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The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is celebrating its 23rd annual nine-day event, starting Friday with appearances from numerous Black Hollywood stars and influential figures. Founded by Stephanie and Floyd Rance, the festival has evolved from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives find connection, support, and a platform for their stories. This year's festival centers on the theme of joy and features a dynamic slate of screenings, panels, and conversations with stars like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, and Michelle Obama. The event continues to serve as a cultural reunion and safe haven where Black filmmakers, actors, and tastemakers can celebrate authentic stories that might be overlooked in mainstream spaces.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has released a 16-page issue brief warning that federal industrial policy investments meant to benefit Black communities are being threatened by the Trump administration's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion provisions and slowed funding disbursement. Authored by Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, the report examines how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act represented historic opportunities to increase Black access to quality jobs in growing industries like manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. Despite these laws including intentional equity components such as labor protections and apprenticeship incentives, many of these components are now being rolled back or underfunded, potentially limiting economic mobility for Black workers and communities. The report highlights that many Black-led organizations remain under-informed and under-resourced to access these opportunities, despite the programs already reaching 99% of high-poverty counties.

Iñaki Williams has become the first Black captain for Athletic Bilbao, a significant milestone given the club's historical Basque-only policy and Spain's current political climate. The 31-year-old, born in Bilbao to Ghanaian immigrant parents, views his captaincy as meaningful representation for immigrants in the Basque Country and Spain. Williams, who has faced racist abuse alongside his brother Nico, emphasized the importance of speaking out against far-right rhetoric while overcoming barriers. Athletic Bilbao will compete in the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15 after finishing fourth in last season's Spanish league.

The small West African country of Benin has implemented a new law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, with U.S. singer Ciara becoming one of the first public figures to receive citizenship under this initiative. Benin's efforts represent an acknowledgment of the country's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and aim to heal historical wounds while promoting tourism centered on slavery-related memorial sites. The citizenship program is open to anyone over 18 who can prove their ancestors were deported during the slave trade, with applications processed through the recently launched "My Afro Origins" digital platform. Benin has a significant history in the slave trade, with European merchants having deported an estimated 1.5 million enslaved people from the Bight of Benin to the Americas.

Former President Barack Obama has urged Americans to actively participate in preserving democracy, emphasizing that citizens hold more power than presidents in a democracy. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her approach to dissenting opinions and expressed concern about American democracy during the Global Black Economic Forum. Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams outlined ten tactics used in autocracies during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, encouraging resistance through truth-telling and community action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly refuted reports that federal officials threatened to arrest her while conducting aggressive immigration enforcement operations in MacArthur Park.

Beyoncé's 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter has become a standout performer on the Cowboy Carter tour, drawing fans specifically to see her evolving stage presence. The young performer has progressed significantly since her debut during the 2023 Renaissance tour, now appearing in nearly every song and demonstrating professional-level skills alongside her mother. Behind-the-scenes insights revealed that Beyoncé was initially hesitant about her daughter performing but agreed after Blue proved her commitment through practice. The mother-daughter dynamic has resonated strongly with fans, particularly other mother-daughter pairs who attend concerts together and see Blue as an inspirational figure for the younger generation.

The article warns that the early release of FBI files on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appears to be part of a coordinated effort to discredit his legacy and potentially dismantle MLK Day. The author connects this to a broader pattern of reactionary moves including voter suppression, book bans, and attacks on civil rights. Several examples are cited as evidence of this trend, including the renaming of Fort Gregg-Adams back to Fort Lee, the removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress, and far-right figures like Charlie Kirk publicly criticizing Dr. King and the Civil Rights Act. The commentary, published in The Afro, frames these actions as attempts to control the future by rewriting American history.

Dr. John E. Warren, the new Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Board of Directors, welcomes readers to Black Press "Local Newsrooms" with their 198-year history of service. He emphasizes that Black newspapers remain trusted messengers in communities of color while embracing digital media alongside traditional print formats. Warren highlights the economic power of these communities, which contribute over $4 trillion annually to the American economy, and encourages readers to support publications that reinvest in their communities. He calls for corporate America to fairly exchange advertising dollars with Black media outlets that serve communities with significant market spending power.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Washington D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding regions in Maryland and Virginia from Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning. Forecasters warn that a dangerous system of storms will bring torrential downpours capable of producing 1-2 inches of rain within 30 minutes, with some areas potentially receiving 4-6 inches total. The combination of extreme humidity, an incoming cold front, and an upper-level trough will create conditions for slow-moving thunderstorms that pose significant flash flooding risks, particularly during the evening commute. Officials are emphasizing the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" safety message while warning of possible road closures and travel disruptions throughout the affected areas.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly, making it the third G7 nation after the UK and France to make such an announcement recently. The recognition is contingent upon democratic reforms, including the Palestinian Authority holding elections next year without Hamas participation. Carney cited the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, and the October 7, 2023 attacks as reasons for this significant shift in foreign policy. Israel's foreign ministry criticized the decision as rewarding Hamas, while former US President Trump suggested it could negatively impact US-Canada trade relations.

