that always comes first; that’s more important. I will communicate regularly with individual board members, meet principals and administrators, connect with parents including attending PTA meetings, athletic and other school events.”
    In closing, Aikerson said, “ I am available to contract with the board as a consultant to help with the seamless transition with the new superintendent.”
    Following questions from the community members, Board Vice President, Veronica Richardson, moved to accept Mr. Aikerson as interim superintendent. Ms. Carrie Dancy seconded. There was unanimous approval. A second motion, authorizing the Board President Leo Branch and Vice President Richardson, along with Board Attorney Hank Sanders, to work out the details with Mr. Aikerson, was made by board member Brandon Merriweather, seconded by board member Veronica Richardson. The board gave unanimous approval. President Branch stated that the timeline of the arrangements with Mr. Aikerson will be worked out in the negotiations.
    The meeting was adjourned.


    School board calls meeting to transfer investments and update bank signatures

    The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting on Thursday, September  25, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in the Central Office Auditorium with a focus on administrative issues.  Board member present included Robert Davis, Veronica Richardson, Brandon Merriweather and Board President Leo Branch. Carrie Dancy was absent.  Administrative items  included: – Closure of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Synovus as of September 23, 2025.
    Opening of Certificate of Deposit (CD) at the 13 month term rate with Merchants and Farmers Bank in Eutaw and necessary signature updates; out of state travel of GCHS football team and coaches to attend Atlanta Falcon game on November 16, 2025. Richardson made a motion to approve the items as a blanket; Davis seconded, and there was unanimous approval.  The meeting was adjourned.  

  • Lorenzo French wins runoff to be Eutaw District 4 Council member

    Lorenzo French with 103 votes defeated (60.5%) Sarah Duncan Brewer with 67 votes (39.4%) in the runoff election, yesterday for District 4 on the Eutaw City Council.
    The total number of votes cast were 170 in the runoff to 167 in the election on August 26, which included incumbent Larrie Coleman, who finished third.
    This completes the 2025 Eutaw Municipal elections, with Corey Cockrell elected as Mayor. Council members: Valerie Watkins, District 1, Jonathan Woodruff, District 2 and Tracey Hunter, District 3, were re-elected to another term. Lorenzo French, District 4 and Carrie Logan, District 5, are new members elected to the Council for an initial term of four years.
    The Eutaw City Council will meet on Tuesday, September 30 at Noon at City Hall to certify the results of the runoff election.
    The Mayor and Council members take office as of November 1, 2025, and will plan for their installation and their first meeting as a newly elected Eutaw City Council.
    Lorenzo French, contacted after his victory said, “ I thank the voters of District 4 for coming back out a second time to vote in the runoff. I am thankful for the confidence the voters have in me.
    “I plan to take a broad perspective of my duties to represent District 4 but also the larger entire community of Eutaw. I will be vigilant and aggressive in my leadership to insure progress for the residents of my district and the city as a whole. I look forward to working with the new mayor and councilmembers to move our city forward with unity and hard work on solving problems facing us.”

  • School Board holds FY 2026 Budgetary Hearings

    School Board President authorized to consult State Superintendent Mackey to secure interim superintendent for Greene County

    The Greene County School Board held its monthly meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 4:30 pm, following the board’s second public Budget Hearing, FY 2026. Board members present were President Leo Branch, Vice President Veronica Richardson, Board Members Carrie Dancy and Robert Davis. The minutes of the August 18 regular meeting and the August 27, emergency called meeting were approved.
    When the board returned from executive session, President Branch noted that Dr. Jones’ resignation is effective September 30, 2025 and asked for a motion regarding securing an interim superintendent for the school system. Ms. Carrie Dancy moved that the board authorize President Branch to interact with State Superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey regarding appointment of an interim superintendent. Mr. Robert Davis gave the second. The motion passes on a vote of 3-1, with Ms. Veronica Richardson voting no. The board did not discuss plans for a new superintendent search. In previous instances, the Greene County School Board has engaged the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) to assist in that process.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones.
    * Additional Service Contracts 2025 – 2026 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Asst. Football Coach – Zaddrick Smith; Offensive Coordinator – Devin Woods.
    * Update to additional services salary matrix.
    * Employment of Ms. Dorothy Powell as substitute cook.
    * Permission to pay the following for any approved College and Career Readiness (CCR) activities for school year 2025 – 2026: Hourly rate of $30.00 per hour for after school activities/events and $250 per day for all day college and industry tours: Pamela McGee; Victoria Moore; Tweila Morris; Lorissa Holder.
    * Employment of the following Teacher Mentors for the 2025 – 2026 school year: LaShaun Henley; Danielle Williams; Sarah Crawford; Annie Howard; Carleene Garnett; Kathryne Soule; Lorissa Holder.
    Social Studies Textbook Adoption Committee 2025 – 2026: Rebecca Coleman – Textbook Coordinator District Office; Barbara Martin – Curriculum Coordinator District Office; LaShaun Henley – Teacher-3rd Grade EPS; Sarah Crawford – Teacher-2nd Grade EPS; Annie Howard – Teacher-4th Grade RBMS; Demetris Lyles – Teacher-6th Grade RBMS; Eulas Kirtdoll Teacher – 7th & 8th Grade RBMS; Clifford Reynolds – Teacher GCHS; Patricia Maiden – Teacher GCHS; Akira Spencer – Parent EPS; Kadijah Hunter – Parent RBMS; Veronica Jones – Parent GCHS.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Out of state travel for Dr. Charlayne Jordan to attend the International Association for Truancy & Dropout Prevention Annual Conference Oct. 19-22, 2025, in Memphis, TN.
    * Out of state travel for the following to attend VISION Conference in Nashville, TN on December 9-12, 2025: LaMonica Little; Lorissa Holder; Shamyra Jones; Tamika Thompson. 
    * Out of state travel for 11th & 12th grade students and chaperons to attend Jackson State High School Day on November 15, 2025, in Jackson, MS.
    * Quote from Play & Park Structures for outdoor seating at each school site in the amount of $35,859.43.
    * Quote from RTI for the purchase of Chromebooks for Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,240 (Quote# tb 138302 v1), effective September 1, 2025.
    * Quote from RTI for the purchase of Chromebooks for Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,240 (Quote# tb 136625 v1), effective August 1, 2025.
    * Proposal from Criterion Consulting LLC for Administrator Evaluation Support Services for the 2025 – 2026 school year.
    * Permission for Sarah Foster owner/operator of BC Transport Services to transport individuals during sporting events.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    CSFO, Marquita Lennon presented the following snapshot as of August 31, 2025. Operating reserves totaled 7.50 months for combined general fund and 7.40 months for cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. General fund bank balance totaled $8,98,873.92. This reconciles to the summary cash report. Accounts payable check register totaled $947,357.49; payroll register totaled $955,620.51, with a combined ending fund balance of $8,216,111.40.
    Local Revenue reported as follows: Property taxes – $23,249.38; Sales taxes – $130,283.50; Other taxes – $9,849.11. Greene County Racing Commission distributed $210,000 for quarters 1 and 2 of 2025. Total local revenue – $373,381.99.

    Budget Hearing FY 2026

    The Greene County School System held the required public Budget Hearings for FY 2026 on September 10 and 12, 2025 in the Central Office. CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the budget report with projected revenues of $16,356,448.43 and total expenditures at $16, 882,284.32 and an ending general fund balance of $6,217,564.19.
    Ms. Lennon provided the following budgetary highlights:
    * Capital Funding increased by $6,234.
    * Mill local match decreased by $180,000.
    Insurance increased from $9,600 per year per employee in FY 2025 to $10,848 per employee per year in FY 2026.
    Transportation funding increased by $158,712.
    Student enrollment for FY 2026 is 831.5; in FY 2025 student enrollment was 855.7.`
    For FY 2026 State Foundation Program supports 59.14 Units; in 2025 the Foundation Program supported 61.90 Units. In FY 2025, the school system had 145.05 employees; in Fy 2026, the system has150.53 employees. For FY 2026, the State Foundation Program is providing $7,399,474; the local match is $1,571,466. Total for State Foundation Program – $5,884,054.
    The RAiSE ACT funding for FY 2026 totals $174,568, which will contribute support for the At-Risk Coordinator; Gifted Program; English as a Second Language; and Special Education funding.
    Additional State funding of $616,241 in FY 2026 will contribute to Alabama Reading Initiative; OSR Pre-School; State Special Education Preschool; Math Coaches; JAG; Career Coach. Major local funding for FY 2026 totals $2,675,000.
    Federal Funding, FY 2026, totals $1,856,274 with Title I supporting, at Eutaw Primary School, 1 teacher, 50% counselor; overage for Math coach and ARI Specialist; at Robert Brown Middle School – 3 teachers, 1 aide and overage of the Math Coach; at Greene County High – 1.25 teachers and 50% for Assistant Principal.
    Title II supports 1 teacher at RBMS; Title IV supports band materials, supplies & Equipment, Safety Coordinator training; Title V supports Peer Helpers, Parent Teacher Leadership Academy and truancy and safety. Federal funds also supports Career Tech.
    For more particulars on FY 2026 State Funds, Federal Funds and Local Funds and the budgetary allocations for these, contact Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO for the Greene County School System.