Former NFL star and popular podcaster Shannon Sharpe has been dropped by ESPN following the settlement of a rape lawsuit against him. The lawsuit, filed by a woman alleging assault during their nearly two-year relationship, sought over $50 million in damages but was recently dismissed after both parties reached a settlement with undisclosed terms. Sharpe, who denied the allegations and called them a "shakedown," confirmed on his podcast that he would not be returning to ESPN after learning of the network's decision earlier in the week. The 57-year-old Hall of Famer had not appeared on ESPN since the lawsuit was filed in Nevada in April.

President Donald Trump is implementing new tariffs on imports from several key trading partners effective August 1, 2024, as part of his broader international trade policy initiated since returning to office in January. He argues these tariffs will boost American manufacturing, protect jobs, and reduce the U.S. trade deficit, despite critics suggesting they have thrown the world economy into chaos. The tariffs vary by country, with the EU facing 15% tariffs, Canada 35%, Mexico 30%, and the UK negotiating the lowest rate at 10%, while ongoing negotiations with China could see rates exceed 100% after August 12. Major companies including Adidas, Nike, and Mattel have already announced price increases for U.S. consumers as a result of these import taxes, while international organizations have downgraded global economic growth predictions.

Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial race is heating up as term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp prepares to leave office. Republican contenders include Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr, while Democratic candidates include State Senator Jason Esteves, State Representative Derrick Jackson, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This election holds significant importance as Georgia has transformed into a battleground state, with recent elections showing narrow margins of victory between parties. The race will unfold amid heightened focus on state-level governance, particularly regarding contentious issues like Georgia's six-week abortion ban which has generated national attention through several high-profile cases.

The family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein who died by suicide in April, has publicly asked President Trump not to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her a "monster who deserves to rot in prison." Their statement challenges Trump's recent claim that Epstein "stole people that worked for me," including Giuffre who was employed at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort when she was allegedly targeted by Maxwell in 2000. The family expressed concern about Maxwell's recent meetings with federal prosecutors and questioned whether Trump was aware of Epstein and Maxwell's criminal actions when Giuffre was working at his property. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence and has offered to testify to Congress if granted immunity from future prosecution.

The U.S. has announced sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of authorizing arbitrary detentions and suppressing free expression while leading investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Brazil to 50%, though excluding some major exports like orange juice and certain aircraft parts. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the sanctions as "unacceptable" interference in Brazil's justice system and noted Brazil's significant trade deficit with the U.S. over recent decades. This escalation follows tensions over Brazil's regulation of social media platforms, including Trump's Truth Social and Elon Musk's X, and marks a deterioration in U.S.-Brazil relations under Trump's second term.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run for California governor, marking the first time in over 20 years she won't be a candidate for elected office. This decision follows her historic 107-day presidential campaign after becoming the Democratic nominee when President Biden withdrew from the race. Harris's statement indicated she's seeking new methods of public service beyond traditional political pathways, reflecting what many see as Black women's evolving relationship with American political institutions. While her future plans remain unspecified, Harris mentioned she will continue listening to Americans, helping elect Democrats, and will share more details about her plans in the coming months.

California's 2026 gubernatorial race features a crowded Democratic field vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Prominent candidates include Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Representative Katie Porter, and several other high-profile Democrats. The race comes amid heightened tensions between California and the Trump administration, with Trump frequently criticizing the state's Democratic leadership and threatening federal funding cuts. California's gubernatorial contest is one of 36 governorship races occurring in 2026, with the state maintaining its position as a Democratic stronghold where Republicans haven't held the governor's office since Arnold Schwarzenegger's term ended in 2011.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement on July 30 announcing her decision not to run for Governor of California after months of reflection. Harris expressed her commitment to public service and her history of working within the system as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President. While acknowledging her love for California, she indicated she will pursue public service outside of elected office, suggesting she plans to find new methods to advance her values rather than following traditional political paths. Harris stated she will focus on supporting Democratic candidates and engaging with Americans, with more details about her future plans to be shared in coming months.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026 after giving the decision "serious thought" and "deep reflection." Harris stated her leadership will not be in elected office for now, though she plans to remain politically active by helping elect Democrats and will share more about her future plans in the coming months. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run while creating space in a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary that already includes numerous high-profile candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter. Harris, who began her political career as San Francisco's district attorney and made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, has largely stayed out of politics since her 2024 presidential election loss, only occasionally commenting on issues like immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