     

     

     

  • Eutaw City Council holds regular meeting on September 9th

    The Eutaw City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Mayor Pro Temp, Tracey Hunter, presided in the absence of Mayor Latasha Johnson. All other councilmembers were present for the first meeting since the May 2nd certification of election results.
    Corey Cockrell was elected Mayor of Eutaw in the August 26th municipal elections defeating incumbent Mayor Johnson by 526 to 417 votes. Council members for Districts 1, 2 and 3 – Valerie Watkins, Jonathan Woodruff and Tracie Hunter, were re-elected. Carrie Logan was elected to the District 5 council position. The newly elected Mayor and City Council will take office on November 1, 2025.
    There is a run-off election in District 4 on next Tuesday, September 23, 2025, between Lorenzo French and Sarah Duncan Brewer. The polling place for District 4 is the Presbyterian Church, which will be open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, for all eligible voters in District 4.
    In new business, the Eutaw City Council:
    • Approve Resolution No. 2025-12 appointing Johnnie M. Knott as Acting Absentee Manager, for the dates of September 16 for and 17, 2025, with a compensation of $125 a day.
    • Approved registration, travel, lodging and per diem for Councilmembers Valerie Watkins and Tracey Hunter to attend the Alabama Association of Regional Councils in Point Clear, Alabama on October 26-29, 2025. R
    • Approved registration and meals for Officer Tyler Johnson to attend Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Training in Northport, Alabama on September 9-15,2025.
    • Approved Restaurant Liquor License for Bayou Blue Cajun Bristo, LLC which was previously operated by the Cajun Café Restaurant,
    • Approved payment of bills.
    • Agreed to cancel the next regular meeting on September 23, due to the Run-off election and to schedule a meeting at Noon on September 30, 2025, to certify the results of the run-off election.

    Councilwoman Valerie Watkins reported standing water on Brown and Roebuck streets and in the 200 block of Chambers Court, this water may indicate a water leak for the city employees to repair.
    Joe Powell, Assistant Clerk, gave all the council members and newly elected members, an information sheet from the Alabama League of Municipalities about require training for municipal officials. Under Alabama Law 2024-194, all city officials are required to complete 10 hours of training annually for a total of 40 hours in their first term in office, starting January 1, 2025. Officials must complete a core curriculum of 20 hours comprised of twenty specific trainings from an approved list.

  • Newswire : African Union joins Group of 20

    By Blackmansstreet Today

     

    African Union joined the Group of 20, also known as the G20, which could have major implications for Africa’s role in global geopolitics.

    As the continent faces various challenges, ranging from climate change to political instability and economic inequality, experts disagree on how big an impact G20 membership will have as the AU joins 20 of the world’s largest economies.

    Seven African countries have experienced military-led coups since 2020, most recently Gabon and Niger, raising questions about political stability, the lack of which makes it harder to address pressing issues like terrorism and food shortages in many countries.

    Permanent G20 membership signals the rise of a continent whose young population of 1.3 billion is set to double by 2050 and make up a quarter of the planet’s people.

     

  • Newswire : Warning: HBCUs under credible threats

    Clark Atlanta University

    By April Ryan, NNPA Corespondent

     


    Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities are on lockdown and or canceling classes due to what are called “credible threats.”
    Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Southern University A and M College, Bethune Cookman, Alabama State, Virginia State, and Hampton University are taking precautionary actions amid threats. Clarke University in Atlanta currently has a “shelter in place” order.  These threats came a day after the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
    Reverand William Barber of Repairer of the Breach, in a written statement, says, “We are facing a dangerous moment in our nation—violence should not be justified when we disagree with someone’s politics, nor should it be justified to use lethal force and military power to repress vulnerable communities.” Regarding the threat against the HBCU campuses, the schools listed in this article decided to lock down and cancel classes after receiving threats.
    North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams, Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan, Bicameral HBCU Caucus, expressed, “I am distressed to learn that colleges and universities across the country are being forced into lockdown due to credible threats of violence against their campuses. I am actively monitoring these situations and am praying for the safety of everyone.”
    Reverend Al Sharpton of the National Action Network says his organization is also monitoring the recent threats against these HBCUs, emphasizing, “We have seen too much violence on our campuses, whether it was the brazen murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday or the threats against these HBCUs today.”  The civil rights leader stressed, “Colleges and Universities should be a place of free expression and debate in a way that’s respectful, engaging, and productive.” He emphasized that “what we have seen in the last two days is anything but that.”

    In 2022, the FBI offered HBCU’s security training after a series of large-scale bomb threats against HBCUs during Black History Month that year.

  • Newswire : Remembering the Four Little Girls

    Four Spirits Sculpture in Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, across the street from 16th. Baptist Church, the two boys killed on the same day, were added later.

    By April Ryan, NNPA White House Correspondent

     

    It is 62 years later after the death of the four little girls in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, just weeks after the August 28, 1963, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
    Democratic, Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell said this anniversary reminds us to reflect on issues our forefathers fought for during the most powerful movement in this nation: civil rights, voting rights, and civil liberties. Twelve years ago, the four little girls received the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously: Addie Mae Collins, Dennis McNair, Cynthia Wesley, and Carol Robertson.

    Shavon Arline-Bradley of the National Council of Negro Women says we are commemorating one of the most gruesome acts of violence in our country’s history, where 4 Black Girls from Birmingham, AL lost their lives at the hands of White Supremacists.” Dr. Amos Brown, pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, says of the heinous, deadly bombing that there was “no respect for our humanity,” feeling the crime emphasizes “they don’t see us as being human.”

    Bradley also articulated,” Their sacrifice sparked the nation to come to grips with the harsh realities of what it meant to be Black in America.” The children were in church during the Sunday School hour when, “These innocent young girls sought to learn more about their faith and how to love thy neighbor as themselves,” when the deadly explosion occurred, adds Arline Bradley.

    She also said, “Today, as we celebrate their contribution to the freedoms we enjoy today, let us be reminded that we shall overcome and victory belongs to those of us that fight for liberty and justice for all.” Meanwhile, there is a fifth survivor, Sara Collins Rudolph,  Addie Mae’s sister, who lost her eyes and carries scars from the bombing.

    Two young boys Virgil Ware and Johnny Robinson were also killed the same day in other parts of Birmingham and history has chosen to recognize them as part of the ‘hidden history’ of civil rights in the city.

     

  • Groundbreaking held for Sports Complex at GCHS Greene County Racing Commission distributes $210,003 to school system

    Alabama Rep. Curtis Travis joins school board members, superintendent and GCHS staff at initial groundbreaking of Sports Complex Phase I. Public officials join school board members, superintendent and staff in ground breaking. GCHS scholars participate in groundbreaking ceremony