of News Article On the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. for a 60-hour vigil called the Families First National Day of Action rally to oppose cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Rally participants shared personal stories about how Medicaid has been essential for their families' healthcare needs, particularly for disabled individuals. The Republican Congress, with support from the Trump administration, has passed a budget that cuts Medicaid by approximately $1 trillion over 10 years, potentially leaving 11.8 million Americans without health insurance according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to preserve Medicaid funding, arguing that these cuts would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations including those with disabilities.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a new motion seeking release from federal custody before his October 3 sentencing, following his conviction on Mann Act violations despite acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His attorneys argue that his nearly year-long detention represents an unprecedented application of a 114-year-old law originally intended to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution. They contend Combs is being unfairly punished for consensual sexual activities within a swinger lifestyle, not for coercion or profiteering. The legal team has offered a $50 million bond secured by Combs' Miami home, along with travel restrictions and electronic monitoring, while also citing the dangerous conditions at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as further justification for his release.

A new Prison Policy Initiative report titled "Hiding in Plain Sight: How Local Jails Obscure and Facilitate Mass Deportation Under Trump" reveals how local jails have become essential to implementing President Trump's mass deportation agenda, despite sanctuary policies. The report shows that when accounting for detainees in U.S. Marshals Service custody and in local jails for immigration-related offenses, the actual number of detained immigrants is approximately 83,400—45% higher than ICE's official figure of 57,200. According to the findings, nearly half of all ICE arrests in 2025 came from transfers out of local jails, many operating under U.S. Marshals contracts that override sanctuary laws. The Trump administration has bypassed sanctuary protections by prosecuting immigration violations as federal crimes, shifting people into jails with federal detention contracts.

City of Hope International Church recently hosted its annual "Pack the City with Hope Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair," serving over 100 students and families from the greater San Diego area. The event provided backpacks, school supplies, personal care items, dental kits, and other resources to help students start the school year confidently, with 50 students receiving new headphones and 75 girls receiving feminine hygiene kits. Associated Barber College offered free haircuts, while various partners including Visionary Dental, Super Dentists, Dr. Chan DDS, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, and church members contributed to the event's success. Remaining supplies will be donated to Lincoln High School and Porter Elementary School, extending the event's impact beyond the church grounds.

The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series is seeking submissions of poems and short prose pieces exploring African migration experiences for a new anthology. This multi-volume initiative aims to collect works examining the historical and contemporary patterns of African and African diasporic migration, including motivations like education, employment, climate change, and conflict. Submissions must be 40 lines or less for poetry or 100 words maximum for prose, with each contributor allowed to submit up to three pieces. The series was inspired by the Africa Migration Report's 2nd Edition and is organized by Forced Migration and The Arts in collaboration with CivicLeicester and Regularise.

The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (San Diego Alphas) attended the fraternity's 98th General Convention in Philadelphia where they received multiple recognitions. The chapter was honored as the second-highest fundraiser for March of Dimes, raising $13,896, and received recognition for traveling the farthest distance to attend. Additionally, Brother Don Long was inducted into the Western Region Hall of Fame, making the San Diego chapter the only one in Alpha's 119-year history to have two members receive this distinction. While maintaining their national presence, the San Diego Alphas continue their local focus with their upcoming Holiday Scholarship Ball to fund educational programming, having awarded $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2025.

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 60% of Americans use AI for information searches, with higher usage (74%) among adults under 30. The survey shows significant generational differences in AI adoption, with younger adults more likely to use AI for brainstorming and work tasks. While AI has become common for information searches, fewer Americans employ it for work tasks (40%), email writing, image creation, or shopping. The poll highlights both the current limitations of AI adoption and signals potential for increased future usage as younger generations continue embracing the technology across various aspects of life.

Hulk Hogan's recent death at age 71 has evoked deeply divided reactions among wrestling fans, especially in the Black community. While many celebrate Hogan's iconic status and undeniable influence in popularizing professional wrestling, others cannot separate his legacy from his documented racist comments, including slurs captured on recordings in 2007. Black wrestling enthusiasts like Kazeem Famuyide, who hosts "The Ringer Wrestling Show," express complex feelings about Hogan—acknowledging his childhood hero status while criticizing his apparent lack of genuine remorse for racist statements. The contradictory responses to Hogan's death reflect broader tensions about race within both wrestling culture and American society as a whole.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's bill (AB 62), which aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover lost property, received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. The bill establishes a process for reviewing claims of racially motivated property seizures through an agency's Office of Legal Affairs, which would then certify claimants' rights to original property, comparable assets, or monetary compensation. AB 62 follows in the spirit of SB 796, which facilitated the return of Bruce's Beach to descendants of the Black couple whose property was seized in 1924. Now headed to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations, the bill is part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair" legislative package seeking justice for marginalized communities.