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting, Monday, August 18, 2025 with all board members present. Two measures of particular note brought before the board including a recap of the ground breaking at Greene County High School, Friday, August 15, 2025, for Track & Field Project (Phase I of the Sports Complex at Greene County High School). The expected cost of Phase I will be approximately $1.9 million. The State Department of Education is providing a portion of the cost.
    The second measure was the announcement by CSFO, Marquita Lennon, and a huge thank you to the Greene County Racing Commission for its disbursement of $210,003 to the school system for quarters 1 and 2. Lennon indicated that this revenue will be reported in next month’s financial packet.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
    Employment for the 2025 – 2026 school year: Eulas Kirtdoll –7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 2025; Erica Clayton – Paraprofessional – EPS, effective August 6, 2025; Dorethea Childs – Paraprofessional – RBMS, effective August 6, 2025; Khadijah Hunter – Long-term Substitute (SPED) – GCHS; Alicia McMillian – Custodian – 10 month.
    Recall: Cedric Murry – 7th/8th grade Business Application teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 202. Supplemental pay for Dr. Charlayne Jordan to serve as Truancy Officer for the district in the amount of $10,000. Supplemental pay for Rebecca Coleman to serve as Safety Coordinator for the district in the amount of $10,000.
    Stipends for Coordinators of the Peer Helpers/Peer Helpers Plus Program in the amount of $562 50 per person for the 2024-2025 school year: Marilynn Knott, EPS; Shirley Noland, EPS; Dr. Rosalyn Griffin, RBMS; Kathryn Soule, RBMS; Angela Harkness, GCHS; Drenda Morton, GCHS; Tamika Thompson, GCHS; Barbara H. Martin, District.
    Authorization of the following employees to work concessions and ticket booths for the 2025-2026 school year at the Greene County High School at a rate of $125 per game at the principal’s discretion: LaTanya Cockrell; Tracey Hunter; Sarah Brewer; Twelia Morris; Sharon Washington; Mary Henderson; Wanda Gaitor; Makane Morrow; Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Travel for Greene County High School band to tour Jacksonville State University band facility and attend the HBCU Labor Day Classic in Jackson, MS on August 31 – Sept 1, 2025.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Volleyball Officials Association for volleyball officials for the 2025 – 2026 school year at GCHS.
    * Bid submitted by Birmingham Restaurant Supply, Inc. for serving line counters at Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,880 (Lowest bidder).
    * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Laura Stoppelbein, LLC to provide diagnostic evaluations to assist in the identification of students suspected of having autism.
    * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Grand Canyon University to participate in the Participant’s in Learning Serving program.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    The CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of July 31, 2025. Operating reserves total 8.18 months; cash reserves totaled 8.17 months, with all bank accounts reconciled. The general fun d balance was reported as $8,593,363.61, recon cilia g to the summary cash report. Accounts payable totaled $207,847.55; payroll register totaled $888,619.87, with total grade pay to in crude employer match items. Local Revenue; property taxes – $17,411.39; sales taxes – $106,496.62; other taxes – $ 5,918.36. Total – $129,826.37.

    Read the entire E-edition below

  • Newswire : Rep. Jolanda Jones: ‘We’re not going anywhere’ as Texas Democrats fight racial gerrymandering

    Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones

    By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

     

    Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones said she isn’t budging—not until Republican lawmakers end what she calls a blatant effort to strip voting power from Black and Brown communities.
    “We’re all safe and we ain’t going nowhere,” Jones declared during an interview on the Let It Be Known news show, just hours after a bomb threat forced an evacuation of her hotel. “This is about racism. This is about taking Black folks back to before we had voting rights and before we had the Civil Rights Act.”

    Jones, a Democrat elected to the Texas House in 2022, blasted the GOP-led redistricting push as a targeted attack on communities of color. “Let me be clear,” she said. “The only way they get the five seats that Trump wants is if they go find Black people and Brown people where they are concentrated in Houston and Dallas and crack our communities and put us in districts with a whole bunch of white folks. It’s that simple.”

    She called the effort “racism 101” and rejected criticism that she’s playing the race card. “I grew up playing Spades. I’m from Texas. And guess what? I’m going to pull that card from the bottom of the deck, the top of the deck, the middle of the deck,” she said. “If I have to pull it from those French cut sections, I’m gonna pull a race card every single solitary time—as long as you’re a racist. If you don’t want me to pull a race card, then stop being racist.”
    Jones is part of a group of Texas Democrats who have once again broken quorum, denying the Republican majority the minimum number of lawmakers required to conduct legislative business. She said the GOP may have the votes, but without a quorum, they have no power. “There are 150 of us in the state House. It takes 76 votes to pass anything. There are 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. The key is they have to get 100 people there to conduct business, and they only have 88,” she explained. “So, they need 12 of us to show up. That’s not going to happen.”
    In response to Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to arrest the Democratic holdouts, Jones, a lawyer for more than 30 years, dismissed the possibility. “There is no warrant that goes outside of Texas. Most warrants in Texas only go 150 to 200 miles. Let somebody arrest me. I’m suing them,” she said. “Trump ain’t the only person who can sue people.” She said quorum-breaking isn’t a crime, but a tool the minority party has when it’s otherwise powerless. “They’re mad and they’re whining because they have the numbers to pass it if we get back—but we’re not coming back,” she said. “Y’all might have the numbers, but we got the power.”
    Jones spoke of the long history of resistance that informs her actions—from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the civil rights marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. “I’ve been Black all my life. It’s been a struggle all my life. But I can’t let this struggle stop me,” she said. “I Facetimed with my granddaughter last night. I miss her, but I’m doing this for her.” She called out the national consequences of unchecked gerrymandering, pointing to North Carolina, where GOP redistricting flipped three seats, giving Republicans a narrow House majority.
    “Congress is the only place that can stop the president. We can investigate him. We can impeach him,” she said. “And every day he’s alive, he’s doing something illegal.” Jones didn’t hold back on Trump, calling him “racist” and warning voters to believe what he says. “He told y’all what he was gonna do. When somebody tells you who they are, believe them,” she said. “Who thought he’d be deporting U.S. citizens? Who thought a backpack that used to be $15 now costs $50?”
    While focused on the quorum break, Jones confirmed she is running for Congress in Texas’s 18th District, a seat long held by Democrats. Her run was planned before the current standoff, she noted, and she’s continuing to serve her constituents remotely while fighting on the front lines of the redistricting battle. “They’re saying we abandoned our duties. Boy, bye,” she said. “My district office is working. I’m in constant communication with my staff. We didn’t abandon anything.” Jones credited her public education, legal background, and life experiences, including witnessing her father’s suicide and losing multiple family members to violence, as shaping her resilience and commitment to public service.
    “Any day above ground is a good day. God helped me see through the tragedy of my life. And I think God made my life really hard for this moment in time where I would not be sad,” Jones exclaimed. “If I can survive that, these people threatening to arrest me or calling me names—sticks and stones.”
    She urged the public to support the fight by donating to www.riggedredistricting.com and her campaign at www.jolandajones.com. “I’ll take anything—a dollar, five dollars. I’m the same wherever I go. I ain’t scared,” she said. Jones, the first openly LGBTQ Black member of the Texas Legislature, said she represents more than just a political district.

    “If I go to Congress, when Medicaid or Medicare ain’t working, or your private insurance isn’t working, it’s a problem,” she said. “We paid into it. How dare you, Donald Trump, take what we’ve paid into. You are literally stealing from our savings. This is no different than Enron.” As the fight drags on, Jones said she and her colleagues are prepared to stay away for as long as it takes. “We’ll take it day by day. It’s not the best situation, but we’ve overcome more as Black people,” she said. “And I’ve been Black all my life.”

     

  • Newswire : Black Church and Black Press unite to empower Black America

    Rev. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention and Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr, NNPA CEO

    Nashville, TN — July 25, 2025: In a historic announcement, a coalition of leading Black faith organizations and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) unveiled a strategic partnership and plan to confront systemic disparities impacting African American communities nationwide.

    Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Pre- siding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC); Dr. Samuel Tolbert, President of the National Baptist Convention of America; and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., veteran civil rights leader and President of the NNPA, are leading this collaboration between the Black church and Black Media.
    “There is strength in unity. There is power in our collective voice. There is hope in our actions,” said Dr. Boise Kimber.

    For generations, African American communities have endured deep-rooted inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. These challenges are not new. The coalition intends to put an end to fragmented responses and speak with one clear, concise and consolidated voice.
    The Black Church and Black Media, two institutions that have long anchored and uplifted Black America, are now coming together with renewed focus and purpose.
    This partnership is grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, cultural empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and progress.
    The coalition will focus on five core initiatives:

    Shaping a unified national narrative that challenges harmful stereotypes and amplifies stories of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation
    Mobilizing faith-based and media networks to address community disparities through solutions-focused advocacy and outreach
    Holding corporate America accountable by demanding responsible reinvestment in Black communities through sustainable partnerships, economic equity, and community-led development
    Empowering the next generation by reclaiming our narratives and creating new pathways for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship
    Holding elected officials accountable by spotlighting those whose policies do not align with the interests of the Black community. To earn our votes, they must heed our voices.

    “This is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic and spiritual alignment.” When the Black Church and Black Media speak as one, we can ignite a movement. When we organize as one, we can shift the narrative. When we act as one, we cannot be ignored or denied,” the coalition stated.
    The coalition invites all stakeholders, faith leaders, media professionals, community organizers, educators, business leaders, and concerned citizens to join this movement for unity, justice, and progress.


    Trump claimed that the country’s jobs reports “are being produced by a Biden appointee” and ordered his administration to terminate her.

    “We need accurate Jobs Numbers,” Trump wrote. “She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate; they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”

    He intensified his attack in a later post, writing: “In my opinion, today’s Jobs Nu